💧 Water and Power · U.S. Virgin Islands
WAPA said it sought to defer Sept. 14 Senate hearing on solar initiatives
The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority said on September 14, 2022, that its officials had not declined to attend a Committee on Government Operations and Consumer Protection hearing held that day, but had asked that the hearing be postponed.
WAPA said Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director Andrew Smith sent a letter to Sen. Carla Joseph on September 6 requesting that the hearing be deferred to October or early November while the authority continued gathering indications of interest and evaluating proposals from solar developers.
According to WAPA, administrative staff in Joseph's office responded on September 7 acknowledging the request and asking for specific dates in October or November when testimony would be possible. WAPA said that exchange led the authority to believe a new hearing date was being coordinated.
The authority said it requested the delay so officials could provide a more complete update on its alternative energy initiatives. WAPA also said the proposals it had received from solar developers were not contracts and that any indications of interest would be discussed publicly with the Public Services Commission and the governing board.