In a change from its previous practice, the V.I. Energy Office’s upcoming rebate program will allow residents to buy Energy Star home appliances any place they are sold in the Virgin Islands. Under the rebate program currently wrapping up, appliances had to be bought from approved dealers who went through an Energy Office certification process.
The change means people can now shop for refrigerators, stoves, washers, dryers, and other appliances carrying the Energy Star tag at stores like Home Depot, Western Electric, Kmart, and other stores in the Virgin Islands.
"As long as it’s Energy Star, you’re good for the rebate," Energy Office spokesman Don Buchanan told about 15 members of the Rotary Club of St. John Friday at the Westin Resort and Villas.
The new energy rebate program, funded by federal Stimulus Funds, begins Oct. 1. Buyers will get a rebate of 30 percent on the purchase price of appliances, with a maximum of $1,000.
Residents who buy light fixtures, televisions, DVD players, computers, printers and other small appliances will also get a 30 percent rebate with a maximum of $1,000. Businesses have a maximum of $2,000.
Buchanan pointed out that buying Energy Star appliances may be a bit more expensive initially even with the rebate, in the case of an Energy Star refrigerator, purchasers will save about $20 a month on their electric bill.
The appliance must be listed at www.energystar.gov and buyers must have a sales slip indicating name, address, quantity, date of purchase, manufacturer or brand and the model number. To get the rebate, visit the Energy Offices on St. Thomas and St. Croix. Buchanan said the St. John office is expected to open shortly.
While appliance purchases are limited to V.I. stores, residents buying things like solar energy systems may shop either on or off island.
"We want to keep business here in the Virgin Islands, but we want to keep it competitive too," Buchanan said.
Buchanan also touched on other energy-related topics. He said that the first oil well in the United States was dug 150 years ago, but it was during World War II that oil "became king of the economy."
According to Buchanan, the oil supply will begin to run out in about 20 years, threatening the country with economic chaos. He also noted that oil doesn’t just fuel cars and help generate electricity, but is also used to produce other important items like medical supplies.
"I want to encourage V.I. residents to use energy moderately and wisely," he said.
For more information on how the Energy Office can help cut energy bills, visit www.vienergy.org.
