WAPA Launches VIenergize Services The Water and Power Authority’s VIenergize Services business rolls out July 12 and 13 on the University of Virgin Islands Campus on St. Thomas.
Energy efficiency companies and renewable energy vendors are invited to participate by simply registering with an e-mail to vies@viwapa.vi. The public is invited to come learn about what services are available and about WAPA’s Path to Savings. A directory of local, energy professionals and equipment vendors will be introduced.
The intent of VIenergize Services is to provide resources to the consumer that will enable the consumer to reduce energy and water consumption, and, consequently, the utility bill. The Services want to connect consumers with a network of energy professionals who possess the skills and ethics to implement cost-effective, quality energy and water projects in the U.S.V.I.
The event will be held from 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. on July 12 and 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on July 13. There will be presentations by local speakers and community organizations. View the agenda at www.viwapa.vi.
President Obama announced new steps to fight climate change last week. They included several executive actions that he would take to lead the fight against carbon pollution.
In his second inaugural speech he had said, “We will respond to the threat of climate change, knowing that the failure to do so would betray our children and future generations. Some may still deny the overwhelming judgment of science, but none can avoid the devastating impact of raging fires and crippling drought and more powerful storms.”
V.I. Delegate Donna Christensen in her most recent newsletter strongly supported President Obama’s energy agenda. She said, “(It) can be good for the Virgin Islands as the territory transitions from fossil fuels to cheaper, more renewable forms of energy.”
Christensen, a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, was in the audience at Georgetown University as the president outlined a plan that cuts carbon pollution, prepares the country for the impact of climate change, and leads international efforts to address it globally.
Christensen said that in the president’s plan, “We will see more investment in wind and solar, and he is asking Interior to allow renewable projects on public lands. I hope that this includes National Parks because it would particularly help St. John.” She said the plan will create jobs and sustainability in the economy.
“That will be good for the Virgin Islands, I hope that it means an increase in the weatherization funding that we have called for.” She said that the president’s plan also calls for cutting energy waste and lowering the gas and utility bills of American families.
For information on energy efficiency or alternative energy, visit the V.I. Energy Web site at www.vienergy.org.
