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July 2, 2008
GOVERNOR: ADMINISTRATION WILL SUPPORT WAPA AS IT MOVES TOWARDS IDENTIFYING SOURCES OF NON-OIL GENERATED ELECTRICITY The announcement by the V.I. Water and Power Authority that it will begin final review and discussion with six companies towards identifying sources of alternative and renewable electric energy is a giant step forward in lessening the dependency on fossil fuels to generate electricity and as a result, reducing the cost of electricity to V.I. residents according to Governor John P. deJongh, Jr. DeJongh said that in working with his Administration, WAPA is continuing the process of narrowing down the companies it will engage to provide a monthly supply of energy at a cost lower than its own projected energy costs. “Where WAPA is today, is a place that it should have been a long time ago, and I am pleased to see that we are now talking about the possibility of alternative and renewable options as part of our energy mix, but actually ensuring that they are environmentally and economically doable. The Virgin Islands consumer, rate payer, deserves the options that not only lessen the impact on the pocketbook but also impact the quality of life,” deJongh said, noting that WAPA will work with companies that have proven track records in operating waste-to-energy facilities, ocean thermal energy conversion, combined wind and solar technology and the already established coal-fired facility on St. Croix. With funding approved last week by both the U.S. Congress and the U.S. Department of Energy for a feasibility study, deJongh said, WAPA can begin a true analysis of the cost of providing an inter-connect between St. Thomas and St. Croix. WAPA said Tuesday it is also considering alternatives such as the retrofitting of existing equipment to operate on natural gas instead of crude oil. DeJongh reaffirmed his Administration’s continuing effort, together with the V.I. Energy Office, to make strategic decisions which will minimize the impact of rising fuel costs for residents of the Territory. WAPA’s announcement Tuesday that it will begin final review and discussions with six companies towards alternative and renewable electric energy caps a process in which it advertised for companies to submit proposals which could meet the public utility’s need of additional non-oil generated electricity. |
