Geographic Info Systems Inventory Project for Electric Transmission and Distribution Has Commenced

Geographic Information Systems Inventory Project commences on St. John (Submitted photo)

The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA or Authority) notifies the public that the Geographic Information Systems Inventory Project for the Electric Transmission and Distribution Division has commenced. Geographic Information Systems, also known as GIS, will aid in disaster recovery, accelerate response time to system problems, asset tracking, load monitoring and system analysis, to name a few, across the territory. The GIS will also aid with responsiveness for trouble calls where locating customers or tracing potential faults may be challenging.

Technicians from Davey Resource Group, a subcontractor for the project and a national leader in gathering accurate field data for utilities, will be visiting all WAPA Transmission and Distribution assets including WAPA poles, meters and padmount equipment. Davey Resource Group crews will be starting on St. John this week, June 20-24. There will also be an additional visit in late July to collect data from each manhole. Once St. John is completed, technicians will proceed to St. Croix, followed by St. Thomas. All field data will be processed and configured via Symbiosa — a company that provides Professional Utility Data Management services.

Community members should note the Davey Resource Group technicians will be using video cameras and other devices during the field inventory, and can be identified by their WAPA Contractor ID badges, safety vests and a Letter of Authority (available upon request). Technicians will soon have WAPA decals with their vehicles. All residents, business owners and local authorities are requested to provide full cooperation during the inventory project.

Any questions concerning the project may be directed to Ambi Blyden, interim planning and design manager, at 774-3552 extension 2270 or Marquis McGregor, electrical engineer III, at extension 3033. More information on the GIS inventory process can also be found by visiting https://youtu.be/3aSNtMzMxyk.

The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority Communication’s Department is committed to reaching, informing and connecting with the youngest members of the community to the eldest through meaningful, transparent and effective communication.