Energy Office Needs $1.5 Million in General Funds to Support $6.4 Million in Federal Funding

The V.I. Energy Office is requesting the support of the 35th Legislature in allocating the $1,556,269 required from the general fund to supplement its operations. Most of VIEO's FY2025 budget, some $6,423,654, is from federal funding, chiefly earmarked for several energy-related projects.‌ VIEO Director Kyle Fleming told members of the Committee on Budget, Appropriations, and Finance last week that the territory is “in the midst of a once-in-a-generation opportunity to put federal dollars towards projects that will materially reduce the cost of electricity in the territory.” To this end, he called on lawmakers to assist the Office in “securing the required general fund appropriation needed to allow us to execute our mandate.” For Mr. Fleming, “the agency cannot afford to rely solely on federal funds.” A lack of investment from the coffers of the Government of the Virgin Islands would make it “impossible for us to deliver the critical services we provide to the Virgin Islands communit...