The USVI is updating its Community Energy Strategic Plan and we want your input!
“The Virgin Islands is approaching an energy transformation. As any transition, it will take time, planning and sustained effort, however the time to begin is right now. ”
Leadership Team
The Leadership TEAM
The Virgin Islands Energy Office (VIEO) has partnered with the University of the Virgin Islands’ Caribbean Green Technology Center in order to create an Energy Plan for the Territory that is based on community input and principles as well as research and analysis. As an academic institution, UVI is well positioned to conduct research, collect relevant data, perform analyses, engage stakeholders and facilitate community outreach. The VIEO, as part of the Office of the Governor, can advocate and promote the actions, programs and policies outlined in the plan to ensure they become a reality.
Why we need An Energy PLan
Currently the Virgin Islands is extremely dependent on foreign fuel imports such as crude oil, which are subject to the volatile global price market. This deeply affects the costs of operation for many businesses and industries as well as increasing the cost of living. Citizens are also concerned about the economic and environmental sustainability of these sources in a world that is moving away from fossil fuels and towards more renewable energy sources. Fortunately, the Virgin Islands “emeralds of the sea” are blessed with sun, wind and access to the technology to harness these native energy sources. However, there are many barriers to implementation that must be addressed at all levels to ensure that these resources can be utilized in a way which is socially just, technologically sound and protects our paradise.
Wind Turbine in the USVI
The U.S. Virgin Islands Comprehensive Energy Strategy Draft was last updated in 2009.
What’s Being Updated?
The Virgin Islands’ Energy Strategic Plan needs to be updated and finalized from its last draft completed in 2009. In the coming months as we begin on this journey together, we will be asking for your input, participation and recommendations. The plan will outline potential strategies, actions and programs that will bring us together towards a brighter, cleaner and sustainable future of energy management. The plan establishes both short and long-term objectives for progressing the Territory’s energy sector, in alignment with community principles.
Energy Snapshot
Before we can move forward, we have to first be honest about where we stand now. Therefore, the first steps we are taking towards this plan is to create a snapshot of the Virgin Islands’ current energy position. When we talk about energy, we are considering more than just electricity usage, but also transportation, buildings, industry, cooking, water filtration and use, and agriculture. As all these sectors utilize energy, they must be included and part of the conversation.
Palm tree on St. Croix, USVI
So, we ask each of you, what is your energy vision for the future?
We are currently requesting relevant data regarding energy usage in the Virgin Islands. In the coming weeks we will be reaching out to agencies individually to ask for your assistance in updating the energy snapshot for the Territory. However feel free to use this form to provide input, make suggestions, pose questions, or address concerns. We will do our best to reply promptly.