Fitch Ceases WAPA Bond Ratings Amid Limited Information

In a significant development, Fitch Ratings has opted to discontinue several ratings for the V.I. Water and Power Authority (WAPA). This decision, which took effect in December, encompasses the withdrawal of ratings for about $74 million in electric system revenue bonds (series 2003 and 2010C) and $69 million in electric system subordinate revenue bonds (series 2007A and 2012C). These bonds were previously graded ‘CC’. Additionally, the Issuer Default Rating (IDR) for WAPA, also rated ‘CC’, has been retracted.

The basis for this move is rooted in the challenges Fitch faced in accessing comprehensive operational and financial data from WAPA. This scarcity of information, both from public sources and directly from WAPA’s management, led Fitch to conclude that there was insufficient transparency to uphold these ratings. As a result, Fitch has terminated not only the bond ratings but also its broader analytical coverage of WAPA. This includes the withdrawal of WAPA’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Relevance Score ratings.

Regarding the bonds’ financial security, the electric system revenue bonds are secured by a pledge of net revenue from electricity sales and specific reserves outlined in the bond agreement. The subordinate revenue bonds, while similarly backed, hold a lower priority in payment hierarchy. In essence, primary revenue bonds are first in line for payment in scenarios of limited funds. Both bond types are additionally reinforced by special reserve funds dedicated to debt servicing.

Fitch’s decision also extends to the withdrawal of the Revenue Defensibility, Operating Risk, and Financial Profile ratings, labeled as ‘wd’. The ratings agency has also noted ESG considerations, particularly in governance. There’s a potential for the establishment of an oversight committee for WAPA, which could introduce increased political involvement and potentially lead to debt restructuring. Fitch sees this as escalating the risk of a distressed debt exchange.

Post-withdrawal, Fitch has stated that any future assessments for negative or positive rating actions are now irrelevant.

The Impact on WAPA:

1. Increased Borrowing Costs: Lacking a current credit rating, WAPA may encounter higher borrowing costs. This is due to potential investors demanding higher returns for perceived increased risk, leading to elevated interest rates on future debts.
2. Market Confidence and Liquidity Challenges: The lack of a credit rating can reduce market confidence in WAPA, potentially impacting its ability to raise capital. This could also affect the liquidity of WAPA’s bonds, making debt management more complex.
3. Contractual and Reputation Implications: WAPA’s eligibility for investment portfolios requiring rated securities may be compromised. Additionally, the market’s perception of WAPA could be negatively affected, potentially harming its reputation.

WAPA, a government entity of the US Virgin Islands, is the exclusive provider of electric and water services in the territory, including the islands of St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John. The electric system caters to approximately 50,000 customers across residential, commercial, and large power sectors, including the USVI government.

The ESG Relevance Scores for WAPA previously encompassed aspects like Governance Structure, Environmental Impact Exposure, Financial Transparency, and Group Structure, each influencing the credit profile to varying degrees.

Following Fitch’s withdrawal, these associated ESG Relevance scores for WAPA will no longer be available.