Bryan declared state of emergency over U.S. Virgin Islands energy shortfalls

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. declared a state of emergency on April 22, 2024, to address energy production shortfalls in the U.S. Virgin Islands, according to a Government House announcement.

Government House said the declaration was intended to restore generating capacity, address rotational outages and clear more than $11 million in overdue payments to the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority on behalf of semi-autonomous entities, including Schneider Regional Medical Center, Juan F. Luis Hospital and the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority.

The declaration also called for a task force to pursue operational and financial changes at WAPA, including funding and implementing a management turnaround company, completing installation of Wartsila generators, finalizing a Vitol transaction to shift operations predominantly to propane, activating more than 60 megawatts of renewable energy after completion of an interconnection study and battery agreements, and expediting government processes for renewable-energy installation.

Government House also said the plan included meeting government obligations to WAPA bondholders and creditors and catching up on overdue audits and financial submissions.

Bryan announced the declaration during a special press briefing at Government House on St. Thomas.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/governor-bryan-declares-state-of-emergency-to-restore-energy-security-in-the-u-s-virgin-islands/