Date: April 6, 2005
Contact: Angela Johnson
Phone: 340-773-6449
ACTING GOVERNOR DIRECTS GOVERNMENT AGENCIES TO IMPLEMENT ENERGY CONSERVATION
MEASURES
In response to the rising price of fuel, Acting Governor Vargrave Richards
has issued a series of directives to the Commissioners and Agency Heads
aimed at reducing the Government’s electrical and gasoline consumption.
In concert with a stipulated order issued by the Public Services Commission
to the Department of Planning and Natural Resources-Virgin Islands Energy
Office, Acting Governor Richards ordered immediate compliance with the
planned investment grade audits to be conducted by the VIEO.
The VIEO will take the lead, along with identified facilities managers
to begin the implementation of immediate energy analyses of all government
agencies in arrears for utility/WAPA bills. Government agencies are
also directed to implement immediate no- or low-cost energy saving measures
to curtail the consumption of electrical and gasoline use.
In addition, Acting Governor Richards cautioned against the excessive
use of government vehicles in order to reduce the amount of gasoline
used. One example of assisting in this reduction is contained in the
energy-saving driving instructions distributed by DPNR-VIEO regarding
the use of Government vehicles.
“As we all know, our power bills are increasing as the cost of
electricity and oil increases,” Acting Governor Richards said.
“As the cost of fuel increases, WAPA passes it on to its consumers
and the Government by way of utility bills. Agency heads must implement
immediate measures to reduce consumption, thereby also reducing the
hefty bills the V.I. Government is presently paying.”
The Acting Governor added, “Individuals can contact the Virgin
Islands Energy Office at 773-1082 for a copy of the Self Help Energy
Audit Walk Through Form for tips on how to reduce their own power bills.”
