News

US Virgin Islands Mulls Post-HOVENSA Energy Options With Federal Officials

By: Caribbean Journal Staff - March 2, 2012

Above: the discussions in Washington (Photo: OG)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

With the closure of the HOVENSA refinery in February, the US Virgin Islands lost its main source of gasoline, jet fuel, diesel and propane.

The change led the territory, which is not connected to any larger power grid, to discuss the possibility of soliciting support from the federal government to develop an inter-connected power grid with Puerto Rico in Washington meetings last week.

The HOVENSA refinery was the largest in the Caribbean, and had been in St Croix since 1966.

On Wednesday, an energy solution for the territory was the subject of discussions between Governor John de Jongh and officials from the US Department of Energy.

The two sides broached the possibility of converting combustion turbines to fire natural gas in the territory, along with the aforementioned interconnection with Puerto Rico.

De Jongh was joined by Chief of Staff Pamela Berkowsky, Attorney Robert G Smith, WAPA Executive Director Hugo Hodge and VI Bureau of Economic Research Director Wharton Berger.

The US Virgin Islands pays some of the highest energy rates in the United States.

Popular Posts antigua catherines cafe

The 25 Best Best Beach Bars in the Caribbean for 2025, From Aruba to St Barth to Eleuthera  

You can find the perfect island. You can book the perfect hotel. But your vacation hasn’t really begun until you pull up to your chair with an ice-cold cocktail at the perfect Caribbean beach bar. For all of the wonders […]


The 25 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the Caribbean for 2025, From Beach Hotels to Private Hideaways to Overwater Bungalows

all-inclusive resorts caribbean

Today’s travelers want experiences. They want great food. They want authenticity. They want thoughtful service. But if you’re been following the travel industry in the last half-decade, you know that what today’s travelers really want are all-inclusive resorts. The all-inclusive […]


Hyatt Is Closing This Riviera Maya Resort, With Plans for a Rebranding

riviera maya resort closing

Hyatt is closing one of its top luxury resorts in the Mexican Caribbean in a few months, with plans for a rebranding, Caribbean Journal has learned.  The Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya, one of a trio of properties in the […]


Related Posts virgin voyages

Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady Just Got a “Glam Up," With 24 New Luxe Suites

It’s one of the hottest cruise brands going right now: the adults-only Virgin Voyages, Sir Richard Branson’s extremely successfully foray into the cruise industry.  Now the brand’s original ship, which first made its debut in 2021, just got an upgrade: […]


JetBlue Has a New Flight to a Caribbean Island With Uncrowded Beaches, Historic Towns and a Buzzing Food Scene 

st croix us virgin islands

A buzzing food scene that includes some of the best restaurants in the Caribbean. Copious, uncrowded beaches. Colorful, charming downtowns with centuries of history. If you haven’t been to St Croix in the US Virgin Islands, you’re missing out on […]


Why You Need to Visit St Croix in the US Virgin Islands This Christmas 

st croix carambola

It’s the biggest, best Christmas party in the Caribbean: Crucian Christmas, the legendary annual festival on St Croix in the US Virgin Islands. It’s a weeklong celebration that towers over every other holiday party in the region — and it’s […]