The V.I. Water and Power Authority governing board made some minor but required changes Monday to a financial arrangement to fund three new generating units at the St. Thomas Randolph Harley power plant.
During an emergency meeting, board members voted unanimously to approve changes to the financial structure ahead of an anticipated closing early this month. A private investment firm will provide as much as $15 million for the first set of new generators. The new units will be more energy efficient and reliable, accordng to WAPA’s news release.
The authority is under contract with Wartsila North America, which will provide three new seven-megawatt generating units with options for additional units. The governing board initially approved the acquisition in April. WAPA is preparing the site at its Harley power plant and the units are expected on island in early 2018.
Board members in attendance included: Chairwoman Elizabeth Armstrong, Vice Chairman Noel Loftus, Secretary Juanita Young, Licensing and Consumer Affairs Commissioner Devin Carrington, Director Marvin Pickering, Gerald Groner and Hubert Turnbull. Public Works Commissioner Gustav James and Cheryl Boynes-Jackson were absent.
