Phase One of Composite Pole Installation Behind STX Power Outages, WAPA Says

The installation of composite poles is ongoing across the territory, and the reason behind the recent scheduled outages on St. Croix, according to an update Wednesday from the V.I. Water and Power Authority.

The implementation of composite poles represents a significant advancement in the resilience and longevity of the territory’s transmission and distribution infrastructure, according to WAPA.

“The recent scheduled outages on St. Croix are a necessary step to ensure the seamless integration of the new composite poles into the existing infrastructure. These outages allow teams to safely and efficiently transfer wires and complete other essential tasks,” the release stated. “While undergrounding electrical infrastructure can offer protection against environmental factors, it is often cost-prohibitive and challenging in certain terrains. Composite poles provide an equally resilient alternative, ensuring our infrastructure can withstand natural disasters and continue to serve our community effectively.”