March 23, 2009 — The kickoff for Energy Education Week began Monday at the Sugar Mill Veterinary Center, with Stacia Boswell, VMD, honored with the 2009 Vincent D. George "Light the Way" award.
Boswell was chosen because of the alternative-energy technology she has incorporated in her veterinary practice, which she opened last year in Estate La Grande Princess.
"Dr. Boswell took the initiative and had the foresight to incorporate energy efficiency in her business," said Bevin R. Smith Jr., director of the V.I. Energy Office.
The award commemorates the life of Vincent D. George, who inspired many through his educational work at the Energy Office in the 1990s. It is presented to an individual, business, or organization that has demonstrated or promoted the use of energy efficiency/renewable energy technology in their homes or businesses.
"It's always been a dream of mine — combining my passion for animals and veterinary medicine with my passion for saving the environment and nature," Boswell said. "I hope this project will help 'light the way' for others to follow in our footsteps."
Energy education involves changing attitudes and behavior patterns of citizens and the way they use energy, Smith said. The Energy Office informs people about what energy programs are available. The office is in charge of changing those patterns, he said.
"We as residents must take a step forward and participate in these programs," Smith said. "Energy efficiency doesn't only mean saving money, it means investing in the future of children."
Renewable-energy efforts at the Sugar Mill Veterinary Center include a roof-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) electric system, a wind turbine and a solar water-heating system. The extra power generated by the wind turbine and the PV system will be fed back to the grid of the V.I. Water and Power Authority (WAPA) through the V.I. net-metering program.
With $29,532 in funding from Rural Development's Renewable Energy for America Grant Program (REAP), the center purchased a 1.8 kw wind-turbine system; two small solar PV grid-tied systems with generating capacities of 7,560 kilowatts hours and 5,400 kilowatt hours; and two solar thermal systems, each with 120-gallon capacities. Boswell said she is saving approximately 50 percent on her utility bill.
"I hope a lot of other business people and individuals in the community will follow in our footsteps and take advantage of all the resources and programs available at the V.I. Energy Office, and learn how to build energy conservation," she said. Recent efforts by the V.I. government might make it even easier for residents to "go green," Boswell said.
Also attending Monday's ceremony were past recipients of the award: Cassandra Dunn, WAPA spokeswoman, and energy conservationist Steffen Larsen.
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