This document is a bill being proposed in the Virgin Islands Legislature to promote renewable and alternative energy development. It proposes to amend existing codes to provide incentives for installing solar and wind energy systems. Specifically, it would require new developments to use solar systems for 70% of water heating. It also establishes a rebate program to provide financial incentives for individuals and businesses purchasing solar or wind equipment. An interagency advisory committee would be formed to provide input and recommendations to further the goals of developing renewable energy sources.

1. COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT,
ENERGY AND TECHNOLOGY
BILL NO. 28-0009
Twenty-Eighth Legislature of the Virgin Islands
March 3, 2009
An Act amending 12 Virgin Islands Code, adding chapter 23 relating to renewable and
alternative energy providing for incentives, repealing title 28 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 34,
sections 1001-1006 and for other related purposes
PROPOSED BY: Senators Louis Patrick Hill and Carlton Dowe
Co-Sponsors: Craig Barshinger, Adlah ‘Foncie” Donastorg, Jr.,
Nellie Rivera-O’Reilly and Patrick Simeon Sprauve
1 WHEREAS, the Legislature finds that the development of renewable and alternative
2 energy and energy efficiency are important for the future for the Virgin Islands, its energy
3 security and the protection of the public health and environment of the people of the Virgin
4 Islands; and
5 WHEREAS, the Legislature finds that increasing the contribution of renewable and
6 alternative energy sources for transportation, buildings, electricity and other needs while
7 simultaneously educating the public on renewable and alternative energy technologies will
8 reduce the total dependence upon imported fossil fuels; protect the economy of the Virgin
9 Islands from energy shortages and price spikes that are harmful to businesses and consumers
10 and disruptive to investment; promote energy diversity; enhance system reliability, minimize

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1 the contribution to pollution, climate change and overall environmental degradation, all of
2 which purposes and objectives are declared to be in the public interest; and
3 WHEREAS, to this end it is the policy and determination of the Government of the
4 Virgin Islands that the adoption of a law promoting the utilization of solar water heating, as one
5 segment of a larger comprehensive approach to achieving energy efficiency for the Virgin
6 Islands, provides the most immediate, easily implementable and cost effective opportunity for
7 reducing demands for imported fossil fuels; creating much needed jobs, improving the local
8 economy and is an essential strategy in the process of creating a truly secure and sustainable
9 energy future; and
10 WHEREAS, it is further the policy and determination of the Government of the Virgin
11 Islands that the timeliness of this initiative guarantees that the transition to renewable energy
12 development is done in an organized and structured way as part of an effective long-term
13 strategy that demonstrates a commitment to environmental leadership and a responsible
14 stewardship of energy resources; and
15 WHEREAS, it is further the policy and determination of the Government of the Virgin
16 Islands to introduce a crucial combination of measures and incentives to encourage the
17 development of renewable energy sources generally, stimulate the transition to, and wide
18 utilization of solar water heating as an alternative to power plant-generated electricity; to
19 encourage the production and sale of, and set standards for solar energy systems. The
20 Legislature has determined that the standards for solar thermal collectors are those described in
21 the Florida Solar Energy Center Standard 102-05 (1) and (2), and the standards for PV modules
22 are those described in Florida Solar Energy Center Standard 202-05; and
23 WHEREAS, the standards are intended to ensure that solar energy systems
24 manufactured or sold within the Virgin Islands are effective and represent a high level of quality
25 of materials, workmanship and design; and

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1 WHEREAS, the Government of the Virgin Islands further declares that it will require
2 that energy-efficient designs and construction of new residential, commercial and government
3 buildings comprise, at a minimum, the use of solar wind equipment for the purposes of water
4 heating; allow rebate incentives for expenses incurred in the installation of solar wind
5 equipment to be used in homes during any taxable year of the purchase; remove import duties
6 on items connected with solar wind equipment and revise building requirements to comply with
7 the requirement in respect of solar wind water heating and solar wind electric systems; on items
8 identified as energy inefficient based on standards developed and recommended by the
9 Department of Planning and Natural Resources and the Virgin Islands Energy Office; and
10 WHEREAS, it is further the policy of the Government of the Virgin Islands that public
11 awareness and education programs and the training of specialists are indispensable to the
12 promotion of local investment and acceleration of private-sector participation in renewable
13 energy, and to this end the Government of the Virgin Islands shall provide the enabling
14 environment and support that are essential for achieving the objectives and purposes stated in
15 this Act, including the provision of net metering services to customer-generators using
16 renewable energy technologies; and
17 WHEREAS, in order to facilitate the progress of this transition to an increasing reliance
18 upon renewable energy, the Government of the Virgin Islands shall promote the exploration,
19 development, construction, installation, operation and utilization of all forms of renewable
20 energy options by Virgin Islands Power Authority in their efforts to increase its territory-wide
21 generating capacity from renewable energy technologies within the prescribed time-frame; and
22 WHEREAS, the measures include the granting of tax exempt status on the purchase of
23 renewable energy equipment and power production and the expediting of applications to the
24 Virgin Islands Public Services Commission for qualifying facility status certification of small
25 power production facilities by any person, firm or corporation;

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1 WHEREAS, The Legislature finds and declares that it is an essential government
2 function and public purpose of the Virgin Islands to recommend and support legislation that
3 promotes the efficient use of energy, encourages the increased utilization of the Territory’s
4 indigenous energy resources, promotes the development of renewable energy resources, and
5 fosters increased cooperation among all levels of government for the preservation or creation of
6 jobs and employment opportunities, the encouragement of economic growth, the promotion of
7 the general welfare, the protection of the public health and safety, and the protection of
8 environmental quality; Now, Therefore,
9 Be it enacted by the Legislature of the Virgin Islands:
10 SECTION 1. This Act may be cited as “The Virgin Islands Renewable and Alternative
11 Energy Act of 2008”.
12 SECTION 2. Title 12 is amended by adding chapter 23 to read as follows:
13 “Chapter 23, Subchapter I
14 § 1101 Definitions
15 As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:
16 (a) “Alternative Energy” means fuel sources that are other than those derived from
17 fossil fuels
18 (b) “Department” means the Department of Planning and Natural Resources.
19 (c) “Director” means the director of the Energy Office established under this
20 chapter.
21 (d) “Fleet” means the number and type of transportation passenger vehicles that the
22 Government of the Virgin Islands operates.
23 (e) “New Development” means all new residential, commercial, and government
24 development projects constructed after the effective date of this chapter.
25 (f) “Person” means an individual, partnership, joint venture, private or public
26 corporation, association, firm, public service company, or any other public or private entity.

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1 (g) “Renewable energy” means electric energy generated from solar, wind, biomass,
2 landfill gas, hydroelectric, ocean, including tidal, wave current, and Ocean Thermal Energy
3 Conversion (OTEC), or geothermal.
4 (h) “Renewable energy source” means biomass, hydro, geothermal, solar, wind,
5 ocean thermal, wave thermal, wave action tidal action and livestock or landfill methane.
6 (i) “Solar energy” means radiant energy, direct, diffuse or reflected, received from
7 the sun at wavelengths suitable for conversion into thermal, chemical, or electrical energy.
8 (j) “Solar energy system” means a system that when installed in connection with a
9 residential, commercial or government building transmits or uses solar energy, derived from any
10 form of renewable energy for the purpose of providing hot water for use within such building or
11 generating electricity.
12 (k) “Solar energy equipment” means all equipment that provides for the collection
13 and conversion of solar energy into usable energy for heating, cooling, generating electricity, or
14 other applications which normally would require a conventional source of energy such as
15 petroleum products, natural gas, or electricity and which perform primarily with solar energy.
16 The term with respect to other systems in which solar energy is used in a supplemental way,
17 applies only those components that collect convert and transfer solar energy.
18 (l) “Solar photovoltaic system” means a device that converts incident sunlight into
19 electrical current.
20 (m) “Solar thermal system” means a device that traps heat from incident sunlight in
21 order to heat water.
22 (n) “Substantial modification development” means reconstruction or renovations
23 that improve hot water systems.
24 (o) “Virgin Islands Energy Office” means the Virgin Islands Energy Office
25 established under the Office of the Governor.

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1 §1102 (a) The intent of this chapter is to encourage the development of Renewable and
2 alternative Energy generation sources on two levels: large, utility scale infrastructure
3 development and small, homeowner scale and commercial renewable energy use.
4 (b) In carrying out this section, the Energy Office shall identify and evaluate the
5 strategies or projects, with the greatest potential for reducing the dependence on imported fuel
6 used for the generation of electricity, on both, small homeowner scale and commercial
7 renewable and alternative energy use, including strategies and projects for:
8 (1) the application of established standards for energy efficiency for
9 appliances, lighting fixtures, including ceiling fans, air conditioning systems and pumps;
10 (2) the conduct of energy audits for business and industrial customers;
11 (3) the increased use of renewable energy sources including-
12 (A) solar thermal energy for electric generation;
13 (B) solar thermal energy for water heating in large buildings, such as
14 hotels, hospitals, government buildings and residences;
15 (C) photovoltaic energy;
16 (D) wind energy;
17 (E) hydroelectric energy; and
18 (F) microturbine systems; and
19 (G) other strategies and projects including alternative energy sources
20 that the Energy Office may identify as having significant potential.
21 (c) In assessing the potential of any strategy or project under subsection (b), the
22 Energy Office shall consider –
23 (1) the estimated cost of the power or energy to be produced;
24 (2) the long-term availability of the generation source;
25 (3) the capacity of the local electrical utility to manage, operate, and
26 maintain any project that may be undertaken; and

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1 (4) such other factors as the Energy Office considers to be appropriate.
2 § 1103 To achieve the purposes of this chapter, the Director may:
3 (a) Identify, plan, organize, initiate, and sponsor studies, research, and experimental,
4 pilot, and demonstration facilities and projects that would lead to the development and more
5 efficient utilization of present, new, or alternative energy sources in this Territory, to the
6 conservation of energy, to the attraction of federal and other development funding in emerging
7 and established national or territorial priority areas, or to the enhancement of the economic
8 development of the Territory;
9 (b) Promote, assist, and provide financial assistance for the development of non-
10 profit corporations organized and established under the laws of the Virgin Islands to further the
11 purposes of this chapter;
12 (c) Seek out, apply for, receive, and accept grants, gifts, contributions, loans, and
13 other assistance in any form from public and private sources, including assistance from any
14 agency;
15 (d) Make grants from funds that are appropriated by the Legislature and from gifts
16 or grants obtained under paragraph (3) of this section for the purposes of developing,
17 constructing, or operating experimental, pilot, and demonstration facilities or programs which
18 develop, test, or demonstrate more efficient and environmentally acceptable methods of
19 extracting energy resources; new concepts, programs, or technology for the conservation of
20 energy; new concepts, programs, or technology for the efficient and environmentally acceptable
21 use of present, new, or alternative energy sources; or concepts, programs, or technology which
22 develop resources of the Territory. Grants may be made, without limitation, for projects and
23 programs such as experimental demonstrations or development of solar heating and cooling and
24 potentially energy-efficient construction in public buildings, schools, offices, commercial
25 establishments, and residential homes; development of programs or experimental
26 demonstrations of the utilization of waste products in energy production and mineral and energy

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1 conservation; and development of programs or experimental demonstrations of technologies
2 which would permit utility pricing policies that may reduce the consumer costs of energy.
3 §1104. Interagency Advisory Committee
4 (a) The Virgin Islands Energy Office shall establish an interagency advisory
5 Committee consisting of representatives from:
6 (1) government agencies and instrumentalities, including the University of
7 the Virgin Islands;
8 (2) energy service companies;
9 (3) The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority ;
10 (4) The private sector; and
11 (5) environmental, energy, and consumer groups; and other energy-related
12 organizations.
13 (b) The Committee shall provide input on energy programs and related matters. The
14 Committee shall:
15 (1) assist and advise the Director on matters relating to the development and
16 use of solar energy and other renewable energy resources, including recommendations
17 for the utilization or disbursements of federal and territorial funds for solar purposes.
18 (2) encourage efforts by research institutions, government institutions and
19 home builders in obtaining technical and financial support from the federal government
20 for their activities in solar and advanced alternate energy systems.
21 (3) identify and describe the renewable energy technologies that are feasible
22 and practical in terms of short-term application of retrofit, new construction and
23 conservation projects within five years.
24 (4) identify and describe long-range programs that are feasible and cost
25 effective.

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1 (5) encourage the cooperation and direct involvement of academic, business,
2 professional and industrial sectors that are determined to have special expertise or
3 knowledge of solar energy technology.
4 (6) make recommendations to the Director on standards, codes, certifications
5 and other programs necessary for the orderly and rapid commercialization and growth of
6 renewable energy use in the Virgin Islands for consideration by the appropriate
7 jurisdictional bodies;
8 (7) Assist the Director with organizing workshops and conferences, and
9 recommend policies, standards, strategies, plans, programs, and procedures with regard
10 to functions of the office of energy; and
11 (8) provide such other assistance as the Director may request or the law may
12 provide.
13 (c) The heads of all agencies, including those that are not represented on the
14 Committee, shall cooperate with and furnish information to the Committee as required or
15 requested.
16 Subchapter II. Solar and Wind Energy System Incentives
17 §1121 The Solar and Wind Energy System Incentive Program is established to provide
18 financial incentives for the purchase and installation of Solar and Wind energy systems.
19 § 1122 Installation of solar equipment in new developments
20 (a) In the construction of new developments or substantial modification
21 developments after the effective date of this subchapter, the developer shall use energy-efficient
22 solar systems for providing not less than 70% of water heating, unless the use of such a system
23 is not cost-effective or interferes or conflicts with the use of the building.
24 (b) In issuing its building, construction, or development-related permits, the
25 Department shall ensure that permittees comply with the requirements of subsection (a).

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1 §1123. Rebate Incentives for expenses incurred in the purchase and installation of Solar or
2 Wind equipment
3 (a) When the requirements in section 1125 are met, each individual or business that
4 installs a new solar water heating system, wind energy system, photovoltaic energy system, or
5 other renewable energy system may claim a rebate from the Virgin Islands Energy Office under
6 this section. The rebate may be claimed for every eligible solar, wind or other renewable
7 energy system that is installed and placed in service by a Virgin Islands resident or licensed
8 business within 120 days after the effective date of this chapter. Subject to subsection (b) the
9 rebate may be claimed as follows:
10 (1) Solar Water Heating Systems for:
11 (A) Single-family residential property: 100 percent of the actual cost;
12 (B) Multi family residential property: 100 percent of the actual cost;
13 (C) Commercial property: 25 percent of the actual cost or $10,000
14 whichever is less.
15 (2) Wind-Powered Energy Systems for:
16 (A) Single-family residential property: 50 percent of the actual cost or
17 $7,000;
18 (B) Multi-family residential property: 50 percent of the actual cost or
19 $7,000;
20 (C) Commercial property: 50 percent of the actual cost or $50,000,
21 whichever is less;
22 (3) Photovoltic Energy Systems for:
23 (A) Single-family residential property: 50 percent of the actual cost or
24 $7,000;
25 (B) Multi-family residential property: 50 percent of the actual cost or
26 $7,000;

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1 (C) Commercial property: 50 percent of the actual cost or $50,000
2 whichever is less;
3 (b) The Legislature shall provide a mechanism for the establishment of rebate
4 incentives through an annual appropriation from the General Fund of the Virgin Islands which
5 equals 3 percent of all property taxes paid to be disbursed to the Virgin Islands Energy Office
6 on a quarterly basis.
7 §1124. Customs duty exemption
8 (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, in order to carry out
9 the purposes of this chapter, equipment or component parts brought into the Virgin Islands for
10 the purpose of manufacturing of solar water heaters or wind energy systems are exempt from
11 the payment of customs duties and excise tax , including such equipment as: Solar Photovoltaic
12 systems, including invertors, charge controllers, batteries and solar lights; Wind Turbine
13 Systems, including wind pumps; Solar Thermal Systems, including solar water heaters; solar
14 dryers, solar cookers; solar air-conditioners; and solar stills; and Geo Thermal Heat Pump
15 Systems.
16 (b) Pursuant to 3 V.I.C. chapter 31, the Bureau of Internal Revenue shall adopt rules
17 and regulations consistent with this chapter as may be necessary or appropriate to implement
18 this section, including the requirement that the discounts that are obtained by retailers or
19 installers of solar or wind equipment or component parts through exemptions on customs and
20 excise duties must be passed on to consumers.
21 §1125. Eligibility requirements
22 Taxpayers that install a new solar or wind energy systems or solar equipment are eligible
23 for a rebate provided under this subchapter, if:
24 (a) the system is installed by a licensed solar or wind or plumbing contractor or the
25 owner of the real property at which the solar or wind system or equipment is installed;

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1 (b) the system complies with all applicable building codes to include the National
2 electric Code (NEC);.
3 (c) in the case of an individual, the property at which the solar or wind system or
4 solar equipment is installed is the principal residence of the taxpayer.
5 §1126. Reserved
6 §1127. Renewable sources inventory
7 Not later than six months after the effective date of this chapter, the Director shall
8 submit to the Legislature a report containing –
9 (1) an inventory of renewable and alternative energy sources available in the Virgin
10 Islands for consumers; and
11 (2) a projection of future inventories of renewable and alternative sources of energy
12 based on the incentives provided in this section.
13 §1128. Training of employees
14 (a) Pursuant to Title 17, Chapter 23, Subchapter I, Section 265, a solar energy
15 training program must be established within two years after the effective date of this chapter,
16 within the Virgin Islands Career and Technical Education Program under the Department of
17 Education, including, a training program for the construction of solar hot water systems,
18 including solar panels, solar hot water storage tanks, solar circulators, and installation.
19 Subchapter III. Energy and Environmental Efficiency Leadership
20 §1129. Solar and Renewable Energy in public buildings and Energy Efficient Vehicles
21 (a) To accelerate the growth of a commercially viable solar energy industry to make
22 this system available to the public as an option that can reduce the fossil fuel consumption and
23 costs to the Government, each government agency shall install solar water heating systems
24 where it is cost-effective, based on the comparative analysis conducted under section 1102 (b).
25 If the life cycle analysis is positive, the agency shall incorporate solar water heating.

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1 (b) Government agencies and instrumentalities entering into leases, including the
2 renegotiation or extension of existing leases, shall:
3 (1) incorporate lease provisions that require energy efficiency wherever
4 technically and economically feasible.
5 (2) build to suit lease solicitations that contain criteria requiring sustainable
6 design and development, energy efficiency, and verification of facility performance.
7 (3) include a preference for facilities having an “ENERGY STAR” building
8 label in their selection criteria for acquiring leased facilities; and
9 (4) encourage lessors to apply for an “ENERGY STAR” building label and
10 to explore and implement projects that will reduce the costs to the Government,
11 including projects carried out through the lessor’s energy-savings contracts.
12 (c) The Department of Property and Procurement shall demonstrate a continuing
13 commitment to the use of solar and other renewable and alternative energy sources in buildings
14 owned or operated by the Government of the Virgin Islands.
15 (d) (1) Within 2 years from the effective date of this chapter, the Virgin islands Energy
16 Office in conjunction with the Department of Property and Procurement shall establish an
17 Energy–Efficient Fleet Management Plan with plans for the acquisition of energy-efficient
18 government fleet of vehicles, consisting of at least 50% Hybrid Vehicles or alternative-fuelled
19 vehicles. The plan must require that within 10 years from the enactment of this chapter, the
20 plan must be implemented throughout all departments and agencies of the Government of the
21 Virgin Islands.
22 (2) All Vehicles purchased after the enactment of this chapter must meet minimum
23 fuel efficient and environmental impact national standards as regulated by class of vehicle.
24 (3) Specifically the Emergency Vehicles exempted from Fleet Management Plan
25 include bucket trucks, utility repair trucks and digger trucks utilized by the Virgin Islands Water

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1 and Power Authority and vehicles utilized by the Virgin Islands Fire Service, the Department of
2 Public Works, the Virgin Islands Police Department and the Emergency Medical Technicians.
3 (4) The exemptions granted to Specialty and Emergency vehicles by paragraph (3)
4 of this subsection apply only to vehicles designed to perform specific tasks where hybrid or
5 alternative fuelled vehicles are not available, feasible or cost effective.
6 §1130. Energy efficiency standards
7 (a) Each agency and instrumentality of the Government to the extent practicable
8 shall design and construct buildings to incorporate energy-efficiency measures to optimize solar
9 heating for water heating. This section applies to new residential facilities built using any
10 portion of government funds or located on government lands.
11 (b) Each agency and instrumentality of the Government shall purchase energy
12 efficient equipment, such as “ENERGY STAR” products where available.
13 (c) With regard to motor vehicles and transportation fuel, each agency shall:
14 (1) purchase the most fuel-efficient vehicles that meet the needs of its
15 activities;
16 (2) promote efficient operation of vehicles;
17 (3) use the most appropriate minimum octane fuel; and
18 (4) collect and maintain information on the performance of each vehicle
19 regarding fuel-use in order to evaluate its efficiency.
20 (d) The Director shall establish regulations subject to the exemptions under section
21 1129 (d) (4) establishing criteria for prescribing performance and quality standards.
22 (e) The Director may not prescribe performance and quality standards, unless the
23 Director determines that there will be a reduction in fuel consumption as a result of such
24 standards.
25 (f) The Director shall assist any individual or business that intends to construct
26 energy savings and renewable or alternative energy systems by expediting the permitting

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1 process; the Commissioner may waive any permit fees for the installation of solar energy, wind
2 turbine, or any renewable or alternative-energy system.
3 Subchapter IV – Net Energy Metering
4 §1141. Short title
5 This Subchapter may be referred to as the “Net Energy Metering Act.”
6 §1142. Legislative intent
7 It is declared to be the purpose and policy of the Legislature of the Virgin Islands in
8 enacting this subchapter to:
9 (a) encourage private investment in renewable and alternative energy resources;
10 (b) stimulate the economic growth of Virgin Islands;
11 (c) enhance the continued diversification of the energy resources used in this
12 Territory; and
13 (d) conform territorial Policy for Net Metering with the “Federal Energy Policy Act
14 of 2005”.
15 §1143. Definitions
16 As used in this subchapter:
17 (a) “Customer-generator” means a user of a net metering system;
18 (b) “Net metering” means the difference between the electricity supplied by a utility
19 and the electricity generated by a customer-generator which is fed back to the utility over the
20 applicable billing period, which is accomplished by:
21 (1) using a single meter capable of registering the flow of electricity in two
22 directions
23 (2) using an additional meter to monitor the flow in each direction, which
24 may be installed only with the consent of the customer-generator, and at
25

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1 the expense of the utility; the net energy metering calculation of the dual meters shall yield a
2 result identical to that of a single meter.
3 (c) “Net metering system” means a facility for the production of electricity that:
4 (1) using renewable energy technology as defined in this chapter;
5 (2) has a generating capacity of not more than twenty (20) kilowatts
6 residential, one hundred (100) kilowatts Commercial,
7 (A) is located on the customer-generator’s premises;
8 (B) operates in parallel with the utility’s transmission and distribution
9 facilities; and
10 (C) is intended primarily to offset part or all of the customer-
11 generator’s requirements for electricity.
12 (d) “Utility” means the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority or other public
13 utility that supplies electricity in the Virgin Islands.
14 §1144. Net metering; availability
15 (a) A utility shall offer net metering, as set forth in this subchapter. The aggregate
16 capacity of the net metering offered must not exceed 5 mega watts on the island of St. Croix and
17 must not exceed 10 mega watts collectively on the islands of St. Thomas and St. John and
18 Water Island and other territorial offshore keys and islands. Net metering must be offered on a
19 first come, first serve basis until customer-generators within each island have reached the
20 aggregate capacity for that island.
21 (b) A utility:
22 (1) shall offer to make available to each of its customer-generators who have
23 accepted its offer for net metering an energy meter that is capable of registering the flow
24 in at least two directions.
25

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1 (2) may, at its own expense, and with the written consent of the customer
2 generator, install an additional meter to monitor the flow of electricity in each direction,
3 pursuant to section 1146.
4 (3) may not charge a customer-generator any fee or charge that would
5 increase the customer-generator’s minimum monthly charge to an amount greater than
6 that of other customers of the utility in the same rate class as the customer-generator.
7 §1145 Net metering safety standards
8 (a) A net metering system used by a customer-generator must meet all applicable
9 safety and power quality standards established by:
10 (1) The National Electric Code:
11 (2) Underwriter’s Laboratories, UL 1741; and
12 (3) The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, IEEE-929 and IEEE-
13 1547; and
14 (4) International Building Code.
15 (b) A utility may not require a customer-generator whose net metering system meets
16 the safety and quality standards to:
17 (1) comply with additional standards or requirements;
18 (2) perform additional tests or install additional controls, unless there is a
19 hazardous condition existing on the Utility’s System due to the operation of the
20 customer-generator’s net metering system, or there is an adverse electrical impact on the
21 electrical equipment of other Utility electric customers;
22 (3) purchase additional liability insurance, arising solely from the customer-
23 generator’s status as a customer-generator.
24 §1146. Billing
25

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1 (a) The billing period for net metering may be either a monthly period, a quarterly,
2 semi-annual or annual period as determined by the billing cycle of the Utility.
3 (b) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, the net energy
4 measurement must be calculated in the following manner:
5 (1) The utility shall measure the net electricity produced or consumed during
6 the billing period, in accordance with the established electric rate for that particular class
7 of service.
8 (2) If the electricity supplied by the utility exceeds the electricity generated
9 by the customer-generator which is fed back to the utility during the billing period, the
10 customer-generator must be billed for the net electricity supplied by the utility.
11 (3) If the electricity generated by the customer-generator which is fed back to
12 the utility exceeds the electricity supplied by the utility during the billing period, then
13 the energy delivered by the customer-generator to the utility must be credited to the
14 customer-generator’s account at the retail cost of the utility producing the amount of
15 energy. Any excess kwh generation by the customer is carried over as a credit from
16 month to month. At the end of each calendar year, or after termination of service, any
17 excess kwh credits are granted to the Authority by the customer without compensation
18 to the customer.
19 §1147. Utilization of renewable technologies by electric utility
20 (a) The Utility shall develop a plan to minimize dependence on one fuel source and
21 to ensure that the electric energy it sells to consumers is generated using a diverse range of fuels
22 and technologies where feasible and cost effective, including renewable technologies.
23 (b) Each electric utility shall develop and implement a ten-year implementation plan
24 to increase the efficiency of its energy generation. The plan must include provisions for an
25 increasing reliance upon renewable energies where they are available.
26

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1 Subtitle V – Research and Development
2 §1151. General goals of program
3 (a) In order to achieve the purposes of this chapter, the Director shall conduct
4 programs for energy research, development, demonstration and commercial application with the
5 general goals of –
6 (1) increasing the efficiency of all energy intensive sectors through
7 conservation and improved technologies;
8 (2) promoting diversity of energy supplies;
9 (3) decreasing the dependency of the Virgin Islands on imported fossil fuel
10 energy supplies; and
11 (4) improving energy security of the Virgin Islands.
12 (b) In carrying out this chapter, the Director shall implement programs and publish
13 reports that provide for:
14 (1) Energy efficiency for buildings, energy-consuming industries, and
15 vehicles;
16 (2) Electric energy generation, transmission and storage; and
17 (3) Renewable energy technologies, including wind power, photovoltaics,
18 solar thermal systems, geothermal energy, biomassed systems, hydrogen-fuelled
19 systems, biofuels and hydropower.
20 (c) In the preparation of the reports identified in subsection (b) the Director shall
21 solicit input from industry, institutions of higher education, and other public sources.
22 §1152. Reliance upon renewable energy technologies
23 (a) By January 1, 2020, 25 percent of the peak demand generating capacity of the
24 Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority must be derived from renewable energy technologies
25 as defined in title 30 V.I.C., section 46, subsection (m), and the percentage thereafter must

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1 increase until a majority of the generating capacity of the Virgin Islands Water and Power
2 Authority is derived from renewable or alternative energy technologies.
3 (b) Not later than January 1, 2009, the Virgin Islands Energy Office in conjunction
4 with the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority shall promulgate rules and regulations
5 pursuant to title 3 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 35, as necessary to administer and enforce this
6 Section. At a minimum, the rules and regulations must:
7 (1) establish the minimum annual renewable and alternative energy
8 requirement for the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority in a manner reasonably
9 calculated by the Virgin Islands Energy Office in conjunction with the Virgin Islands
10 Water and Power Authority to produce, on a territory-wide basis, compliance with the
11 requirement prescribed by subsection (a); and
12 (2) specify reasonable performance standards that all renewable and
13 alternative capacity additions shall meet to count against the requirement prescribed by
14 subsection (a) and that:
15 (A) are designed and operated so as to maximize the energy output
16 from the capacity additions in accordance with then-current industry standards;
17 and
18 (B) encourage the development, construction, and operation of new
19 renewable and alternative energy projects at those sites in the territory that have
20 the greatest economic potential for capture and development of the Virgin
21 Islands’ environmentally beneficial renewable resources.
22 §1153. Updating of Comprehensive Energy Plan of the Virgin Islands
23 (a) The Governor of the Virgin Islands shall facilitate the establishment of the
24 “Comprehensive Energy Plan of the Virgin Islands” as required by 48 USC 1492, in
25 conjunction with the Secretary of Interior and the United States Secretary of Energy.

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1 (b) The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority shall coordinate with the
2 Governor the reduction of dependence on energy imports to the maximum extent feasible and
3 the protection of power transmission and distribution lines from damage from hurricanes and
4 shall apply for available federal grant monies to bury power transmission and distribution lines.
5 The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority shall apply for the funds for feasibility studies
6 and project implementation authorized by 48 USC 1482 and report to the Governor and the
7 Legislature as to any local matching funds that may be required for the federal grants.
8 Subchapter VI Solar and Wind Energy Systems
9 §1154. Declaration of Findings and Policy
10 The Legislature declares that it is in the public interest to develop and expand solar and
11 wind energy systems to meet the present and future energy needs of the Virgin Islands. The
12 owner of a solar or wind energy system would be permitted to negotiate for assurance of the
13 continued access to the owner’s energy source. Zoning regulations would be promulgated by
14 the Commissioner of the Department of Planning & Natural Resources that would encourage
15 and protect renewable and alternative energy systems.
16 §1155. Definitions
17 (a) “Solar or Wind Energy Systems” means any system that converts, stores, collects
18 protects, or distributes the energy of the sun or wind into mechanical, chemical or electrical
19 energy to provide power generation for the heating of water, the heating of cooling of buildings
20 or other structures, and other similar purpose.
21 (b) “Small Wind Energy System” means a wind energy conversion system
22 consisting of a wind turbine tower, and associated control or conversation electronics, which
23 has rated capacity to be determined by regulation.
24 (c) “Utility Scale Energy System” means a wind energy conversation system
25 consisting of a wind turbine tower, and associated control or conversation electronics, which
26 has rated capacity above small wind energy system, to be determined by regulation.

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1 §1156. Prohibited Conveyances for Solar and Wind Systems
2 (a) any covenant, condition, or restriction contained in any deed, contract, mortgage,
3 security instrument, or other instrument pertaining to a conveyance, sale or transfer of real
4 property or interest therein which prohibits or unreasonably limits the installation or use of a
5 solar or wind energy shall be void and unenforceable.
6 (b) A covenant, condition, or restriction is considered “unreasonable” for the
7 purpose of this chapter of the covenant, condition or restriction increases the cost and expense
8 of the solar or wind energy system to its owner or user, or it decreases its efficiency, or
9 otherwise effectively discourages the installation or use of a solar or wind energy system.
10 §1157. Energy System Height Limitation
11 Notwithstanding the provisions of title 29 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 3, a tower used
12 in a solar or wind energy system is limited in height only by regulations for small wind energy
13 system and by FAA regulations for utility scale energy systems.
14 SECTION 3. (a) Any person, firm, or corporation that installs in the Virgin Islands or
15 that constructs in the Virgin Islands a renewable or alternative energy electric power or
16 production plant or device upon certification of the Virgin Islands Public Services Commission,
17 is exempt from the payment of excise taxes on the purchase of the plant, device or on materials
18 for the construction or installation of the plant or device and from gross receipts taxes imposed
19 the Government of the Virgin Islands on such person, firm or corporation for revenues derived
20 from such plant or device.
21 (b) Notwithstanding any other law to contrary, no customs duty may be collected on
22 the goods, merchandise or commodities enumerated in subsection (a) of this section.
23 SECTION 4. Title 33 Virgin Islands Code, section 2404 is amended by designating
24 subsection (c) as subsection (d) and adding a new subsection (c) to read:

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1 “(c) In computing the actual value of real property subject to taxation, the assessor
2 shall exclude any additional value that the construction or installation of a renewable or
3 alternative energy electric power production plant or device adds to the property’s taxed value”.
4 SECTION 5. The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority shall provide the Virgin
5 Islands Public Services Commission on or before October 31, 2009, or such earlier date
6 required by the Commission and not less than annually thereafter, available data sufficient to
7 enable co-generators and small power producers to estimate the Virgin Islands Water and Power
8 Authority’s avoided energy and capacity costs. The data must be made available to all qualified
9 facilities certified by the Commission and to the public.
10 SECTION 6. Within one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Energy
11 Office shall make an assessment of the renewable and alternative energy sources in the Virgin
12 Islands and review such assessments each year thereafter taking into account changes in
13 technology, current and emerging market trends and other relevant factors.
14 SECTION 7. (a) Not later than eighteen months after the date of enactment of this Act,
15 the Energy Office shall submit the report based on the assessment under SECTION 6 of this Act
16 to the Legislature. The Energy Office shall update the report at least every five years and make
17 it publicly available.
18 (b) The report must:
19 (1) Contain recommendations to foster, facilitate and encourage the
20 development of renewable and alternative energy sources where economically and
21 technically feasible, but especially in the areas of solar, biomass, wind and Ocean
22 Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC);
23 (2) Indicate costs of implementation and the details of any recommended
24 programs, and current and projected energy savings, including an analysis of restrictions
25 or impediments to their implementation;

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1 (3) State the results of a comparative analysis to determine the cost-benefit of
2 using a conventional water heating system or a solar water heating system. The analysis
3 must be based on the projected life cycle costs to purchase and operate the water heating
4 system.
5 (4) Detail the leadership by example of the Virgin Islands in energy
6 conservation and efficiency;
7 (5) Propose a policy framework for the use of energy efficient and
8 environmentally sustainable renewable and alternative energy sources in the Virgin
9 Islands as an option which can reduce the consumption of fossil fuel within the Virgin
10 Islands;
11 (6) and contain such other information as may be useful in developing
12 renewable energy sources in the Virgin Islands.
13 SECTION 8. The Virgin Islands Public Services Commission shall study and make
14 recommendations within one year of enactment of this Act, to the Governor and the Legislature
15 for additional legislation that would enhance the use of renewable and alternative energy in the
16 Territory, reduce the Territory’s dependency upon fossil fuels and protect the power
17 transmission and distribution lines from hurricane damage.
18 SECTION 9. Title 28 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 34, sections 1001, 1002, 1003,
19 1004, 1005 and1006 are repealed.
20 Bill Summary
21 Section 1 cites the short title of this act as “The Virgin Islands Renewable Energy Act of
22 2008”.
23 Section 2 outlines the policy for the chapter as encouraging renewable energy generation
24 by utilities, corporations and individuals.
25 It declares the Virgin Islands energy efficiency improvement goals.

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1 It authorizes the Energy Office to identify projects and strategies for lessening our
2 dependence on fossil fuels, conduct energy audits, and increase the use of renewable energy
3 sources.
4 Internal §1103 authorizes the Director to identify and initiate demonstration facilities
5 and projects which will encourage the use of renewable energy in the territory and attract
6 federal and other development funding.
7 Internal §1104 establishes the Interagency Advisory Committee and its duties. The
8 section directs the Committee to advise the Director of the Energy Office on matters pertaining
9 to renewable energy programs and resources.
10 Subchapter II. Establishes the Solar Energy Incentive Program
11 §1122 requires that, if life-cycle cost effective, at least 70% of the hot water demand for
12 each new or substantially modified construction be met through the installation and use of solar
13 hot water heaters.
14 §1123 instructs the Director, through the Bureau of Internal Revenue, to provide a rebate
15 to an individual or corporate taxpayer who installs an eligible solar energy system on their
16 premises.
17 §1124 instructs the Director, through the Bureau of Internal Revenue, to exempt, from
18 customs duty, equipment or component parts brought into the Virgin Islands for the purpose of
19 manufacturing solar water heaters or solar energy systems.
20 §1125 prescribes eligibility requirements for any taxpayer to claim a tax rebate under the
21 Solar Energy System Incentive Program.
22 §1126 outlines a schedule of tax rebate for a developer or individual who installs an
23 eligible solar energy system.
24 It requires the Director to establish a procedure for identifying eligible solar energy
25 projects.

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1 It establishes a process by which taxpayers shall apply for rebates, requires that the
2 information be kept confidential, and sets forth penalties for fraudulent claims.
3 §1127 directs the Director to establish an inventory of renewable energy sources, project
4 future sources, and sets a timeline for providing a report to the Legislature.
5 §1128 directs the Virgin Islands Career and Technical Education Program to establish a
6 training program for solar hot water systems.
7 Subchapter III states that the Government of the Virgin Islands will promote
8 leadership in energy efficiency and renewable energy use by example
9 Internal §1129 sets forth conservation requirements for government buildings, whether
10 leased or owned, and provides criteria for entering into or renegotiating existing leases by
11 government agencies.
12 The V.I. Energy Office is instructed to establish an “Energy-Efficient Fleet Management
13 Plan” whereby 50% of the fleet must be hybrid vehicles and all vehicles must meet national
14 standards for fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
15 §1130 Specifies goals and outlines standards whereby government agencies shall
16 practice leadership in energy efficiency as it relates to vehicle fuel consumption, minimum
17 octane fuel, and maintenance.
18 It authorizes the Director to assist expediting renewable energy permits and gives the
19 Commissioner discretion to waive permit fees.
20 Subchapter IV. Establishes the “Net Metering Act”
21 Internal §1142 expresses the policy and purpose of the Legislature as it relates to Net
22 Metering, to be the encouragement of private investment, economic stimulation, and conformity
23 with Federal energy policies.
24 §1143 provides specific definitions relating to net metering.
25 §1144 sets forth standards for the utility for net metering availability as to the quantity
26 of customers, type of meter, meter installation, and fees.

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1 §145 describes power quality standards that must be met.
2 §1146 requires a specific process to be followed for the measurement and billing of net
3 metering.
4 Subtitle V. directs the Director to establish a program of research and development
5 based on general goals that include efficiency, diversity, decreased dependency, and Virgin
6 Islands energy security.
7 The Director is mandated to solicit community input.
8 In internal §1152, WAPA is directed to meet a timeline for achieving 25% generating
9 capacity from renewable energy technologies.
10 The Public Services Commission is directed to promulgate rules and regulations.
11 In §1153 the Governor is directed, as required by 48 USC 1492, to update the
12 Comprehensive Energy Plan of the Virgin Islands in collaboration with WAPA.
13 Section 3 of the bill releases individuals or companies from excise taxes on electrical
14 plant equipment and from Gross Receipts taxes derived from renewable energy systems.
15 Section 4 of the bill prohibits an increase in property values based on renewable energy
16 installations.
17 Section 5 of the bill directs WAPA to submit to the PSC available data sufficient to
18 enable co-generators and small power producers to estimate WAPA’s avoided energy and
19 capacity costs. The data must be made available to all qualified facilities certified by the
20 Commission and to the public
21 Section 6 of the bill directs the Energy Office shall make an assessment of the renewable
22 energy sources in the Virgin Islands and review such assessments each year thereafter.
23 Section 7 of the bill directs the Energy Office to submit a report to the Legislature on
24 recommendations to foster, facilitate and encourage the development of renewable energy
25 sources where economically and technically feasible, but especially in the areas of solar,
26 biomass and wind.

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1 Section 8 of the bill directs the PSC study and make recommendations to the Governor
2 and the Legislature for additional legislation that would enhance the use of renewable energy in
3 the Territory, reduce the Territory’s dependency upon fossil fuels and protect the power
4 transmission and distribution lines from hurricane damage.
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