The Ministry of Communications and Works is moving to ensure that the Territory achieves its stated objectives on energy through a comprehensive policy which will diversify the way energy is produced.

At the first discussion with stakeholders earlier this year, Minister for Communications and Works, Honourable Mark 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.”

This diversification includes choosing sustainable lower emission fuels and integrating six megawatts of renewable energy into the national electrical grid by alternative sources of wind, solar, waste and sea waves.

Representatives of the Government and stakeholders met recently to discuss the working draft of the Energy Policy, minimising the Territory’s carbon footprint, lowering energy costs, increasing consumer energy awareness and job and industry creation.

The Energy Policy is being handled jointly by the Ministry of Communications and Works and British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation. It is expected to be implemented during the second quarter of this year, pending Cabinet’s approval.

With the imminent policy implementation, the Ministry of Communications and Works is encouraging everyone to be proactive in the use of energy by following these tips:

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 systems

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

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