The U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam are set to benefit from a combined total of over $10 million in grants from the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Energizing Insular Communities (EIC) program.
This funding, announced on Friday by Carmen G. Cantor, the Assistant Secretary for the U.S. Insular and International Affairs, aims to support energy security initiatives in the territories, allowing them to move closer to achieving their self-determined clean energy goals.
The Office of Insular Affairs will distribute the grants, with the U.S. Virgin Islands receiving $5.23 million. The bulk of these funds, $3.15 million, will be allocated to the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority for the procurement and installation of a 4-hour/2MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at the Schneider Hospital on St. Thomas. This system is expected to enhance the hospital’s energy reliability and ensure continuous power during emergencies.
WAPA will also receive $1.04 million to procure and integrate two fully equipped electric bucket trucks into its utility fleet, along with chargers, as part of the Bucket Truck Project. An additional $1.03 million has been earmarked for the purchase of 12 electric vehicles and associated chargers for WAPA’s fleet, further advancing the territory’s clean energy transition and operational efficiency.
Cantor emphasized the importance of the EIC program in supporting the territories' self-determined energy goals, saying, “We are pleased to support the self-determined energy goals of the territories. Both territories, in their proposals, will receive support to continue implementing and strengthening clean energy alternatives.”
In addition to the funds awarded to the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam will receive $5.47 million. Of this amount, $3 million is designated for Phase II of the Guam Power Authority’s ongoing energy strategy implementation. The Guam Community College will also receive $2.03 million for the installation of a 140kW Hybrid grid-tied PV and Battery Storage System for Buildings 1000 and D, and a 100kW grid-tied PV system for the Net Zero Building D.
Other grants awarded to Guam include $335,390 for the Guam Energy Office to fund rebates for its Plug-In Electric Vehicle Rebate Program and $105,000 for the Bureau of Statistics and Plans to procure two plug-in hybrid vehicles to support their operational mission.
The EIC program plays a critical role in helping the U.S. territories advance their energy independence while promoting the use of cleaner, more sustainable energy sources. The grants for both the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam reflect ongoing efforts to strengthen energy security and efficiency in the territories, supporting long-term sustainability goals.
