Free Energy Efficiency Training Offered by the Virgin Islands Energy OfficeThe Virgin Islands Energy Office invites architects, builders, contractors, technicians, engineers and members of the public to a free two-day, energy-efficiency workshop, titled “Air Conditioning in Hot & Humid Climates, Light Emitting Diodes (LED) Lighting, and Operations & Maintenance Training.” On St. Thomas, the workshop will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, May 23 and 24, at the University of the Virgin Islands St. Thomas Campus in Room TED-216.
On St. Croix, the workshop will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, May 26 and 27, at the University of the Virgin Islands St. Croix Campus in Room SCNURS- Q100. Energy consumption, occupant comfort, and operations and maintenance will be the focus of the two-day event.
Pinpointed in the air conditioning section will be:
· Air conditioning spaces in hot and humid environments
· Understanding thermal comfort in the residential and business sector
· Improving indoor air quality
· Preventing mold growth
· Dedicated outdoor air systems
· Dehumidification for DX and water chilled systems
The LED lighting section will provide the facts on LEDs. Topics will enhance the understanding the performance, durability, color correction, thermal management and other traits of LED lighting. Preventative operations and maintenance measures to reduce costs will be discussed as well. Tips to improve inventory management and standardization will also be offered. For additional information, call Miguel Quinones at 714-8436, extension 4305.
Appliance Rebates Help Cut WAPA Bills
Residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands where the cost of electricity is almost four times the national average of the continental United States, are saving money with ENERGY STAR® qualified appliances—and with rebates of 30 percent off the purchase price up to $599. The State Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program began offering rebates in USVI on energy-efficient dishwashers, freezers, air source heat pumps, geothermal heat pumps, and tankless water heaters on Feb. 1, 2010. Room air conditioners and refrigerators were added on Nov. 22, 2010. The program will run until funds are depleted.
Retailers are also benefitting from the program. Patricia Lord, USVI’s rebate program administrator, reports that retailers have seen an increase in sales and deliveries since the program began. Recycling is required for old air conditioners, dishwashers, freezers and refrigerators. An additional $100 recycling rebate is available to residents of three islands (St. Thomas, St. John, and Water Island) to defray transportation costs.
Retailers are also benefitting from the program. Patricia Lord, USVI’s rebate program administrator, reports that retailers have seen an increase in sales and deliveries since the program began. Recycling is required for old air conditioners, dishwashers, freezers and refrigerators. An additional $100 recycling rebate is available to residents of three islands (St. Thomas, St. John, and Water Island) to defray transportation costs.
“The program encourages residents to recycle old inefficient appliances instead of keeping them or passing them on to someone else,” says Energy Operations Coordinator Leila Muller. “This is a great way to promote awareness and energy efficiency in the home.” Territory contact is Leila Muller 713-8436 and DOE Contact is Lani MacRae, 202-586-9193 or visit: energysavers.gov.
Knight Replaces Smith at Energy Office
Karl Knight has been named the new director of the V.I. Energy Office. Knight, a St. Croix native, is expected to carry out Gov. John deJongh Jr.’s goal of reducing the territory’s fossil fuel use by 60 percent over the next 15 years.
St. Croix Conference Focus on Energy Solutions
Quality Electric, Peter’s Rest, is sponsoring an all-day conference from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 28, at the Cardiac Care Conference Room. Its working title is Optimized Energy Solutions for Tropical Operations. Leading manufacturers in the following categories have been invited to present their solutions:
Efficient Lighting and Controls
Air Conditioning
Power Generation and Quality
Water Management
Building Automation
For more information, e-mail Lindsay@QualityElectricVI.com
