💧 Water and Power · U.S. Virgin Islands
WAPA said it supported St. Thomas-St. John solar legislation at Nov. 18 Senate hearing
Official document: https://www.viwapa.vi/docs/default-source/2023-pr/press-release-(11.18.25)-wapa-backs-legislation-to-strengthen-reliability-and-rebuild-trust.pdf?sfvrsn=dca3ca8f_3
The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority said on Nov. 18, 2025, that it supported legislation advancing solar projects in the St. Thomas-St. John district during a Senate Committee of the Whole hearing chaired by Senate President Milton E. Potter.
According to WAPA, the hearing included concerns from senators and residents about the projects and calls for stronger communication with communities near Bovoni and Fortuna and members of the West End Alliance.
WAPA said VIElectron, the project developer, told lawmakers the projects would meet requirements related to insurance, land clearing, archaeological review and aviation safety. The authority also said Planning and Natural Resources Commissioner JP Oriol told the committee that required authorizations and studies had been completed and approved.
The authority said the projects were expected to reduce fuel consumption, add daytime generation capacity and help stabilize feeders in the district.
WAPA Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director Karl Knight said the solar work was part of a longer-term plan focused on infrastructure, financial discipline and renewable energy integration.
The archived release framed the projects as part of WAPA's effort to improve reliability and public confidence, but it did not identify the specific bill number or provide a timeline for legislative action.