The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA) unveiled its newly commissioned Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at the Randolph Harley Power Plant on St. Thomas, giving key officials a firsthand look Tuesday at what the utility calls a critical step toward stabilizing the territory's struggling power grid.

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr., Senate President Novelle Francis, and Sens. Milton Potter and Ray Fonseca toured the facility, which aims to address long-standing issues with grid instability, frequent outages, and high energy costs.

WAPA has faced ongoing criticism for its inability to consistently deliver reliable power across the territory. Aging infrastructure, financial difficulties, and a reliance on expensive fuel sources have resulted in frequent outages and mounting frustration among residents and businesses. The addition of the BESS is part of WAPA's effort to modernize its infrastructure and address these chronic issues, providing a more stable and resilient power system, according to a press release issued by the authority Tuesday.

The BESS, according to WAPA officials, stores excess energy during periods of low demand and releases it during peak hours, which helps to alleviate strain on the grid. This system will also enable the integration of more renewable energy sources, an essential step toward reducing the Virgin Islands' dependence on costly fossil fuels. "This system is a game-changer for our energy landscape," said WAPA Chief Executive Officer Karl Knight. "By stabilizing the grid and lowering costs, we're not only solving immediate problems but also paving the way for a more resilient and sustainable future."

Interim Chief Operating Officer of Electric, Ashley Bryan, and Interim Plant Superintendent, Kevin Harrigan, provided additional insights on the operational benefits of the BESS during the tour, emphasizing its role in improving efficiency and reducing the likelihood of outages. "The ability to store and dispatch energy as needed is a significant advancement for us, particularly as we look to integrate more renewables into our system," Bryan said.

Francis, who has been vocal about the need for WAPA to address its long-standing challenges, expressed cautious optimism. "It's encouraging to see progress being made, but there's still much work to do. WAPA's efforts to upgrade its infrastructure are a positive step, and we hope this leads to more sustainable and reliable power for the territory," Francis said.