Wapa

WAPA Finds Solution to Prevent Rotating Blackouts But Warns of Reduction in Reliability

The V.I. Water and Power Authority announced late Tuesday that it has successful arranged a shipment of diesel enabling normal power production at the Randolph Harley Power Plant in St. Thomas and the Richmond Power Plant on St. Croix. WAPA said that due to the shift of operations to 100 percent diesel, "there will be sole reliance on the older generation units which may result in a reduction in reliability." The authority said the Aggrekos and Wartsilas, the newer generators, will not be in operation due to their need for propane, an indication that WAPA has been unable to arrive at an agreement with Vitol and has not been successful in securing a new propane supplier. "As the older generation units in operation are overdue for maintenance, this may add to its unreliability upon the transition," WAPA said. The authority is asking "for the community’s understanding during this transition as all attempts are being made to ensure there are no territory-wide rolling blackouts and that ...