WAPA Extends Haugland Emergency Restoration Contract Through 2027 Hurricane Season as Transformer Order Remains Pending

Haugland Virgin Islands has been granted a no-cost contract extension of more than a year to keep supplemental line crews, equipment and manpower available to assist the Water and Power Authority during emergency power restoration scenarios, even as WAPA continues awaiting a $3 million order for storm-related transformer equipment. The 536-day extension was approved during a WAPA board meeting on Thursday, with officials saying the agreement is intended to ensure coverage through the end of the 2027 hurricane season. “This contract basically is for Haughland support…should there be any unforeseen natural disasters like we have had in the 2017 hurricane season,” WAPA Director of Project Management Maxwell George told board members. Board member Hubert Turnbull questioned why WAPA was relying on a large off-island company for the support role. “We don’t have any other local electricians who can assist with this job, as opposed to such a big entity?” he asked. Mr. George responded th...