The Schneider Regional Medical Center in St. Thomas, USVI Photo Credit: V.I. CONSORTIUM
The V.I. Water and Power Authority has secured 4-hour, 2-megawatt Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) for the Schneider Regional Medical Center on St. Thomas, ensuring uninterrupted power supply during emergencies.
The BESS was made possible through from the Office of Insular Affairs. The backup battery system is designed to provide essential support during natural disasters or unplanned electrical outages, reinforcing the hospital's ability to maintain critical operations and safeguard patient care.
The new system will enhance the hospital’s energy management and ensure power continuity, particularly protecting sensitive medical equipment from disruptions.
Beyond the BESS upgrade, WAPA also announced plans to expand its fleet with electric vehicles (EVs), including additional bucket trucks and essential line department vehicles. These upgrades, also funded by the Office of Insular Affairs, are aimed at enhancing WAPA’s operational efficiency and service reliability, according to the release.