VIRGIN ISLANDS ENERGY OFFICE
Grant: $20,678,000 - Department of Energy - Apr. 23, 2009
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Award Description: To promote energy efficiency and advocate the use of renewable energy technology for the residents of the Virgin islands through capital investments, energy education, financial incentives and technical assistance in ordr to increase energy savings, job creation and retention, and reduce dependence on imported oil and greenhouse gas emissions.
Project Description: During this period the 14-week (536 hours) Solar Thermal Installers Traing Program commenced. Through the partnership between the Department of Labor, Department of Education - Career and Technical Center, Workforce Investment Board and the Virgin Islands Energy Office, 30 trainees on St. Croix completed Phase 1 and began Phase 2 of the program, which consists of 4 Phases; Pre-construction, Online, Hands-on, and on-the-job training.The agreement is in the signature phase and funds were obligated; Labor . A Request for Quotation was completed and issued to procure a contractor to conduct the training in the St. Thomas/St. John district. The VI Economic Development Authority (EDA), Water and Power Authority (WAPA) and the Virgin Islands Energy Office (VIEO) met and developed an implementation plan for the Solar Thermal Revolving Loan Program; EDA will serve as the lending agent and deliquent collection agent, the WAPA will serve as the conduit for the distribution, and collection of loan payments; the VIEO will provide ARRA funds, project oversight , and technical assistance for this initiative. The program guidelines for the Discretionary Grant Program, targeting Not-for Profit organizations were completed. Meetings were held with local vendors on St. Thomas and St. Croix and the implementation plan for both the Appliance and Renewable Energy Rebate programs were presented. In preparation to begin the implementation process for the Tropical Code Implementation, staff began the word for word comparison with the draft Tropical Model Energy Code for the Virgin Islands and the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). A meeting was held with the Virgin Islands car dealers association to solicit ideas in the development of the Hybrid and electric Vehicel Rebate Program. Staff of the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority and the Virgin Islands Energy Office met and determined the scope of work for the Solar Thermal in Moderate Housing Communities Program.
Infrastructure Description: N/A
Jobs Summary: Three full- time new jobs (1 St. Thomas and 2 St. Croix) were created this period. The newly hired Program Specialists (2) will provide, implement, and support energy programs/accelerate the deployment of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies through partnerships with the local and federal governments, other entities, and assist in policy development and private sector initiatives. The immediate employment impact resulting from the ARRA funds is a reduction in the number of unemployed in the Territory. The newly hired Administrative Aide (1) will provide administrative/clerical support for the programs. (Total jobs reported: 3)
Project Status: Less Than 50% Completed
This award's data was last updated on Apr. 23, 2009. Help expand these official descriptions using the wiki below.
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