U.S. Virgin Islands - Renewables Portfolio Targets

March 05, 2024

Summary

Eligible Technologies

Photovoltaic Energy, wind energy, hydroelectric energy, landfill gas, biomass, ocean and microturbine systems.

Requirements

In July 2009, the Virgin Islands (USVI) passed Act 7075. Among other provisions, the legislation establishes that the "peak demanded generating capacity" of the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority* must be from renewables according to the following schedule:

20% by January 1, 2015
25% by January 1, 2020
30% by January 1, 2025

It further establishes that a "majority" of this generating capacity must come from renewables or alternative technologies beyond 2025. Joint rulemaking is to be undertaken by the Virgin Islands Energy Office and the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority. All of the implementation details of the standard will be developed as a result of the rulemaking.

It should be noted that in early 2010, the US Virgin Islands signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Department of Energy (Office of Minority Economic Impact) and the US Department of Interior (Insular Affairs) to further develop the US Virgin Islands' clean energy strategies. The goal set within that Memorandum of Understanding was 60% of the USVI's energy needs would be met by renewables by the year 2025. The USVI is also part of the Energy Development in Island Nations (EDIN) international partnership.

*The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority is an autonomous entity within the Government of U.S. Virgin Islands. This public utility provides electricity to St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix, Water Island, and Hassel Island.

Program Overview

Implementing Sector:	State
Category:	Regulatory Policy
State:	Virgin Islands
Incentive Type:	Renewables Portfolio Standard
Web Site:
Administrator:
Start Date:
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies:	Solar Water Heat Solar Space Heat Solar Thermal Electric Solar Thermal Process Heat Solar Photovoltaics Wind (All) Biomass Hydroelectric Landfill Gas Tidal Wave Ocean Thermal Geothermal Direct-Use
Standard:	20% by 2015; 25% by 2020; 30% by 2025; increasing until 51% of generating capacity is derived from renewable or alternative energy.
Technology Minimum:	No
Credit Trading/Tracking System:	No

Authorities

Name:	12 V.I.C. § 1152
Date Enacted:	07/03/2009

Contact

Name:	Melissa Carter
Organization:	Program Specialist - Virgin Islands Energy Of
Address:	#2 Estate Carlton \| Suite 3 Frederiksted VI 00840
Phone:	(+34) 071-3843
Email:	melissa.carter@eo.vi.gov

This information is sourced from DSIRE; the most comprehensive source of information on incentives and policies that support renewables and energy efficiency in the United States. Established in 1995, DSIRE is operated by the N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center at N.C. State University.