Fleming Defends Budget, Highlights Efficiency as VIEO Manages Over $120 Million in Energy Grants

Director Kyle Fleming assured lawmakers of strong federal partnerships and efficient grant drawdowns as the V.I. Energy Office oversees projects totaling over $124M, but some senators still pushed for a 10-20% budget reduction.

The V.I. Energy Office is requesting $1,556,951 from the general fund to effectively manage some $124,295,846 in federal grants.

Kyle Fleming, the Office’s director, appeared before the Committee on Budget, Appropriations, and Finance to defend that request on Tuesday. The general fund appropriation includes $875,609 for personnel costs and another $402,695 is earmarked for fringe benefits. The Energy Office anticipates spending $241,347 on other services, $23,300 for supplies and $14,000 on utilities.

Committee chair Senator Novelle Francis queried the status of the federal funds VIEO will administer. According to Mr. Fleming, “we were certainly on our toes in January or in early February when there was widespread pausing of funding.” Fortunately, “all of our critical funds, everything that we've had awarded, has been reopened.” The Energy Office was most concerned about a $62 million grant for its Solar For All program.

Mr. Fleming assured lawmakers that engagement with federal partners has been “arguably, even stronger than it was before.” He is confident that “everything that's been put back in place should remain as is.”