What to Know When the Power Goes Out: Island-Wide Outages in the USVI
If you’ve spent time in the Virgin Islands, you know that WAPA outages—planned or not—are part of island life. At TLC Villas, we believe in keeping our guests and homeowners informed, prepared, and safe when the power goes out across St. John or St. Thomas. While there’s often not much anyone can do to prevent outages, we’re here to support you through them with calm, practical steps—and a little bit of island perspective.
What to Expect During an Outage
The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA) can experience island-wide blackouts due to system faults, load issues, or scheduled maintenance. Outages can last anywhere from minutes to several hours, depending on the cause and location. Some villas are equipped with automatic backup generators, while others are not—so outage experiences will vary.
What TLC Villas Provides
Even if your villa doesn’t have a generator, every TLC Villas rental is stocked with flashlights and basic supplies to keep you safe and comfortable. Our local team is always available to assist, and we’ll keep you updated if we receive any communication from WAPA regarding restoration times.
What To Do (and Not Do) During a Power Outage
✅ DO:
- Use the flashlights provided—please don’t use open flames inside the villa.
- Keep refrigerator doors closed to maintain cold temperatures.
- Embrace island time: head to the beach, take a hike, or enjoy a quiet book with a breeze.
- Reach out to us if you need assistance—we’re here to help.
❌ DON’T:
- Flush toilets repeatedly if your villa uses a pump-fed cistern system (no power = no pump).
- Use appliances or electronics during power surges if the power flickers.
- Panic—outages are temporary, and most islanders are well-prepared for them.
The Silver Lining: Embrace the Simplicity
Power outages aren’t ideal, but they offer a unique opportunity to slow down and reconnect with the natural beauty of the Caribbean. Watch the stars, take a twilight swim, or simply unplug. It’s all part of the rhythm of island life—and we’re here to guide you through it.
Stay Informed and Supported
We know it’s frustrating when the lights go out, especially while on vacation. Just know that TLC Villas is always on island, and we’re committed to doing everything we can to make sure your stay remains safe, relaxing, and enjoyable—even in the dark.
For more local tips and outage updates, follow us on Instagram or check back here on the blog.