USVI Water and Power Authority nearing major solar energy deal

The U.S. Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority plans to execute a major solar energy deal in October to help insulate itself from fossil fuel price spikes.WAPA Chief Executive Officer Andrew Smith said the authority, after considering proposals from several companies, is particularly interested in two companies that would install solar panels and batteries for storing electricity on St. Croix.At a monthly WAPA board meeting, Smith said he hopes the system will cover 45% to 70% of the electrical load on the island. While the electricity would only serve St. Croix, which is about 42 miles from St. Thomas and St. John, it would affect the electric rate for all the islands, Smith said, since WAPA sets one rate for the entire territory. U.S. Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority CEO Andrew Smith said the authority wants to use solar power to lower energy costs and avoid price…

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