Energy Office to Deliver Backup Battery Systems; Burn Ban in Effect

M.A. Dworkin

St. Thomas - The Virgin Islands Energy Office has begun distribution of portable battery backup systems to medically vulnerable residents through the Virgin Islands Resiliency Gateway Program (VIRG), a major resiliency initiative designed to help residents who depend on electricity for critical health and safety needs. 

The announcement was made during the weekly Government House Press Briefing held on St. Thomas, where Acting Governor Tregenza A. Roach, Esq. was joined by Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Director Daryl Jaschen and Virgin Islands Energy Office (VIEO) Deputy Director Michael Jaffurds for updates on hurricane preparedness, emergency response, energy resiliency and  public safety. 

VIEO Director Jaffurs said the distribution phase of the VIRG Program has begun. Through the program, qualifying residents will receive an EcoFlow or Anker portable backup battery system paired with a 400-watt foldable solar panel. The systems are designed to be plug-and-play, require no installation, produce no fumes and can be recharged through a standard electrical outlet or with the included solar panel during daylight hours. 

The program is focused on medically vulnerable households that rely on electricity to operate essential medical equipment or preserve medication. The VIEO has partnered with the Department of Human Services and community organizations to identify residents who may qualify for assistance. 

Eligibility is based on Virgin Islands residency, medical vulnerability and a documented need for electricity to support critical medical or health-related needs.         

Residents identified for the program include those who rely on chronic oxygen therapy, BiPAP machines, CPAP devices for severe life-threatening apnea, chronic home ventilation, tracheostomy support, feeding G-tubes, LVAD heart machines, refrigerated medications, 24-hour wound vac systems and those who are bed bound. 

VIEO staff members have begun contacting identified residents to confirm contact information, medical device needs and physical addresses to facilitate delivery. 

Acting Governor Roach said the start of the VIRG distribution phase reflects the Administration’s continued focus on practical resiliency measures that protect residents before, during, and after emergencies. 

“This program is about making sure some of our most vulnerable residents have a safer and more reliable option when the power goes out,” said Acting Governor Roach. “As we move through the hurricane season, resiliency cannot be an abstract idea. It has to reach people in their homes, especially those whose health depends on access to electricity.”

Director Jaschen also provided an update on hurricane preparedness and current fire safety conditions in the Territory. He addressed the Red Flag Warning issued for St. Croix on Saturday, explaining that a Red Flag Warning means weather and environmental conditions are favorable for the rapid ignition and spread of wildfires or brush fires. Mr. Jaschen said a Territorial Burn Ban will remain in effect until further notice. The ban applies to all open fires, including campfires, bonfires, trash burning, yard debris and brush burning. Residents and visitors are reminded that a permanent Burn ban also remains in effect on Water Island.

As hurricane season continues, Director Jaschen encouraged residents to take proactive steps before any storm threatens the Territory. He emphasized that preparedness begins well before a storm approaches and urged residents to inspect roofs, secure shutters, clear yards, and ensure emergency supplies are stocked.

“Residents should review their household emergency plans, check their supplies and make sure they know where to get accurate information,” said Director Jaschen.