LED Bulbs and new energy-efficient refrigerators are at the top of the Virgin Islands Energy Office’s list of upgrades when looking for ways to improve the energy efficiency of households undergoing the audit inspection needed to participate in the VIEO Weatherization Assistance Program. 

Announcing the program’s launch during Government House’s weekly press briefing, Governor Albert Bryan Jr. said that the objective was “reducing energy costs for low income families, particularly for the elderly, people with disabilities, and families with children under the age of five, by improving the energy efficiency of their homes.”

The various improvements and upgrades could potentially include the installation of water heaters and a/c units, water heater timer switches, low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators, and advanced infrared- or motion-sensing power strips that shut off power when there is a lack of activity.

The main factor, according to VIEO, is household income, which should be below 200 percent of the current poverty threshold. This varies from a single person household earning less than $33,540 to a family of eight with a combined income of under $116,280. Larger households can add an additional $11,820 per person and remain eligible for the weatherization program.

Apart from households which include people from categories mentioned above, families who spend more than a fifth of their income on their energy bill are also eligible to apply. Families which have “energy usage above average because of household composition or unusual need for energy” may also apply for the program, according to VIEO guidance.

Heads of households will need to submit relevant documents verifying income, ownership/occupancy of the property, utility charges, and tax payments as part of the application process. 

VIEO says it welcomes questions directed to Calvert Charlswell at (340) 714-8436 on St. Thomas, or Jarell O’Connor at (340) 713-8436 on St. Croix.