PLASKETT AND USVI LEGISLATURE ADVOCATE FOR RELIABLE ENERGY SOLUTIONS AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland

August 1, 2024 202-808-6129

Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett and the Legislature of the Virgin Islands continue to advocate for reliable energy solutions and technical assistance in the U.S. Virgin Islands amid a power outage rotation schedule, power generation capacity and distribution challenges, and outdated equipment.

Earlier this month, Congresswoman Plaskett hosted United States Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm and professional staff from the U.S. Department of Energy and White House staff in the Virgin Islands. During this visit, Secretary Granholm, Congresswoman Plaskett, and staff conducted a site tour of the Randolph Harley power plant on St Thomas. This was followed by roundtable discussions with local government officials and private stakeholders on how to create a more resilient and reliable energy grid, which can provide affordable, reliable power to the people of the Virgin Islands. During her visit, Secretary Granholm called the power reliability issues "unacceptable" and relayed the willingness of the U.S. Department of Energy to provide technical assistance.

Following the roundtable, Congresswoman Plaskett hosted a summit on St Croix entitled, 'A Reimagined Virgin Islands' to convene local and federal partners along with the private sector for a discussion of impactful insights and best practices for infrastructure rebuilding and energy issues of the Virgin Islands. Attendees were engaged and came up with next steps and plans to convene again to mark progress.

"Seven years ago, our community's infrastructure was devastated by Hurricanes Irma and Maria, leaving our critical infrastructure decimated.

"Out of devastation came the opportunity to transform our territory and rebuild our critical infrastructure in a more resilient manner with profound funding from the federal government," said Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett.

Throughout the roundtables with Secretary Granholm and the subsequent 'A Reimagined Virgin Islands'summit, there was clear agreement between federal agencies, local agencies, and the 35^th Legislature of the Virgin Islands that the modernization of the electrical grid and water system will yield the production of reliable, affordable, sustainable energy.

Following the events hosted by Congresswoman Plaskett, Senators Milton Potter, Donna Frett-Gregory and Samuel Carrion, worked collaboratively to advance Bill 35-0311 to mandate the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA) to submit a proposed modernization plan to the Legislature of the Virgin Islands within 270 days. The plan must outline steps and a timeline for implementing upgrades to the electrical grid after receiving technical assistance from several relevant federal agencies. The bill passed unanimously (14-0 with one member absent)and will go to Governor Bryan for consideration.

Congresswoman Plaskett is honored to work as a convener and applauds the Legislature of the Virgin Islands for their timely legislative response, and for their collaboration with her office during the visit of Secretary Granholm and her team.

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