The BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) has launched STEP, a bid to expand the use of solar technology in the territory. The Solar Technology Energy Program, said Communication and Works Minister Kye Rymer, could save consumers as much as 50% on their electricity bills.
The BVI has been grappling with the high cost of energy for some time. Like in the U.S. Virgin Islands, many of the factors driving up the price are out of the territory’s control, such as fuel and shipping costs. “We have made it our mission to seek and to implement solutions to lower the cost of energy for the people of the Virgin Islands,” Mr. Rymer said, announcing BVIEC’s STEP program.
The utility company will purchase solar power generation equipment, and will also fund the installation of that equipment on the property of consumers. The solar systems will be tied to the grid, allowing for excess power to be sold back to BVIEC for credit.
BVIEC has since posted a survey to its website to gauge interest in the program among members of the public. Participation is limited to residential homeowners.
Last year, skyrocketing consumption levels forced the electricity company to ration power to consumers. The development of more power generation capacity in the form of residential solar technology may help to mitigate these types of crippling demand spikes in the future.
