The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority governing board on Thursday directed its executive team to accelerate efforts to stabilize power on St. John, challenging Executive Director Karl Knight to improve on a proposed generator plan and return within a week with stronger options.
Knight presented an initial approach centered on a mix of new and lightly used standby generators to speed deployment, but board members pressed for a more competitive solution that better balances speed, reliability, and cost.
The directive builds on action taken earlier this month, when the board approved emergency generator acquisitions to improve service in the St. Thomas–St. John district. With earlier equipment plans falling through, members are now pushing to move decisively from planning to execution.
During the meeting, board members outlined technical requirements, calling for 13.8 kV generators in the 2.5 to 3 megawatt range, with a target of at least four units, along with transformers.
“We would like 13.8 kV generators … in the range of 2.5 to 3 megawatts,” Board Chair Maurice K. Muia said. “We’re looking for at least four of those generators — that’s the ideal suite.”
The board unanimously approved a motion directing Knight and his team to refine their proposal and present updated options by the following Friday.
Knight emphasized the urgency of the effort, warning that delays could hinder near-term improvements.
“I need generators shipped and moving,” he said. “If we really want to get this going … this is the last time.”
Officials said the authority initially identified new generators for purchase, but that plan stalled after it was determined the units would not be delivered with required enclosures. Retrofitting them would have added several months to the timeline.
“We were under the impression that they did have enclosures, but as we tried to finalize the arrangement, we were told they don’t have enclosures,” Knight said. “That’s another four months of lead time.”
With that option no longer viable, Knight said the authority began evaluating alternatives, including a mix of new and used units that could be deployed more quickly.
“We’re looking at a combination — some new and some used,” he said, noting that some used units under consideration have minimal operating hours and are in near-new condition.
Some available units already include enclosures and do not require transformers, allowing for faster installation, while others would require additional components or longer lead times.
The shift reflects a broader trade-off the board is weighing, as members continue to press Knight for a plan that delivers faster results without sacrificing reliability.
“We can move fast, or we can move meticulously,” Knight said, noting that pursuing all-new units could delay deployment by a year or more.
The authority is also working to secure financing so it can act quickly once a plan is finalized, including using available credit to make deposits on equipment.
Board members voiced concerns about relying on used units but acknowledged the urgency of improving service on St. John, where outages have lasted as long as 48 hours in recent months.
They indicated that if updated proposals do not meet expectations within the set timeframe, the authority may revisit previously discussed procurement options.
Separately, board members raised concerns about customer service, including long wait times and accessibility challenges for elderly residents.
WAPA officials said improvements are underway, including plans for a new customer service location, expanded kiosk access, and increased promotion of online payment options. Knight also pointed to the rollout of advanced metering infrastructure, expected to begin on St. John later this year.
“We have 56,000 meters sitting in the territory right now waiting to be installed,” he said.
The board also approved renewal of WAPA’s property insurance policy for the upcoming year at a cost not to exceed $2.31 million, increasing coverage from $10 million to $20 million, excluding wind damage.
Addressing recent public concern about water quality, Knight said earlier reports of elevated lead and copper levels were the result of faulty testing, not a systemwide issue.
“We did not have a crisis,” he said.
The authority is seeking 80 volunteers on St. Croix to participate in free water testing, offering a $50 credit on utility bills as an incentive. Those interested can call WAPA at 340-773-2250, extension 3065.
Board members also raised concerns about inadequate street lighting ahead of Carnival, citing safety risks. Knight acknowledged financial challenges but said the authority would continue addressing critical needs.
“We never put financial issues above public health and safety,” he said.
