U.S. Secretary of Energy Confronts Power Crisis in the Virgin Islands

Hours after U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm toured the Randolph Harley Power Plant, the island of St. Thomas plunged into another island-wide blackout, starkly underscoring the urgent and critical energy crisis gripping the U.S. Virgin Islands. Hosted by Delegate Stacey Plaskett, Granholm’s visit was meant to address the power issues but instead highlighted the severity of the territory’s energy problems.

The outage on Tuesday started in the mid-afternoon and continued past 9 p.m. WAPA officials reported that a malfunction in Unit 23, followed by a leak, disrupted the power supply. Efforts to stabilize the grid were partially successful by 8 p.m., but not all areas were restored.

Urgent Concerns Amid Long-Term Plans

During her visit Tuesday, Granholm emphasized the necessity of reliable, affordable, and sustainable power. “First of all, you have to have reliable and sustainable power for people to be able to live. Number two, it’s got to be affordable. You pay way too much right now,” she stated.