The Virgin Islands Energy Office Helps Install Solar Lights, Manage ENERGY STAR Rebates

Energy office garners good government award

April 2008

The Virgin Islands Energy Office helped install lights at a parking lot on the Island of St. Croix and began its ENERGY STAR® rebate program.

Solar Lights Parking Lot in St. Croix

At an open house on March 7, the Virgin Islands Public Defenders Office showed off five new solar-powered lights in the parking lot around its building in Clifton Hill. The project was made possible through a grant of $20,000 from the V.I. Energy Office in April 2007.

The cost of the project was $34,000, and the project is expected to pay for itself in 2.5 to 5 years. It will contribute to clean air by cutting down on the release of 5,900 pounds of carbon dioxide each year.

Energy Rebate Program Up and Running

The Virgin Islands Energy Office began its 2007–2008 Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and the ENERGY STAR® Appliance rebate programs on December 1. They are scheduled to run through September 2008.

Both programs are designed to educate the public and offer financial assistance as an incentive to purchase energy-efficient and renewable energy products. The rebate offer applies to residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands only and purchases must be made in the Virgin Islands from certified rebate dealers.

Energy Office Wins Good Government Award

The St. Croix Environmental Association awarded V.I. Energy Office its Good Government Award for 2007. The energy office received the award for promoting good environmental policy, offering a rebate program for residents who invest in alternative energy, and for sponsoring the Junior Solar Sprint program that helps teach students about solar power.