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HomeNewsArchivesHold Off on Rebate List Purchases, Energy Office Advises

Hold Off on Rebate List Purchases, Energy Office Advises

June 18, 2009 — While the V.I. Energy Office is running its rebate program for solar water heaters, solar and wind energy systems, Energy Star appliances, and other items aimed at reducing energy consumption, Director Bevan Smith suggested that residents shopping for these items wait a bit.
Thanks to an anticipated infusion of federal stimulus funds, the amount returned in the rebates is expected to increase, Smith said.
"The program is going to be ramped up," he said.
Smith made his remarks in response to a question from St. John resident Lorelei Monsanto as the Energy Office wrapped up a round of meetings on his office's Energy Strategy. Only four people and a child attended Thursday's meeting held at the Legislature building on St. John. Meetings were held Tuesday and Wednesday on St. Croix and St. Thomas. (See "Public Offers Comments on V.I. Energy Strategy.")
On hand was Kenneth Nemeth, director of the Southern States Energy Board. The board, a consortium of energy offices from 16 states and two territories, was instrumental in helping the Energy Office develop the V.I. Energy Strategy.
"Some of the things are low-hanging fruit and already being done," he said of the 31 strategies listed in the Energy Strategy.
St. John resident Andy Rutnik came looking for specific information on how many solar water heating systems are already installed across the territory.
"That is the low-hanging fruit," he said.
Smith told him that the numbers are hard to come by because not everyone that bought a solar water system applied for an energy rebate.
Rutnik said his Virgin Green company wants to facilitate the installation of items like solar water heaters, but does not plan to do the installation.
When Smith told him that the Energy Office worked hard to get the word out about the benefits of solar systems, Rutnik said that while people may understand the need, they're not buying them.
St. John resident John Levering pointed out the best way to start saving energy was through energy efficiency.
St. John resident Kristin Cox urged the Energy Office to get involved in training youths to manufacture solar components.
"We're talking to manufacturers in Barbados to come in," Smith said.
To comment on the Energy Office's Energy Strategy, available at www.vienergy.org, email dbuchanan@vienergy.org.

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