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Governor John P. deJongh Jr. has proclaimed October, 2012, as “Energy Awareness Month” in the Virgin Islands to champion territory-wide awareness and implementation of energy conservation and renewable energy alternatives.
“We in the Virgin Islands are currently challenged by limited energy resources, but this provides us with great incentive to embrace the technologies that can assist us in utilizing energy more efficiently and in harnessing the great potential benefit from the sun, wind and sea that surround us,” deJongh said.

This month has been set aside for residents, energy vendors, students, and the Virgin Islands Energy Office to recognize the significance and essential importance of energy conservation methods to our quality of life. The celebration of Energy Awareness Month, both territorially and nationally, promotes awareness of energy issues, appliance efficiency, environmental protection, and practical sources of renewable energy.

Throughout the month, the Energy Office will conduct a public awareness campaign to provide information to low-income residents about its weatherization program — through outreaches, door-to-door visits in various neighborhoods and newspaper advertisements.
The Energy Office has also planned seminars on energy efficiency at the Small Hotel conferences scheduled for Oct. 10 and 12, and will host, along with WAPA and the EPA, Energy Star Days on St. Thomas and St. Croix.

Representatives of the Energy Office will distribute energy conservation and other important information at the Mon Bijou Community Center Grand Opening, and will make presentations at Rotary Clubs and the American Legion in October in both districts.

Gov. deJongh calls upon all Virgin Islands residents, students and organizations to join him in observing and participating in the activities scheduled for Energy Awareness Month.