U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has announced the appointment of Michael Jaffurs as acting director of the Virgin Islands Energy Office (VIEO). Jaffurs, who has served as the agency’s deputy director, succeeds Kyle Fleming and will oversee ongoing efforts to expand renewable energy, improve energy efficiency and help Virgin Islanders access programs that can reduce energy costs and strengthen resilience.
Jaffurs brings years of experience in the Energy Office’s operations, federal energy programs and partnerships, providing continuity as the Territory works to make its energy infrastructure more affordable, reliable and sustainable.
“Energy affordability and reliability remain among the biggest challenges facing Virgin Islands families, and the Energy Office has an important role to play in addressing them,” Governor Bryan said. “Michael understands the agency, the programs it administers and the people those programs are intended to serve. He has been directly involved in the work, and I am confident in his ability to provide steady leadership, maintain momentum and keep the focus on delivering meaningful results for the people of the Virgin Islands.”
As deputy director, Jaffurs has helped advance several of the Energy Office’s initiatives, including programs that expand access to renewable energy technologies, promote energy efficiency, strengthen emergency preparedness and support the Territory’s transition toward greater energy independence.
His experience includes work on the Virgin Islands Energy Storage Rebate Program, which helps residents and businesses offset the cost of installing battery backup systems. He has also represented the agency in public discussions involving electric transportation, energy resilience and emerging technologies.
Jaffurs has been involved in the Virgin Islands Resiliency Gateway Program, an initiative that provides portable battery backup systems to medically vulnerable residents who depend on electricity for essential health and safety needs.
He also served as principal investigator for the Energy Office’s federally funded 2024 Priority Climate Action Plan, an initiative focused on identifying opportunities to reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency and support long-term energy planning across the Territory.
Governor Bryan also acknowledged Fleming’s service as director of the Energy Office.
“I thank Mr. Fleming for his service to the Government of the Virgin Islands and wish him well in his future endeavors,” Governor Bryan said.
The Energy Office plays a central role in coordinating local and federally supported initiatives involving renewable energy, energy conservation, transportation electrification and energy resilience. Its programs help residents, businesses and public institutions adopt technologies that can lower energy expenses and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels.
As acting director, Jaffurs assumes immediate responsibility for overseeing these programs, managing the agency’s ongoing initiatives and working with federal and local partners to ensure that available energy resources and funding continue to benefit the Territory.
The Bryan-Roach Administration remains focused on expanding access to affordable energy solutions, strengthening the Territory’s resilience to power disruptions and creating opportunities for greater long-term energy independence.
For information about Energy Office programs and available assistance, residents may visit www.energy.vi.gov.
###
Comments are closed