The BVIEC Solar STEP Programme has attracted over 250 homeowners for the implementation of solar systems, the BVIEC's Public Relations and Marketing Media Manager, Kamal Haynes, has disclosed. Photo: Facebook

The BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) Solar Technology Energy Programme (STEP) provides British Virgin Islands homeowners with solar power systems at little or no upfront cost. This initiative aims to offer a more affordable and environmentally friendly energy solution for residents. Photo: Internet source

Kamal Haynes, the Public Relations and Marketing Media Manager of BVIEC, revealed these figures during the Ujoma programme on Thursday, October 23, 2025, hosted by Cromwell Smith, also known as 'Edju En Ka', on ZBVI 780 AM.

He stated that the number of participants has increased from May 2025 to now, saying, "We saw numbers, jumping from May 29th from 203, we would have had that that particular time, to 257, this was the latest figures I would have received last week."

Significant increase in applicants

The Solar Technology Energy Programme provides Virgin Islands homeowners with solar power systems at little or no upfront cost.

Haynes noted that the significant increase in applicants is noteworthy and explained that this initiative is different from others, where individuals might sign up for minimal benefits. 

He also stated that STEP is one of those initiatives that takes into consideration the views of other household members. "Households have to come together to decide, well, this is the step you want to move forward with, and it's like, to get this amount of people interested in that short period of time, it spoke volumes to the interest."

Misconceptions

Mr Haynes mentioned too that more marketing is needed for the programme because there have been misconceptions regarding how it operates. "They heard a buzz regarding Solar and BVIEC, but they didn't quite understand what it entailed."

Haynes explained that this initiative is a joint partnership between the Ministry of Communication and Works and BVIEC, where BVIEC covers 50% of the overall cost, and the remaining 50% is financed.

"The customer would then, based on the entire cost of the assessment, you would pay to your respective terms, 3 to 5 years, in terms of paying back, all of the system is insured as well, so that if anything does happen, in that period of time, you're compensated and the items are replaced," Haynes concluded.