Power has been 100% restored to the U.S. Virgin Islands, according
to the Water and Power Authority, almost six months after hurricanes Irma and
Maria wrecked the territory.
More than 55,000 customers were without service after the
hurricanes. A joint effort by WAPA, FEMA, utility companies, on-island
contractors and off-island electrical workers restored 90% of eligible
customers within 100 days, WAPA said. Crews worked since Dec. 25 to push the
restoration total to 100%.
Less than 200 off-island electrical workers still remain in
the USVI to complete post-hurricane restorations.
In Puerto Rico, power has been restored to 90% of customers,
leaving about 145,000 of 1.5 million customers still without service, according to the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Most of those customers without power are in remote areas
with challenging terrain, and it could take until late April or May to restore
power for them.