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Fight Costs, Conserve Gasoline
The bi-weekly gasoline price survey conducted June 6 by the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs has revealed little movement in the cost of gasoline across the territory since it spiked two weeks ago.  The cost of fuel ranged from a low of $3.37 a gallon on St. Croix to a high of $4.82 on St. John. DLCA Commissioner Kenrick Robertson said surveys will be made public every two weeks to afford V.I. motorists information as to where they can get the best buy on gasoline products.
      On St. Croix, the lowest price per gallon of self-service regular octane gasoline, $3.37, could be found at six service stations: Capital Service Station; Cruzan Petroleum; Gas for Less and mini-mart; Gateway Service Station; Virgin Petroleum- Diamond, Inc. and at Sion Farm Service Station.
      The V.I. Energy Office reminds residents that if they don’t use it, they don’t have to pay for it. Energy Office Director Bevan R. Smith Jr. says there are two approaches that residents can take to relieve the burden of high gasoline costs.
      The first immediate step residents can take to decrease the consumption of gasoline is to ensure that their tires are properly inflated and engine tuned up.
      The second has to do with the purchasing of a new car. Virgin Islanders should purchase the most fuel efficient vehicle possible. Car dealerships on the islands are now offering hybrids for sale. The typical hybrid consumes half the gasoline of low efficiency vehicles. A hybrid car is a car which can run on two or more fuel sources. The common ones today run on battery at low speeds and have a gasoline engine kick in at higher speeds.  The gasoline engine also recharges the batteries and there is no need to plug in the vehicle.
     

1. Before getting into your car, ask yourself "Is this trip necessary?"
2. On short trips, try walking or bicycling. It's good exercise.
3. Consider car-pooling and share the gas bill and ride.
4. Always use the shortest route and avoid sightseeing trips and bottlenecks.
5. Organize activities and perform as many errands as possible in one trip.
6. If possible, avoid driving during rush-hour and other peak traffic periods.
7. When bargain hunting, check newspaper ads, Internet and use your telephone.
8. Keep brakes properly adjusted. Dragging brakes increases resistance.
9. Make a list and do all the grocery shopping once or twice a week.
10. Let the kids run some of the errands. Let them walk to school, too.
11. Public transportation may be cheaper, especially when traveling alone.
12. Pack as little in your car as necessary so it has less weight to carry.
13. Shop around for service stations with the lowest gasoline prices.
14. Check to see if there are "self service" gas stations in your area.
15. Don't speed. Cars get about 21 percent more mileage at 55 mph then at 70 mph.
16. Better planning reduces the need for speeding, to get there in time.
17. When starting your car, don't idle it for more than 30 seconds. Today's cars are designed to be driven almost immediately.
18. If you must stop for more than 30 seconds, don't idle your car. The engine is more fuel efficient if your turn it off and restart it.
19. Drive evenly with a steady foot. Avoid jiggling the accelerator.
20. Keep tires properly inflated at all times.
21. Use air conditioning only when necessary. Try opening the window.
22. Avoid sudden  starts. When starting, press accelerator slowly.
23. Avoid panic stops. When possible, coast to stops such as traffic lights.
24. Keep wheels aligned for better mileage - Longer tire life, too.
25. Don't forget to release the emergency brake before pulling away.
26. Never rev engine before killing it. This wastes gas, wears out cylinders.
27. When you see a hill ahead, build up speed before you reach it, then maintain your speed on the slope. (If you must accelerate on the hill, you will use much more fuel). Then coast down the other side..
28. Make certain your gas cap fits properly.
29. Use regular gas instead of premium..
30. Use only your right foot for accelerating and braking. That way you can't accidentally ride the brake and use excessive gas.
31. Shift into high gear as soon as possible. If you have automatic transmission, lift your foot from the accelerator about one second early.
32. Pass other cars as soon as you see you are overtaking them. Don't wait.
33. Keep your car properly tuned for top fuel efficiency.
34. Avoid cars with gas-consuming options such as air conditioning; power equipment such as window, door locks, etc.; automatic transmission, etc.
35. Drive a car with light colored exterior and interior, to reflect light, heat. Tinted glass also prevents heat buildup.
36. Use radial tires for less friction between tire and road.
37. When driving, keep your eyes moving and your feet still!
38. Keep your steering wheel still too. The more you weave back and forth, the farther your car has to travel and the more gas is consumed.
39. Don't overfill your gas tank. It could leak or spill in heat or on a hill.
40. When you see a hill ahead, build up speed before you reach it, then maintain your speed on the slope. (If you must accelerate on the hill, you will use much more fuel). Then coast down the other side.

Energy Office Recognizes Outstanding Employee

      Bevan R. Smith, Jr., Energy Office Director, announced recently that Kinesha Sylvester, Administrative Aide for the V. I. Energy Office, has been selected as the Employee of the Year for 2008.
      In making the announcement, Director Smith stated, “Kinesha is task-oriented, focused, and systematic in accomplishing her responsibilities. She displays diligence in getting the job done in the most expedient manner that allows satisfaction to the Energy Office and our customer-based clientele. She is enthusiastic, positively assertive, knowledgeable, and creative in her approach to completing assigned tasks.”
      Kinesha, who has been employed at the Energy Office since June 2005, says that she has learned a lot just working with different staff in the Energy Office on different programs. She adds, “I enjoy working in the Energy Office and I look forward to growing along with it.”  
      Director Smith continued in his announcement, “As an Administrative Aide, Kinesha consistently epitomizes the spirit of team work. She is always willing to lend a helping hand in both administrative and program areas to assist co-workers whenever the need arises and illustrates a collective effort in accomplishing a task or goal. She is dependable, reliable, and trustworthy and has proven to be an asset to the Energy Office team. She exemplifies the true meaning of teamwork.”
      Kinesha was born and raised on St. Croix and graduated from The Manor School in 1999.  She has also taken courses with Ashford University online and government training classes. She has two beautiful children, Alonso, 6, and Ava, 5.  In her spare time she enjoys reading and being with loved ones and family.
      The Employee of the Year is selected based on job performance, dependability, and diligence in completing assigned tasks.

V.I. students turn sunshine into speed
     

      May 13, 2008 -- The 13th Junior Solar Sprint Competition went without a hitch on May 2 on St. Croix.
      Around 130 students attended the race held in the Wendy's parking lot at Sunny Isles shopping center. Students from 22 private, public and parochial schools in the territory participated.
      This year's big winner was again Sts. Peter and Paul on St. Thomas. One of the school's teams took first place in the speed category, while another took third place.
      Sandra Lashley, a teacher at the Manor School, said, "It was exciting to see the kids having fun while learning about solar energy. The camaraderie and cooperation among all of the students today was great."
      Bevan R. Smith, who originally brought the race to the Virgin Islands, is now the director of the V.I. Energy Office.  He said, "Over the years, with this race, students have gained knowledge, and are now miles ahead on solar energy. This is a thoughtful, fun activity to get kids involved."
The race winners:
     First (Sts. Peter and Paul): Jennifer Vante and Sarah Ann Charles
     Second (Arthur A. Richards): Clemrick Bryan and Kaheam Stanley
     Third (Sts. Peter and Paul): Aubrey Warner and Cadim Sabin
     Fourth (St. Patrick's): Brandon Lawrence and DeAndre Asson
     Fifth (Sts. Peter and Paul): Danlia Daniel and Ashlee Forney
      Design winners:
     First (Sts. Peter and Paul): Jennifer Vante and Sarah Ann Charles
     Second (Sts. Peter and Paul): Ashlee Forney and Danlia Daniel
     Third (Kingshill): Aaron Schaffer and Ian Heath
     Fourth (Sts. Peter and Paul): Aubrey Warner and Cadim Sabim
     Fifth (Kingshill): Martin Burgos and Clayton Bradford
      Second-place winner Clemrick Bryan said he had a feeling his team would place after they won four out of five races.
      "This is a fun way to learn about solar energy," Bryan said.
      Participating St. Croix schools included St. Patrick's, Arthur A. Richards Jr. High, Good Hope Church of God Academy, Country Day, Elena Christian Jr. High, Free Will Baptist, John H. Woodson Jr. High, The Manor School, St. Mary's, Positive Connections, IQRA Educational Center and the Kingshill School.
      Participating St. Thomas schools included Antilles, Bertha C. Boschulte Junior High, Sts. Peter and Paul, All Saints, Addelita Cancryn Junior High, Montessori, Moravian and Church of God Academy.

Energy Office Celebrates Earth Day 2008

      Energy Office staff members were on St. John, St. Croix and St. Thomas at events marking Earth Day.
      The first Earth Day was in 1970 and is held each year to promote awareness of environmental issues.
All Energy staff were on hand to recognize Cassandra Dunn, Water and Power Authority spokeswoman, who received the Vincent D. George "Light the Way" award on Earth Day at the Fredrick E. Dorsch Center in Frederiksted.
      She received the award for her promotion of energy conservation in the territory and her conservation and use of solar power at home.
      The award is given by the Energy Office to an individual, business or organization that has demonstrated or promoted the use of energy efficiency or renewable-energy technology in their homes or businesses. It commemorates the life of the late Vincent D. George, a longtime Energy Office employee.
      Bevan Smith Jr., the office's current director, presented the award. He said,"Mrs. Dunn was selected to receive the award because of her tenacious attitude regarding energy conservation and professionally sharing that message with residents." Smith also cited the key rule that Dunn played in WAPA's "Change a Light, Change the World" campaign.
      Although the date for Earth Day has been traditionally April 22, for the sake of avoiding conflicts and allowing agencies and organizations to participate at events on all islands some schedules are adjusted.
      Energy Office staff participated in the Earth Day Celebration on St. John on April 15, the one on St. Thomas on April 18, and the one on St. Croix on April 23.

Junior Solar Sprint Set May 2

     The Thirteenth Annual Junior Solar Sprint Competition has been rescheduled for May 2. at the Wendy’s Restaurant South parking lot in the Sunny Isle Shopping Center.
     The race, which was originally scheduled for April 4, will begin at 9  a.m. The event had to be postponed because of the threat of high seas.
Many of the students from 25 Virgin Island schools have to travel by ferry.
     The Junior Solar Sprint Competition is a hands-on, educational experience that was developed for junior high school students to improve their knowledge of science, engineering, and renewable energy concepts by designing and constructing solar model cars.
     Students from St. Croix’s private, public, and parochial schools will compete in the solar model car elimination races. 
     The St. Croix schools include: St. Patricks, Arthur A. Richards Jr. High, Good Hope School, Church of God Academy; Country Day School; Elena Christian Jr. High; Free Will Baptist School,  School of the Good Shepherd, John H. Woodson Jr. High, The Manor School, St. Mary’s, Positive Connections School, IQRA Educational Center Inc.,  and . Kingshill School.
The St. Thomas schools include: Antilles School, Bertha C. Bosculute Junior High, St. Peter and Paul, All Saints School, Addelita Cancryn Junior High, Montessori School, Moravian School, and Church of God Academy.

U. S. Congressional Subcommittees on Energy Meeting in Frederiksted
     The Congressional Subcommittee on Insular Affairs and the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources will hold a hearing in Frederiksted Saturday.
     Energy issues facing the Virgin Islands will be discussed and federal officials, local officials, and alternative energy providers will testify.
The potential for energy efficiency measures and alternative energy to address energy challenges will be discussed. Residents of the Virgin Islands pay far higher electricity rates than the rest of the United States, and are almost entirely dependent on imported foreign fuel sources. The hearing will begin at 10 a.m. at the Frits E. Lawaetz Conference Room, Legislature of the Virgin Islands, St. Croix. 
     "With the cost of energy being a worldwide problem that is exacerbated in the territories, it is necessary to get our specific needs before the Congress, so that we can be a part of any solution that is crafted by the body," said Congresswoman Christensen, who chairs the Subcommittee on Insular Affairs.  Energy Subcommittee. Chair Jim Costa (D-CA) and member Bill Schuster (R-PA) are expected to attend.
The Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) share a number of severe energy problems. As islands, they lack interconnection to larger electrical grids that would provide emergency backup power or economies of scale. Lacking indigenous sources of fossil fuels, they are almost entirely dependent on imported oil or refined petroleum products for electricity generation. This dependence causes electricity prices to track with petroleum prices, contributing to electricity rates that are higher than anywhere else in the United. In addition, the tropical marine environment of the insular areas creates maintenance difficulties for energy equipment, as corrosion is accelerated in humid salty air, while the frequency of tropical storms on the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and the CNMI makes the installation of renewable energy generating equipment more troublesome and expensive. The general public is invited to submit testimony for the record.  The record will remain open until two weeks after the hearing date.
     Invited local witnesses include Usie Richards, president, of the V.I. Legislature; Bevan Smith, director, V.I. Energy Office; Hugo Hodge, executive director, V. I. Water and Power Authority; and  Daryll Miller,  president, St. Croix Alliance to Protect Utility Ratepayers.

Solar Lights Light Up St. Croix Parking Lot

      At an Open House March 7, the V.I. Public Defenders Office demonstrated that government agencies can work together efficiently to curb the Virgin Islands’ dependency on foreign oil.  The Public Defender’s Office received grant money from the Virgin Islands Energy Office (VIEO), a division of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources, in April 2007 and had five solar lights installed in the parking lot around its building in Clifton Hill within the year. Chief Territorial Public Defender Harold L. Willocks, in his opening remarks at the open house celebrating the completion of the project, encouraged other government agencies to take advantage of such funds.
      Onaje Jackson, of Sustainable Systems, one of the contractors for the project, said typical payback for such projects is two and a half to four years. He said, “This is an example of taxpayers’ money well spent.” He pointed out that another project “just down the road” at the University of Virgin Islands, where 72 lights were installed, has already paid for itself. “They are now getting free lighting.”
      Director of the VIEO, Bevan R. Smith, Jr., said, “We appreciate this type of professionalism and vision of going for alternative energy.”
      The cost of the project was $34,000. The VIEO’s Discretionary Grant Program, funded through Stripper Well Restitution Funds, gave $20,000 for the project. Willocks said, “It is going to pay for itself. It is going to go beyond paying for itself.”
      The project is also expected to contribute to clean air, cutting down on the release of 5,900 pounds of carbon dioxide each year.
Jackson said, “We, as a local community, are in a big transition period. We are going from the old energy paradigm of petroleum energy to renewal energy.” He added that he thought it was an “exciting time, but very challenging.”
About two dozen people attended the open house. This included members of the media, government, and two representatives from NR Electric which did the installation of the lights. The parking lot lights, which will benefit several businesses located in the building, came on near the end of the event. If you have a dialup connection and wish to view a video of the open house, click here; if you have a broadband connection click here.
      The VIEO’s Discretionary Grant Program includes several categories -- Energy Education Outreach, Energy Efficiency Building Retrofit, Solar Outdoor Lighting, and the Energy Education Mini-Grant Program. Grant application information is available by calling the VIEO at 774-3320.

DOE Recognizes Energy Office, WAPA Cooperation
     Jan. 2, 2008 -- The V. I. Energy Office and V.I. Water and Power Authority finished a program on Dec. 31 that has received attention from the U.S Department of Energy.
CThe program helped nonprofits save money with hundreds of compact fluorescent lamps being donated to them. The final donation was two dozen bulbs to Catholic Charities in Christiansted on the last day of the year.
     WAPA donated the bulbs and the Energy Office distributed them. Receiving bulbs were  Elaine Ione Sprauve Library on St. John, Lighthouse Mission, a shelter for homeless in Christiansted, the Women's Coalition, a shelter for victims of domestic violence in Christiansted; My Brother’s Table in Frederiksted, which serves meals to the homeless, King's Hill School in Le Reine and the Family Resource Center on St. Thomas.
      “This program fit right in line with recent federal efforts to get more energy efficient light bulbs in use. The energy act passed in December mandates that only energy efficiency light bulbs be sold after 2014,” said Don Buchanan, spokesperson for the Energy Office.
     "The added benefit of this program was it reached out to the people who might have been having a harder time make the switch,” Buchanan continued.
     The Department of Energy put information about the program on its web site in December. It can be seen at http://www.eere.energy.gov/state_energy_program/project_brief_detail.cfm/pb_id=1217
     Cassandra Dunn, WAPA spokesperson, said the utility was glad to do its part to see that people in need could be helped in bringing their monthly bills down. The program started in October, which was proclaimed by Gov. John deJongh, Jr. as Energy Awareness Month.

Energy Rebate Program Up and Running

The Virgin Islands Energy Office started its 2007 – 2008 rebate program on Dec. 1.  The Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Rebate Program and the Energy Star Appliance Rebate Program, which was recessed on Sept. 30, is scheduled to run through Sept. 30, 2008.
      Both programs are designed to educate the public and offer financial assistance as an incentive to purchase energy efficient and renewable energy products.  The rebate offer applies to residents of the United States Virgin Islands only and purchases must be made in the Virgin Islands from certified rebate dealers. To read an indebth story on the program in the St. Thomas Source, click here.
      The Virgin Islands Energy Office invites all Virgin Islands businesses interested in providing energy efficient and renewable energy products and services to contact its office for information on how to become a “VIEO Certified Rebate Dealer”. 
The Energy Office is located at No. 45 Mars Hill, Frederiksted or residents can call Leila Muller at 773-1082, extension 2201 for information. To download information about rebate products click here. If you are interested in becoming a rebate vendor click here.

Energy Office Wins Award From SEA

The St. Croix Environmental Association awarded its Good Government Award for 2007 to the V.I. Energy Office at its annual meeting in November at the Buccaneer Hotel and Resort on St. Croix..

Carol Cramer-Burke, program manager for 500 member organization, in presenting the award, said that the Energy Office has worked hard in the last year promoting good environmental policy. She emphasized the Energy Office’s rebate program for residents who invest in alternative energy and the Junior Solar Sprint program which helps teach students about solar power.

She also pointed out that the Energy Office, a division of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources, during the last year had partnered with SEA in showing environmental films free to residents at the University of Virgin Islands.

She said, “We have enjoyed working to with the Energy Office this year and look forward to working with the office in the future.”  She added, after the meeting that SEA which was organized in 1986 does not present a Good Government Award every year. She explained, “We award it only when we see an agency that warrants special attention for its environmental action and programs and the Energy Office definitely fits that description.”

Paul Chakroff, SEA new managing director, presented the award to the Energy Office Don Buchanan. Buchanan said, “The Energy Office enjoyed working with SEA and we too look for more future partnerships.”

May Cornwall, executive director of the V.I. Waste Management Authority, gave the keynote speech at the meeting. Also speaking was Richard Smullen, vice president of environmental health and safety at Hovensa.

Carlos Tesitor and Ditty Layton were recognized  for their years of service with SEA and. Lisa Yntema won the Environmentalist of the Year award, but was not present to receive it.

Energy grants are available

The V.I. Energy Office has grants available in four areas -- education mini grants, energy education outreach, building retrofit grants and solar outdoor lighting. The deadline for this round of the Discretionary Grant Program is Dec. 14.

Up to 10 mini education grants for $1,500 will be awarded.  Two education outreach grants are available. There are also two building retrofit grants and two solar outdoor lighting grants available.

All grants, except the mini-grants are for $20,000 and require a 25 percent or $4,000 match. Applications may be picked up at the Energy Offices on St. Croix at 45 Estate Mars Hill or on St. Thomas at the Cyril E. King Airport.

"Clean and Green: For a Secure Energy Future" was the national theme for Energy Awareness Month. The V.I. Energy Office in films, presentations, and public outreaches brought the message to Virgin Islanders. Joseph Daniel, St. Thomas office, spoke to a resident at Tutu Mall on Oct. 26.

WAPA Launches Net Metering

 With net metering, every Virgin Islands residence and small business is a potential source of renewable energy for the territory,” said Nellon Bowry, Interim Executive Director of the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority.  WAPA has announced the formal launching of the utility’s net metering program effective Aug. 1.     Net metering will allow consumers to offset the cost of electricity they buy from WAPA by selling the excess power they generate through their individual solar or wind systems back to WAPA.According to Bowry, net metering will be an important financial incentive for renewable energy development in the Virgin Islands.
     WAPA worked closely with Virgin Islands Energy Office Director Bevan Smith, Jr., to develop the net metering program which was approved by the Public Services Commission (PSC) in February.  Since then, the agencies have finalized agreements and customer application forms, and fine tuned the logistics of how the program will operate.  In order to maintain the electric system’s stability, WAPA has placed a limit on customer renewable energy facilities that can be connected to the grid.  The total amount of power given to WAPA cannot exceed 5

megawatts in the St. Croix district or 10 megawatts in the St. Thomas/St. John/ Water Island district which is about 10% of the peak load WAPA generates daily. Approximately 5,000 customers in the St. Croix district and 10,000 customers in the St. Thomas district can participate.   Customers interconnecting small photovoltaic (solar) systems or small wind systems or other renewable energy systems can deliver a maximum of 10 kilowatts (kW) monthly into the grid. Net metering will be available to certified residential or commercial customers on a first-come, first served basis until the cap is reached.
     WAPA will install a single meter with two-registers to accurately measure the kilowatt hour (kWh) usage of power flowing to and from net metering customers.   All energy delivered by WAPA in any monthly billing cycle will be charged at the prevailing PSC approved electric rate. Energy delivered by the customer to WAPA will be credited each month to the customer’s electric account at that same rate. At the end of each year, or if a customer discontinues service, any excess kilowatt hour credits will be granted by the customer to WAPA without compensation to the customer. The PSC has approved a one time non-refundable net metering agreement processing fee of $25.00. Under net metering, only the kWh units of a customer’s bill are affected, so excess energy credits will not reduce any fixed monthly customer charges.
     According to the Virgin Islands Energy Office, seven customer renewable energy facilities in the Virgin Islands meet the standards set by the national electrical code and are potentially ready for net metering. Once they are certified by the V.I. Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) and meet all WAPA requirements, they can be interconnected to WAPA’s system.
     The Virgin Islands joins about 40 states and the District of Columbia that have instituted net metering programs. As part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, mainland public electric utilities are required to offer net metering on request to customers before the end of the decade. According to Bowry, with the introduction of net metering, WAPA has met another recommendation made by the Department of the Interior in its Territorial Energy Assessment Report 2006. Bowry expressed appreciation to Smith and the staff of VIEO for the cooperation and guidance they provided during the development of the net metering program.
     While acknowledging that small energy systems eligible for net metering may not be an affordable option for all of WAPA’s customers, Bowry says that residents must remain concerned about energy conservation and environmental issues. With the help of the V.I. Energy Office’s rebate program, the purchase of energy efficient appliances and renewable energy products such as refrigerators and solar hot water heaters is more affordable. Bowry also encourages residents to continue energy efficiency practices including changing all incandescent bulbs to compact fluorescent light bulbs as a way to lower utility bills.

Application packets for customers interested in net metering are available from WAPA ’s customer service offices.  More information about renewable energy systems is available from the Virgin Islands Energy Office at 773-1082.

Here is the story in the Daily News about the net metering program.

Here is how Molly Morris wrote it up in the St. Thomas Source.

Moravian Church Dedicates Solar Lights
V.I. Energy Office Director Bevan R. Smith, Jr. spoke and Patricia Lord, program administrator, was recognized at the Friedensfeld Moravian Church located in Mon Bijou on St. Croix on May 20. Video highlights of the event
     The congregation held a ribbon cutting to mark the completion of an outdoor solar lighting project and new restrooms.
The Energy Office, through the Solar Outdoor Lighting component of the Discretionary Grant Program, gave $20,000 to the church.
     The church made a 20 percent match to comply with the grant requirements. The seven solar powered outdoor lights will provide security lighting throughout the church yard grounds.  The church must now submit quarterly reports on maintenance and operation of the lights, and hold public awareness activities to educate others about energy efficiency.
     Several dozen people attended the event, which was coordinated by Rev. Reuben A. Vessup.
     The Discretionary Grant Program aims to expand energy efficiency and renewable energy projects through competitive grant-seeking proposals. 
Projects should benefit a significant proportion of the community.
     Funds are awarded to proposals that include a cost-share (in-kind or cash) of at least 20 percent of the grant amount requested.  The target population is not-for-profit organizations, government agencies, schools, and institutions.  Grants are available for Energy Research and Education, and under the Energy Education Mini-Grant Program.
For more information about the grants call the V.I. Energy Office at 773.1082 on St. Croix or 774.3320 on St. Thomas.

Beech Higby talks about alternative energy. Click here for film clip. If you have a dialup connection click here.

New VI Wind Turbine

     Much of the attention in recent months has been on the solar projects in the Virgin Islands. However, wind energy is also available to residents.
     Installing a wind turbine is generally less expensive than installing a solar energy system. Yet, residents need to be very cautious in installing wind systems. Many areas of the islands simply do not have enough wind to make them economically feasible.
     An east end St. Croix couple recently decided they had enough wind that they could take part in the new Virgin Island net metering program. To see a film of a recent tour of their new site, click here.