WAPA Announces Abbreviated Hours, Says It Continues To Make Preparation For Irma

In anticipation of the approaching hurricane, the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority advised the public that its self-service payment kiosks at Petrus Plaza on St. Thomas will close to the public at 12 noon on Tuesday, September 5.

“The midday closure will allow personnel to shut down the kiosks and secure the facilities in anticipation of the storm,” said Executive Director Julio A. Rhymer, Sr. The payment kiosks at the customer services offices in Four Winds Plaza on St. Thomas and at Sunny Isle on St. Croix will remain available to the public until those offices close for the day at 4:00 pm.

Rhymer also said the St. John customer service office will be closed on Tuesday to allow it to be secured given the anticipation that the island will experience the greater effect of the hurricane beginning Wednesday morning.  Persons wishing to make payment on electrical or water accounts can continue to do so via the WAPA website, www.viwapa.vi, or by depositing payments at drop boxes at WAPA’s customer service locations in both districts.

Rhymer advised the public that WAPA will strive to maintain electrical and water services through the storm event. However, for emergencies, residents on St. Thomas-St. John should call 340-774-1424 and on St. Croix, 340-773-0150. WAPA’s emergency call centers will be activated to accommodate increased service calls.

Throughout the storm, WAPA will regularly update the public about the utility’s status.  The most widely used messaging tools WAPA will employ are: local media outlets primarily radio stations as well as V.I. Alert, WAPA web site, WAPA Message Six telephone system, and Facebook.

“We have completed two days of meetings with directors and key emergency response personnel to ensure the Authority is in a state of readiness for the anticipated impact from Hurricane Irma,” Rhymer said.

“WAPA has adequate fuel and water storage and power plant personnel are securing generating equipment, water plants, fuel dock facilities, buildings and all other areas to minimize possible damage. Crews have been assembled and are prepared to begin addressing any storm-related problems once the storm has passed and it is safe to do so. The safety of the men and women of WAPA and the protection of our power generating plants are our top priorities,” Rhymer said.