The Virgin Islands Energy Office has confirmed that federal funding for key energy initiatives has been unfrozen, ensuring continued progress in the territory’s transition toward clean and reliable energy.
The temporary pause on federal financial assistance programs, initiated by the Trump Administration, prompted a review of grants to assess their alignment with the President’s January executive orders. However, VIEO Director Kyle Fleming has reassured the public that already awarded and obligated grant funding has not been canceled, and discussions with federal partners indicate that ongoing energy programs will remain on track.
One of the most significant developments came on February 21, 2025, when the Environmental Protection Agency approved the reopening of VIEO’s Solar for All (SFA) grant, a critical funding source that will expand solar energy access in the territory.
In December 2024, the EPA amended its original award to the Virgin Islands Energy Office, granting $62.5 million under the Solar for All (SFA) program. This initiative is part of the $7 billion national effort aimed at expanding residential solar energy access across all economic groups. VIEO’s Solar for All Ah We (SFAAW) proposal was recognized as one of the largest per capita funding awards, positioning the U.S. Virgin Islands to significantly enhance its residential energy infrastructure.
This funding is expected to lower electricity costs for residents, enhance energy resilience, and expand access to clean power for underserved communities. The early administrative phase of the program has already received sufficient federal funding, enabling VIEO to move forward with staffing and planning.
To implement the SFAAW program, the EPA has authorized funds to support the hiring of key personnel, including a Distributed Energy Technologies Program Director. This position will be responsible for overseeing the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) EPA grant, as well as managing VIEO’s Distributed Energy Division. The job listing is now open for applications, and interested candidates can apply at www.dopusvi.org under the Career Seekers tab.
The broader goal of the Solar for All Ah We program is to strengthen the territory’s electrical grid, making it more stable and reliable for residents. This will be achieved through the development of resilient community microgrids and the expansion of distributed solar generation systems, such as residential rooftop solar.
The implementation of microgrid technology is a crucial component of this initiative. Microgrids are small-scale electrical grids that, while connected to the larger municipal power system, can operate independently when necessary. These systems enhance grid resilience by integrating solar power and battery energy storage solutions, allowing the V.I. Water and Power Authority to better manage demand fluctuations and electrical faults.
