Wapa

Surplus Transformers Puzzle WAPA Board as It Approves $4 Million Contract for Upgrades

Thursday’s meeting of the Governing Board of the Water & Power Authority featured a lengthy discussion on a procurement contract for new transformers meant to service the underground cabling network currently being built out in several key areas, including Hannah’s Rest, Frederiksted, the Queen Mary Highway, and customers served by Feeder 9 in St. Thomas. Two bidders put in for the contract to procure the pad-mounted liquid-filled transformers, with Miami-based PECO International Electric ultimately recommended for the award. Board members were informed that the 117 new transformers, mounted on the ground instead of on poles, would be much more resilient to adverse weather conditions than the ones they would replace.  Even if the transformers do sustain damage in hurricanes, getting them back online would be easier since maintenance crews would not need bucket trucks to access the transformers for service or repair.  The board approved the contract for just over $4 million. PECO est...