💧 Water and Power · U.S. Virgin Islands
WAPA said it would expand outreach and review procedures after disconnecting an elderly customer
Official document: https://www.viwapa.vi/docs/default-source/2023-pr/press-release-(7.29.24)-wapa-commits-to-enhancing-support-for-the-elderly.pdf?sfvrsn=aa4fb9a8_3
The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority said on July 29, 2024, that it had disconnected an elderly account holder and restored service the same day.
WAPA said it was working with the Virgin Islands Housing Authority and the Department of Human Services to educate customers with life-threatening medical needs about submitting a medical certificate to the utility. The authority also said it was reviewing its internal procedures to provide greater protections for senior customers, citing extreme heat and mobility issues.
The utility said it planned an outreach campaign, including face-to-face contact with elderly customers and their representatives, to encourage submission of medical certificates. WAPA said the certificate gives customers additional time to address delinquent accounts and serves as an account indicator intended to prevent immediate disconnections for nonpayment.
WAPA also said customers enrolled in assistance programs, including the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, Energy Crisis Assistance Program and Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program, were not disconnected because of delayed payments from the administering agency. It said customers remained responsible for their share of the bill and could still face disconnection for nonpayment.