Energy issues in the Territory as well as renewable energy plans for the future were discussed when stakeholders in the industry met at a workshop last week.

The workshop was held by the British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and Works.

Minister for Communications and Works, Honourable Mark Vanterpool, while addressing the stakeholders stated that the Government is moving forward with reaching its goal for renewable energy and is introducing an Energy Policy.

Honourable Vanterpool said, “The overall aim of our Government’s Energy Policy is to diversify the way we produce our energy and reduce consumption of electricity by some 30 percent by the year 2023.”

Minister Vanterpool added that the Government has made changes that will aid in reducing the energy demand. He said residents and businesses should take the initiative and practice conserving energy, whether it be installing LED lights and water heaters and/or turning off equipment and lights when they are not in use.

The Government of the Virgin Islands, through the Ministry of Communications and Works, is expecting to put forth the comprehensive Energy Policy for the Territory by April and the second workshop session is also expected to be held in April.

The Ministry of Communications and Works is also launching an educational campaign to inform the public on ways that the community can contribute to reducing the high demand on imported fossil fuels which has placed some stress on the current electricity grid.

As Phase V Development Programme continues to progress, residents are asked to follow these simple tips to reduce the demand.

1.         Turn off lights and equipment when they are not in use;

2.         Use the sunlight to brighten up a room whenever possible;

3.         Replace old water heaters with energy efficient solar water heating system and;

4.         Replace light bulbs with LED lights throughout your home and office

The Ministry of Communications and Works suggests that by using these simple tips that the community will not only help to reduce the Territory’s carbon footprint but they will also see a decrease in energy consumption and in turn lower electricity bills.