Government of the United States Virgin Islands Public Services Commission www.psc.vi.gov psc.info@psc.vi.gov P.O. Box 40 St. Thomas, VI 00804 1003 Estate Ross Suite 4, St. Thomas, VI, 00802 (340) 776-1291 P.O. Box 7360 Christiansted, VI 00823 Estate Carlton Suite 1 & 2 Frederiksted, St. Croix, VI, 00840 (340) 778-6010 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 003-25 Tuesday, April 08, 2025 Media Contact: Symra Hendrickson – Public Communication Coordinator (340) 776-1291 symra.hendrickson@psc.vi.gov PSC Regular Meeting – Tuesday, April 08, 2025 Energy Matters US VIRGIN ISLANDS – The Virgin Islands Public Services Commission (PSC or the Commission) convened for its regular meeting on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, to hear testimony and receive updates on various energy-related matters. The Virgin Islands Water & Power Authority (WAPA or the Authority) is due for a rate investigation every five years. The PSC has initiated an investigation into WAPA’s Electric and Water systems, which will be conducted this year. The investigation aims to enhance electric and water services while addressing the financial challenges faced by the Authority. The Commission decided to table the PSC staff report on the rate case for the time being, as staff are still finalizing key details, including the selection and contracting of a hearing examiner and technical consultant(s) to ensure a thorough and accurate analysis. WAPA representatives provided an update on their renewable energy and infrastructure developments, highlighting significant advancements in solar and battery storage technologies. The Authority reported successful implementation of solar energy projects, currently generating 14 megawatts of solar power on St. Croix and 5 megawatts on St. Thomas, with integrated battery storage systems that help stabilize energy production and support grid reliability. WAPA has finalized a critical energy storage agreement with VIElectron at the Petronella site on St. Croix, which utilizes advanced battery technology to optimize power management and grid integration, allowing for the discharge of excess energy when needed. Additionally, WAPA is making strides in its fuel procurement strategy, with an on-going request for proposals for new fuel supply contracts and a focus on building inventory ahead of the upcoming hurricane season. WAPA’s leadership reaffirmed their commitment to timely payments to its solar providers, ongoing infrastructure upgrades, and strategic partnerships aimed at enhancing the territory's energy resilience and renewable energy capacity. The Commission also received an update on the territory's wind energy project, the Advanced Power wind-to-energy initiative. This project spans sites on St. Croix and St. Thomas and is currently engaged with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Title 17 Clean Energy Program. The project has completed essential site leases and is now in an advanced technical review phase. Government of the United States Virgin Islands Public Services Commission www.psc.vi.gov psc.info@psc.vi.gov P.O. Box 40 St. Thomas, VI 00804 1003 Estate Ross Suite 4, St. Thomas, VI, 00802 (340) 776-1291 P.O. Box 7360 Christiansted, VI 00823 Estate Carlton Suite 1 & 2 Frederiksted, St. Croix, VI, 00840 (340) 778-6010 Project leader Joel Hart reported that efforts are focused on securing long-term, competitively priced financing, with an estimated completion timeline of 6-9 months. Despite challenges related to historical payment issues, the project continues to receive strong backing from federal energy officials, who recognize its potential to deliver substantial cost savings and renewable energy benefits to the U.S. Virgin Islands. The initiative remains focused on reducing financial risks, leveraging investment tax credits, and maintaining transparent communication with stakeholders to ensure continued progress in expanding the territory’s renewable energy infrastructure. AST Cleantech’s waste-to-energy project is also making significant strides toward implementation on St. John. The company is in the final stages of its land lease application with the Virgin Islands Property and Procurement office and has conducted preliminary community outreach, receiving positive support from local stakeholders, including Love City Strong and nearby recycling organizations. Project leaders are collaborating closely with the Water and Power Authority and the Waste Management Authority to develop a comprehensive power purchase agreement that highlights the economic value of waste diversion, which currently costs the territory approximately $2.8 million just in waste transfer expenses. The project aims to establish a scalable waste-to-energy solution that not only generates power but also addresses critical waste management challenges. Plans for an initial small-scale implementation on St. John will serve as a data-gathering and modeling opportunity for future expansion. Ongoing discussions with local authorities and community representatives underscore the collaborative approach being taken to develop this innovative renewable energy solution for the U.S. Virgin Islands. Commissioners Pedro Williams, David Hughes, and Clement Magras attended the meeting. Commissioners Raymond Williams and Laura Nichols-Samms, as well as ex-officio member Senator Carla Joseph, were excused. An Executive Session was held to discuss pending administrative and litigation matters, but no action was taken. For recent news releases, more information on the PSC, and easy access to information on utility issues visit our website at psc.vi.gov. 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