What do the Solomon Islands, Tonga, Vanuatu, and the US Virgin Islands have in common? 

Wikipedia just published its 2013 list of Electricity pricing around the world and, sadly, the US Virgin Islands made it into the top 4 most expensive 'countries' (even though we are part of the good old USA, the US Virgin Islands is listed separately) around the world.

No one should be surprised that the cost of electricity is more expensive on St John or St Thomas than the mainland USA, but should it be more than 4 times as expensive? And more than 4 times as expensive as another Caribbean island (Jamaica)? Well, it is. Often guests at rental villas wonder what drives up the rental rates. Electricity has long been a huge part of the operating cost for rental villas (and an overwhelming cost for businesses like restaurants).  

For a long time we have tried to minimize the electrical costs at our St John villa, Great Expectations. With the goal of cutting down our electric bills, over the last several years we have installed 33 solar photo-electric panels on the roofs of Great Expectations.  We also have 3 solar panels which heat our hot water. In addition to reduce consumption, we have installed energy efficient pool pumps, 12 hour timers for air-conditioners, and energy efficient appliances.  Our goal is to be as GREEN as possible since doing so is good for the environment and good for our guest's pocketbook.

The full list can be viewed on Wikipedia, but here are a few of the highlights and highs and lows around the world: