Energy experts, products and the public gathered Saturday at the Rudolph Schulterbrandt Agricultural Complex for a full day of activities and demonstrations.
They were taking part in the second day of the two-day launch of the VIenergize initiative.
VIenergize is the territory-wide business unit and network created by the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority. Within the WAPA Pricing and Rates division, a group of engineers, technicians, consultants and financial managers will help consumers save on energy and lower their utility bills. The program is managed by Julio Rhymer, WAPA chief financial officer.
The second feature of VIenergize is the network that will list local vendors who have been certified to work in green energy and construction and some of the products and services that will be available. Consumers can access a website – to be announced – for technical assistance, financing as well as products and suppliers.
Friday, the program kicked off at the Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital Cardiac Center. Experts from WAPA, the V.I. Energy Office, Building Performance Institute, the University of the Virgin Islands and the U.S. Departments of the Interior and Energy, explained the enterprise to an audience of homeowners, contractors, energy providers and government employees. They also began enrolling vendors for the VIenergize network.
At Saturday’s vendors’ fair, some of the partners in the program such as BPI, WAPA, VIEO and UVI provided information and explained their part in the program.
BPI representatives talked about training and certifying technicians, auditors and building analysts to work in “green” building and UVI explained courses already being offered and others being planned.
Angel Swindell of UVI said individuals and companies asked about the curriculum on Saturday.
“We’re seeing a green initiative,” Swindell said. “Individuals want to seek employment and they need training. We’re bridging that gap.”
Retailers, including Home Depot and Quality Electric Co., were also there, displaying energy efficient appliances, fans and light bulbs.
“So people can be more aware of what they can save from just changing a light bulb,” Crystal Romain of Home Depot said.
Home Depot’s employees brought their craft workshop and helped children make wooden boxes and other items. Joan Sealey demonstrated kite making for children who wanted to build and fly their own.
One of the vendors, Carib Sun Energy, was formed about a year and a half ago, according to founder Khalim Williams. The company installs solar panels, water heaters and conducts energy auditing using certified local engineers and electricians. Carib Sun has completed several residential and commercial projects, he said, and is expanding to new office space.
Frank Taylor, who describes himself as a “senior”, attended the fair and collected literature for friends and other seniors “because it’s important to know what is going on.” He said he was impressed with the amount of information available.
“Its more affordable today that 10 or 20 years ago. That’s what is available here,” he said.
