Wapa

WAPA Proposes Increases to Street Lighting Funding, Customer Fees Amid Financial Shortfall

The V.I. Water and Power Authority is seeking legislative support for a series of proposed fee and funding increases aimed at addressing its ongoing financial challenges. During a Senate hearing on Monday, WAPA officials outlined potential changes that include raising the amount of property tax revenue allocated to street lighting, introducing an operating surcharge on customer bills, and increasing reconnection and initial service fees. The utility, which continues to operate with a monthly deficit of $2 to $3 million, says the measures are necessary to stabilize operations and ensure long-term sustainability. But the authority has made strides. “This time last year, the monthly budget deficit was approximately $8 million a month. In September, that deficit was approximately $6 million per month,” WAPA Chief Executive Officer Karl Knight said, speaking before the Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Protection, chaired by Senator Avery Lewis. Now, the ...