U.S. Virgin Islands - Renewables Portfolio Targets
This is a utility-level target rather than a rebate, so it does not pay you directly, but it is driving more solar, wind, and other renewable power for the Virgin Islands grid. Over time that can mean more local clean energy options and less reliance on conventional generation. For any current customer programs or how to take part, contact the Virgin Islands Energy Office or the Water and Power Authority.
The standard requires the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority to source a rising share of its peak generating capacity from renewables, which points to ongoing demand for solar PV, wind, hydroelectric, landfill gas, biomass, and ocean-based projects. Implementation details are being set through joint rulemaking by the Virgin Islands Energy Office and the Water and Power Authority, so check with them for any contractor or interconnection requirements. A separate federal agreement sets a more ambitious goal of 60% of energy needs from renewables by 2025.
Act 7075 (July 2009) requires the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority to meet peak demanded generating capacity from renewables at 20% by January 1, 2015, 25% by 2020, and 30% by 2025, with a majority from renewables or alternative technologies after 2025. The Energy Office and the Authority are to conduct joint rulemaking that will define implementation details. The Authority is a public utility serving St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix, Water Island, and Hassel Island, and a 2010 MOU with DOE and Interior set a 60% renewable energy goal by 2025.
Program details
- Program ID
- 4020
- Last updated
- 1/2/2026
Eligibility
- Sectors
- investor-owned utility municipal utilities cooperative utilities
- 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
Program 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.
Contact & resources
- Contact email
- melissa.carter@eo.vi.gov
Please verify current program details with the administering agency before making any financial decisions.
