💧 Water and Power · U.S. Virgin Islands
PSC approved two solar companies as qualified facilities for potential WAPA power deals
Official document: https://www.viwapa.vi/docs/default-source/news-(docs)/press-release---authority-optimistic-about-renewable-energy-progress-with-recent-qf-approvals.pdf?sfvrsn=b30f8c96_2
The Virgin Islands Public Services Commission approved Haugland VI and Leeward Energy as qualified facilities during the week of October 24, 2022, clearing a step that could allow the companies to negotiate power-purchase agreements with the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority.
WAPA said the designation was part of a multi-step process under which a selected company could sell power to the utility while retaining ownership and operation of a solar facility.
According to the authority, Leeward Energy was in negotiations with WAPA to sell power at a fixed rate. Haugland VI had not submitted a proposal to the authority as of October 28, 2022.
WAPA said Seven Seas Water had a similar arrangement under which it owned and operated desalination plants on St. Thomas and St. Croix.
The authority said it intended to expand renewable generation across the territory, with St. Croix viewed as favorable for solar development because of its larger and flatter land area. WAPA also said the territory-wide rate structure meant customers would share the benefits of renewable generation regardless of where projects were built.