CRS IN11242: Power Generation and Electric Reliability in the U.S. Virgin Islands
CRS INSIGHT Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress INSIGHTi Power Generation and Electric Reliability in the U.S. Virgin Islands Corrie E. Clark Analyst in Energy Policy March 16, 2020 Two and a half years after Hurricanes Irma and Maria damaged 80% to 90% of the power transmission and distribution systems across the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI), financial and infrastructure issues continue to challenge the U.S. Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA). A combination of infrastructure needs and cash flow challenges has impacted electricity rates. As of February 1, 2020, electricity rates were approximately $0.40 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for residential customers (for the first 250 kWh) and approximately $0.47/kWh for commercial customers. In 2017, prior to the hurricanes, electricity rates were above $0.32/kWh. In comparison, the U.S. average price of electricity in December 2019 was approximately $0.13/kWh for residential customers and $0.10/kWh for commercial customers. In addition, cash flow challenges limit WAPA’s ability to improve resiliency and operate reliably. …
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