Read My Lips: 'WAPA Will Be Fixed By The End of My Term,' Bryan Declares Confidently
Governor Bryan promises reliable power, lower bills, and increased renewable energy solutions as key initiatives progress to address WAPA's longstanding challenges
2024-09-24 12:07:34 - VI News Staff
“I think by the end of my term in office, WAPA will be fixed.” That was the assurance coming from Governor Albert Bryan Jr. during Monday’s press briefing on St. John. “Fixed means that the power stays on. It’s constant. We have good renewables, you can rely on the bill that you’re reading, and your bill is cheaper than it is today,” he clarified. “By the time I leave office, that’s going to be a fact.”
Governor Bryan’s confidence comes from the progress currently being made on several initiatives tailored to address the Water and Power Authority’s operational and financial challenges. The much-touted Wärtsilä generators should be online by November, but before that, “we’re going to be turning on Petronella – that’s a 16 megawatt solar [installation],” he said. That is anticipated to come online next month. Before the end of the year, the other solar farms on St. Croix may also come online.