Energy Office Extending, Expanding Rebates
The Virgin Islands Energy Office (VIEO) is finalizing its plans for expanded rebate and grant programs that will be kicking off shortly. However, it is not ready to abandon its 2008-2009 Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Rebate Program and the Energy Star Appliance Rebate Program yet. All purchases made from Aug, 1, 2009 until the beginning of the 2009-2010 programs will be honored. Specific program rules and requirements remain applicable, and purchases must be made from 2008-2009 certified rebate vendors. Completed applications must be submitted to the VIEO within 30 days of the purchase date to be eligible for the rebate.
On the immediate horizon are programs utilizing funds received under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. These programs will offer an expanded/ramped-up rebate and discretionary grant program, and a newly awarded Weatherization Assistance Program. Details are now being finalized and will shortly be available at the VIEO Web site – www.vienergy.org.
According to the VIEO, the effort is to make the programs as attractive as possible to V.I. residents. However, federal regulations limit the percentage for rebates and to whom grants can be made.
The discretionary grant program will support energy efficiency or alternative energy projects. However, through the Weatherization Assistance Program, energy efficiency measures will be available to low-income families. This program is for those who are particularly vulnerable such as the elderly, persons with disabilities and families with children.
Available is about $31 million for formula-based grants. The funds are divided in three categories: State Energy Program, $20.7 million; Weatherization Assistance Program, $1.4 million; Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grants, $9.6 million.
The Energy Office’s goals under the State Energy Program are:
· Increase energy efficiency to reduce energy costs and consumption for consumers, businesses and government
· Reduce reliance on imported fuels
· Improve the reliability of electricity and fuel supply and the delivery of energy services
· Reduce the impacts of energy production and use on the environment
The Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grants will focus on the development and implementation of energy efficiency practices in the territory. The proposed projects include traffic signals upgrade, wind and solar energy generation, street lighting program upgrade, landfill gas conversion, and solar powered bus shanties and flashers in school zones.
For more information, call the VIEO, a division of the Governor’s Office, at 773-1082 on St. Croix or 774-3320 on St. Thomas or St. John.
Speakers Available
Energy Awareness Month is observed in October in the Virgin Islands. The Energy Office has many public outreaches during the month to help educate the public about energy issues.
This year because of added programs and special energy activities, even more events than usual are planned. VIEO wants to get the word out on how the community can save the environment while saving money. If anyone is having a gathering where it would be appropriate for the Energy Office to give a presentation or just offer information, please call Don Buchanan at 773-1082.
Coastal Cleanups
In recent years the UVI Marine Advisory Services has been helping residents observe Coastweeks, an international event, by having coastal cleanups. This year there will be a kick off cleanup Sept. 19 at Brewers Bay on St. Thomas.
Last year, 1,394 volunteers in the Virgin Islands picked up 18,598 pounds of trash with 43 miles of coastline cleaned.
Free Snorkeling Clinics Offered
Youth snorkeling clinics will be held from10 a.m. to noon, Sunday, Sept. 13, at Fort Frederik Beach, Frederiksted and 10 a.m. to noon, Sunday, Oct. 11, at Cramer’s Park, St. Croix East End Marine Park. Both clinics are sponsored by St. Croix Environmental Association.
Beach activities and education demonstrations will also be part of the event. For more information contact Karlyn Langjahr 773-3367 or Carol Burke 773-1989.
