💧 Water and Power · U.S. Virgin Islands
WAPA said Puerto Rico fuel-terminal delays prompted possible rotating outages on St. Thomas-St. John
Official document: https://www.viwapa.vi/docs/default-source/2023-pr/press-release-(9.7.24)---wapa-takes-steps-to-minimize-impact-of-fuel-supply-delays-on-customers.pdf?sfvrsn=36620537_3
The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority said on September 7, 2024, that an expected diesel delivery for the St. Thomas-St. John district had been delayed after high demand at a fuel terminal in Puerto Rico prevented a fuel barge from loading on schedule.
WAPA said the barge was expected to load later on September 7 and unload on St. Thomas on September 8, a process it said typically takes several hours depending on weather and sea conditions.
The authority said a temporary rotational outage schedule was in effect for St. Thomas-St. John and could continue into September 8 if needed. WAPA said the outages would be used only if electricity demand exceeded available generation capacity.
WAPA said additional propane units and solar generation had increased available resources and led it to adjust an earlier outage plan.
Under the schedule released on September 7, the affected feeders, if outages became necessary, were 7A and 7E from noon to 2 p.m.; 7C and 9E from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.; 9C and 7B from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.; 10B, 8A, 6A and 8B from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.; and 6B, 7A, 7E and 7C from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.