MOTHER’S DAY SURPRISE! WAPA Keeps Power Off All Night On St. Thomas … St. Croix Two Hours

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CHARLOTTE AMALIE — The Virgin Island Water and Power Authority (WAPA) tried its best to keep a running count of where the power was on and off for Mother’s Day on St. Croix and St. Thomas.

At first, WAPA only had the power off on St. Croix when a car hit a utility pole on the South Shore about 8 p.m. on Sunday.

“Customers on Feeder 2A are experiencing an electrical service interruption, resulting from a major automobile accident on South Shore Road which has caused damage to at least one utility pole, as well as power lines and other associated equipment,” WAPA said. “Work to restore service cannot commence until the on scene investigation by the VIPD is concluded. There is no restoration timeline available.”

From about 8 to 10 p.m., the affected areas included: All for the Better, Annas Hope, Coakley Bay, Cotton Valley, southside of Christiansted town, Gallows Bay, Solitude, Southgate, Welcome-Tide Village and Turner Hole.

Then about 9:35 p.m. the electricity went off in St. Thomas, St. John, Water Island and Hassel Island.

“Electrical service was restored to all customers in the St. Thomas St. John district at 5:22 a.m. today following a district wide service interruption that occurred at 9:35 pm Sunday,” WAPA said. “There are three generating units now on-line at the Randolph Harley power plant meeting the electrical demands of St. Thomas, St. John, Water Island and Hassel Island. WAPA apologizes for the inconvenience caused by Sunday’s night electrical service interruption.”

WAPA said it was scrambling to return power to the St. Thomas and St. John district sooner, but it wasn’t possible.

“WAPA plant personnel continue efforts to bring additional generating units on-line to restore service to all customers,” WAPA said. “A second district wide service interruption occurred at approximately 12:40 a.m. when units tripped at the Harley power plant. The restoration of service has begun with one unit now on line and customers on Feeders 5A, 6B and 9B restored.”