Sunita Somvanshi
In a major shift that affects millions of Puerto Ricans, the U.S. Department of Energy announced it will redirect $365 million away from planned solar power projects to instead fix the island’s struggling power grid. This money was originally meant to install solar panels and batteries at health clinics and public housing.
The timing of this change has sparked heated debate, as it comes just days before hurricane season begins on June 1st. Reports indicate nine hurricanes are anticipated this season, with four of them expected to be major storms.
Power Problems Hit Close to Home
Puerto Rico’s power troubles aren’t new. The island has faced repeated blackouts, including two major ones recently – one on December 31st and another on April 16th that caused an island-wide outage. These outages affect everything from home life to critical medical care.
Currently, most of Puerto Rico’s power comes from oil-burning plants (60%), with natural gas (24%), coal (8%), and renewable energy (7%) making up the rest. Only about 117,000 homes and businesses have solar panels installed.
Money Shift: What Changes?
The redirected funds will now go toward:
- Fixing old power lines and equipment
- Clearing trees and plants near power lines
- Supporting existing power plants
The Energy Department says this change will help more people faster. “The redirection of these funds will expand access to reliable power for millions of people rather than thousands,” they stated.
Mixed Reactions from Leaders
Puerto Rico’s Governor Jenniffer González supports the change. She believes it will help all 3.2 million residents instead of just “a few customers.”
Similar Posts
But solar energy supporters strongly disagree. “That money was spring loaded to flow now,” said Javier Rúa Jovet from Puerto Rico’s Solar and Energy Storage Association. He argues that “nothing is faster and better than solar batteries” for providing reliable power.
Frankie Miranda of the Hispanic Federation raised concerns about helping vulnerable communities. He pointed out that $18 billion in federal money is already set aside for grid improvements but hasn’t been spent yet.
New York Representative Nydia Velázquez called the decision “shameful,” noting it affects those who need help most, especially with hurricane season approaching.
What This Means for Puerto Rico
The change raises questions about Puerto Rico’s energy future. The island aims to use 100% renewable energy by 2050. Right now, this shift means relying more on existing power plants while working to make the current grid more stable.
The Energy Department says upgrades will focus on making the power system more flexible and safer. Meanwhile, other solar programs continue, including $450 million for home solar panels in rural areas and for people with medical needs.
For Puerto Ricans who’ve dealt with unreliable power for years, the core issue remains simple: keeping the lights on and essential services running, especially during hurricane season.
