USVI Public Records

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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 006-24 Wednesday, March 13, 2024 Media Contact: Symra Hendrickson – Public Communication Coordinator (340) 776-1291 symra.hendrickson@psc.vi.gov PSC Regular Meeting On Tuesday, March 12, 2024, the Virgin Islands Public Services Commission held its regular meeting to discuss several energy, water, and telecommunications matters. Following an Executive Session addressing legal issues, the meeting moved into open session. The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA) went before the Commission to receive approval for its Water and Electric Levelized Energy Adjustment Charges (“LEACs”). Following the recommendation of the Georgetown Consultant Group, the Commission unanimously agreed to extend the Electric LEAC from April 1 to June 30, maintaining the current rate of $0.2222 per kWh. Likewise, the Water LEAC will remain unchanged at its current rate of $9.53 per kGal. Advance Power and VI Electron provided updates on their wind and solar projects slated for deployment across the territory. WAPA has entered into several Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with Advance Power and VI Electron to introduce alternative energy solutions throughout the territory. On completion of the projects, these PPAs will both reduce energy costs and increase price stability, reducing the Territory’s reliance on fossil fuels and the price volatility that comes with that reliance. These projects should result in a reduction in the LEAC charges – the solar projects beginning to come online this year (2024) and the wind projects in about 24 months. Several wireless carriers sought approval from the Commission to become Eligible Telecommunication Carriers authorized to operate within the territory. Following the recommendations of the PSC Telecom consultant, Vantage Point Consultants, TerraCom Inc., Air Voice Wireless, and IM Telecom received ETC approval. Each of these three cellular service providers seeks to provide “Lifeline” telecom services to eligible participants for low- cost cellular services. A substantial portion of Virgin Islanders are eligible for participation in the Lifeline program, but current participation is very low. In other telecommunications matters, Liberty Mobile once again appeared before the Commission as part of its ongoing migration process. We encourage individuals with complaints regarding Liberty Mobile to forward them to the Commission for further assistance. Complaints can be directed to psc.info@psc.vic.gov. The meeting was attended by all five Commissioners, along with Ex-officio members Senator Marise James and Senator Carla Joseph. For more information on VIPSC matters and initiatives, please visit the Facebook page and website – www.psc.vi.gov. ###