💧 Water and Power · U.S. Virgin Islands
WAPA board extended fuel contract and approved project changes at Dec. 23 meeting
The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority governing board on Dec. 23 extended WAPA’s existing contract with Glencore Ltd. for No. 2 fuel supplied to the utility’s power plants on St. Thomas and St. Croix.
WAPA said the extension runs for six months while management explores other options for diesel fuel supply. The utility said the issue with the current vendor involved lower fuel volumes as WAPA increased its use of propane at both plants.
The board also approved a no-cost extension through March 2021 for Fortress Electrical to continue upgrading electrical equipment at the Estate Richmond Power Plant on St. Croix.
In addition, the board approved a cost increase and time extension for Samuel Holdings LLC for water system rehabilitation work in Christiansted and Frederiksted on St. Croix. For the Christiansted project, the board approved a 64-day extension and a $36,975 increase. For the Frederiksted project, the board approved a 67-day extension and a $54,306 increase. WAPA said the changes were tied to delays from hurricane-preparedness shutdowns earlier in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic and a lack of asphalt for paving, as well as additional rock excavation. The utility said both projects were expected to be completed by the end of March 2021.
The board also authorized the executive director to enter into a lease agreement for WAPA’s customer service location at The Marketplace on St. John.
According to WAPA, board members attending the meeting were Chairman Anthony D. Thomas, Vice Chairman Jed JohnHope, and directors Kyle Fleming, Joel Lee, Cheryl Boynes Jackson, Hubert Turnbull and Noel Loftus. Secretary Juanita Young and Elizabeth Armstrong were excused.