WAPA Showcases Progress on Energy Reliability and Resilience During HUD Secretary’s Visit

The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority welcomed U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Adrianna Todman to its St. Croix Business Office Thursday for a comprehensive review of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funded projects.

During her visit, WAPA provided updates on several vital initiatives designed to enhance the reliability and resilience of the territory’s utility infrastructure. Key projects discussed included the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at the Richmond Power Plant, tank stabilization efforts, and the development of renewable energy sources. Todman emphasized the importance of federal partnerships in addressing infrastructure challenges and supporting disaster recovery, according to the press release.

WAPA has achieved considerable progress in improving energy reliability and affordability, particularly through acquiring the Vitol propane terminal via the CDBG-Mitigation program. This acquisition enables WAPA to gain better control over its propane supply, reduce dependence on external operators, and ensure long-term fuel cost stability and reliability by 2025, the press release stated.