April 7, 2006 – The Department of Planning and Natural Resources announces that the Virgin Islands Energy office has awarded discretionary grants to non-profit organizations and government institutions totaling over $80,000. Through this competitive grant process, organizations submitted grant applications for funds to implement energy conservation projects. Fiscal year 2006 first cycle recipients are the Government Employees Retirement System, St. Croix Central High School, St. Croix Country Day School and St. Croix Foundation for Community Development, according to a press release from DPNR.
· The GERS and St. Croix Foundation were each awarded $20,000 for building retrofits.
· St. Croix Central High was awarded $20,000 for energy education and research.
· St. Croix Country Day School was awarded $20,000 to install solar outdoor lighting.
· The Kingshill School was awarded a mini-grant of $1,500 for a solar powered battery charger.
Projects eligible for grants under the energy-efficient building retrofit include changing windows, changing magnetic ballast lamps to electronic ballast, changing incandescent bulbs to energy-efficient fluorescent lamps, changing air-conditioners to Energy Star energy efficient ones and installing outdoor lighting.
Next grant application deadline is May 1, 2006.