U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS (August 28, 2026) – The Virgin Islands Water & Power Authority (“WAPA” or “the Authority”) Governing Board on Thursday approved several measures aimed at strengthening the territory’s electric system, advancing critical infrastructure projects and building the workforce needed to sustain the Authority for years to come.
Among the key actions was unanimous approval to move forward with the Feeder 9E Primary Underground Project on St. John, a nearly $20 million project that will replace vulnerable overhead infrastructure with underground electrical facilities. Feeder 9E is a critical circuit for St. John, and undergrounding will help harden the system against storms, reduce outages and shorten recovery times following major events. The project is expected to take 640 days following the Notice to Proceed.
The Board also approved continued support for the permanent LPG interconnection project, which will facilitate the movement of liquefied petroleum gas between the propane infrastructure and Randolph Harley Power Plant. The work includes technical and construction management support for the procurement and installation of new pumps and is intended to help WAPA manage project risks, control costs and maintain high technical standards through completion.
During his Executive Report, WAPA CEO and Executive Director Karl Knight highlighted tangible progress on several initiatives, particularly those focused on strengthening St. John’s power system. Standby generators are now being moved to the Randolph Harley Power Plant on St. Thomas as site preparation and permitting work continue on St. John, while transformers needed to bring the generators to the appropriate voltage are also en route.
“We keep our promises. Things are starting to move in this regard,” CEO Knight said, emphasizing WAPA’s commitment to restoring standby generation capability on St. John.
Knight also pointed to progress on the Cabrita Point distribution backup circuit, which will provide additional redundancy between St. Thomas and St. John. The St. John side was tied in last month, poles have been installed on the St. Thomas side and cable installation is expected to begin soon. Together with the Feeder 9E undergrounding project and the return of standby generation, the projects represent a significant step toward a more resilient St. John grid.
“By the time we have this conversation a year from now, the landscape of St. John would have changed dramatically. They will be able to withstand storms, and generate their own power, if necessary,” Knight said.
The CEO also celebrated progress in developing WAPA’s future workforce. As summer interns prepare to return to school, Knight praised the program and outlined the Authority’s expanding education and career pipeline, which includes scholarship programs for associate degrees, bachelor degrees, graduate degrees and a newly launched trade and crafts program. WAPA is preparing to make its first scholarship award for its graduate degree program.
“We are going to build the workforce we need for years to come,” Knight said, underscoring the Authority’s dedication to giving young people pathways into higher education, skilled trades and careers at WAPA.
The Board also elected Hubert Turnbull as the new Chairman, Xavier Acevedo as Vice Chair, and Kyle Fleming as Secretary, while welcoming Lynton Scotland as its newest member in attendance at his first WAPA board meeting. Scotland said he looks forward to contributing to the Board’s work and helping advance reliable power for the people of the Virgin Islands.
Other Board-approved actions included a three-year Microsoft Enterprise Agreement to support WAPA’s technology infrastructure and continued security services to maintain protection of the Authority’s critical facilities and employees.
Knight closed his report by reinforcing the priorities guiding WAPA’s work: take care of customers, take care of each other, and take care of the company. With major reliability projects moving forward, new resources arriving and investments being made in the next generation of WAPA employees, the Authority continues to build toward a stronger and more resilient utility for the Virgin Islands.
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