Adverse Weather Challenges Enhance Commitment to Safely Restore Feeder 13

Efforts continue to safely repair the fault in the underground section of Feeder 13, impacting customers in the St. Thomas-St. John district, the V.I. Water and Power Authority announced Thursday.

Due to a severe weather forecast, including a flash flood warning and significant lightning activity, WAPA temporarily halted the restoration work late Wednesday afternoon to ensure the safety of personnel and contractors. The extreme weather conditions present heightened risks that prevent safe access and repair efforts in the underground infrastructure, according to the press release.

Unlike overhead power lines that can be seen on poles, underground feeders are hidden from view, making them less vulnerable to weather conditions and accidental damage. They deliver power safely and efficiently without cluttering the landscape with wires. Though underground infrastructure has many benefits, locating and accessing underground feeders for maintenance or repairs is often difficult and time-consuming. Additionally, these systems are more susceptible to flooding and degradation over time due to soil conditions, moisture, and temperature fluctuations, leading to complicated repairs, the press release stated.