Electrical systems exhibited significant vulnerability during the storms, resulting in 100% loss of power for months to homes, businesses, public facilities and services including critical communications (cell phone towers, internet, and emergency communications repeaters). As a stop-gap measure, personalsize generators were distributed to some residents by relief groups. While temporarily helpful, this is not a long-term solution.

St. John depends on power generation from St. Thomas, so outages on St. Thomas directly affect St. John. Adding generation redundancies, including backup generators and micro-grid systems, are critical for faster power restoration following an outage. The need to incorporate public input in support of a cohesive strategy, in partnership with WAPA, is paramount. Hardening of the power grid has begun; composite power poles have replaced traditional wooden poles in many critical areas. Plans are in place to underground select lines in Cruz Bay; to locate large backup generators in Cruz Bay and Coral Bay; and to incorporate solar energy into WAPA’s generation efforts, including a residential roof-top program.

IMPLEMENTATION STEPS: 1. Support the Governor’s Taskforce and WAPA’s initiative to establish St. John as a global model for energy sustainability and resilience 2. Educate residents and visitors on the environmental and monetary benefits of energy conservation and efficiency. Encourage energy conservation measures in new construction and retrofitting of older homes and businesses. 3. Promote energy audits as a first step in identifying energy conservation measures. 4. Seek out training opportunities for workforce development related to renewable energy and energy efficiency. 5. Encourage the use of Solar and Water Pods

Key Players: Water and Power Authority; St. John Long Term Recovery Team Alignment: Econ, IS, NCR RSFs Cost: < $1Million Timeline: < Three Years