Fleming exits energy post; Jaffurs steps in as Bryan's term nears end

Kyle Fleming has departed from leading the Virgin Islands Energy Office as Governor Albert Bryan Jr.'s administration prepares for its final months. Michael Jaffurs, who held the deputy director post, will take over in an acting capacity, Government House said on Friday.

No public explanation was given for Fleming's exit. Governor Bryan expressed appreciation for Fleming's work but focused his announcement on Jaffurs' readiness for the role.

"Energy affordability and reliability remain among the biggest challenges facing Virgin Islands families, and the Energy Office has an important role to play in addressing them," Bryan said. "Michael understands the agency, the programs it administers and the people those programs are intended to serve. He has been directly involved in the work, and I am confident in his ability to provide steady leadership, maintain momentum and keep the focus on delivering meaningful results for the people of the Virgin Islands."

Jaffurs brings hands-on experience across the office's portfolio. He has worked on the Virgin Islands Energy Storage Rebate Program, which assists residents and businesses in covering costs for battery backup installation. He has also contributed to the Virgin Islands Resiliency Gateway Program, supplying portable battery systems to medically vulnerable residents whose health depends on reliable power supply. Additionally, Jaffurs led the Energy Office's federally funded 2024 Priority Climate Action Plan as principal investigator, a project aimed at cutting emissions and boosting energy efficiency.

The Energy Office manages renewable energy, conservation, transportation electrification and energy resilience efforts, drawing on both local and federal resources. Shifts in leadership during transitions between administrations are standard practice, as new governors typically build their own administrative teams. Bryan is completing his second consecutive term and cannot run for a third. A new administration will take office in January 2027.