Medically vulnerable residents in the US Virgin Islands will soon have access to portable battery backup systems as part of a new effort to help households that depend on electricity for critical health needs during power outages.

Lieutenant Governor Tregenza Roach announced on June 15 that the Virgin Islands Energy Office (VIEO) has started distributing the backup systems through the Virgin Islands Resiliency Gateway Program (VIRG), a resiliency initiative aimed at strengthening emergency preparedness across the territory.

The announcement was made during the weekly Government House briefing, where Roach was joined by Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency Director Daryl Jaschen and VIEO Deputy Director Michael Jaffurs for updates on hurricane preparedness, emergency response and energy resilience.

The move comes as Virgin Islanders have dealt with multiple blackouts in recent weeks.

Jaffurs said the first phase of the VIRG programme’s distribution has begun, with qualifying residents receiving portable battery systems from EcoFlow or Anker, along with a 400-watt foldable solar panel.

The systems are designed to be easy to use, requiring no installation, producing no fumes and allowing residents to recharge them either through a standard electrical outlet or through solar power during daylight hours.

VIEO has partnered with the Department of Human Services and community organisations to identify residents who may qualify. Eligibility is based on Virgin Islands residency, medical vulnerability and a documented need for electricity to support medical or health-related needs.

Those eligible may include residents who rely on oxygen therapy, Bi-PAP machines, CPAP devices for severe sleep apnea, home ventilation systems, tracheostomy support, feeding tubes, LVAD heart devices, refrigerated medications and other essential medical equipment.

VIEO staff have started contacting identified residents to confirm their information, medical equipment needs and addresses to arrange delivery.

Roach said the initiative reflects the government’s focus on putting practical measures in place to protect residents before and during 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,” Roach said.

“As we move through 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.”