Puerto Rico, an enchanting archipelago of 3.26 million people, is grappling with a challenge that extends beyond the impact of natural disasters, reaching into the daily lives of its residents. Frequent power outages have become a common thread, disrupting everything from healthcare services to the operation of businesses. The resilience of its energy grid has become a pressing concern, prompting President Biden to initiate a comprehensive effort. Entrusting Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm to lead the Puerto Rico Grid Recovery and Modernization Team, the administration aims not only to repair the failing grid but also to accelerate the transition to clean energy. As the islanders navigate the economic and health consequences of unreliable electricity, a $1 billion Puerto Rico Energy Resilience Fund has been established to provide reliable and affordable power, starting with the most vulnerable communities.

The Struggle:

The struggle for consistent and reliable electricity is vividly illustrated by stories like Crystal Díaz’s from Cayey. For an 800-family community, the cost of operating a business triples during blackouts, disrupting daily life and posing economic challenges. Despite promises from the utility company Luma Energy, which took over in 2021, conditions have not improved. Thousands protested last fall, leaving damaged refrigerators at the governor’s mansion in Old San Juan. The island’s electricity rates are soaring, standing at more than double the U.S. average, further exacerbating the economic burden.

The frustrations are shared across the island, from the mountains to the coastal areas. In the mountains, as Crystal Díaz notes, even a slight breeze can lead to power outages. The fragility of the energy grid attracts national attention during major weather events, such as hurricanes, but for Puerto Ricans, power outages are a constant presence. Jennifer Granholm, Energy Secretary, visited Puerto Rico multiple times, hearing firsthand from residents like Díaz. Their stories range from neighbors having to choose between paying for electricity or buying food to mothers scrambling to find fuel to power generators for their children’s medical equipment.

“No other place in the country has this kind of horrible electric system. It’s just not right,” Granholm expressed during her visit. “This island needs to have a full-on effort to be able to repair the grid.”

Identifying Critical Infrastructure:

To strengthen energy resilience, the first step is identifying residents with the greatest need. Vulnerable households, especially those with the elderly or individuals reliant on medical equipment, are scattered across the archipelago. A study revealed that 200,000 households went without power for more than five months after Hurricane Maria. Marcel Castro, an electrical engineering professor, emphasized the need to redefine critical infrastructure, highlighting the importance of alternatives like rooftop solar and backup battery systems.

These alternatives provide a rapid and direct solution to the critical need for reliable power in households. Rooftop solar and backup battery systems offer a decentralized approach, empowering individuals to generate and store their electricity. Since Hurricane Maria, the installation of photovoltaic (PV) systems across the archipelago has increased tenfold. However, the technology remains beyond reach for many due to its cost. A complete system can range from $30,000 to $35,000, posing a financial challenge for an island where the median annual income is $21,967.

Microgrids also emerge as an attractive solution. In Castañer, a town nestled in the mountain ranges, solar microgrids power seven businesses and two neighboring homes. Business owners benefit from lower electricity bills and the comfort of knowing that backup batteries will keep them open for eight to 10 hours after an outage. This not only ensures stability for businesses but also allows residents to plug in phones and refrigerate medicines during outages. The success of such models lies in stabilizing communities, ensuring access to essentials, and creating a network that fosters resilience.

Community-Driven Solutions:

Puerto Ricans are not just grappling with problems; they’re actively contributing to solutions. In town halls and industry round tables, residents are advocating for decentralized, community-centric energy systems. Microgrids, exemplified by Castañer, offer a local solution by powering businesses and homes during outages. The success of such models lies in stabilizing communities, ensuring access to essentials, and creating a network that fosters resilience.

Residential Solutions:

Barrio Eléctrico in Isabela exemplifies a residential approach, offering PV and battery-storage systems as a service. This nonprofit initiative has attracted U.S. investors, leveraging federal solar tax credits to provide affordable solutions. Residents benefit from reduced electricity bills and a system that remains maintained by the organization. This model, if scaled, could significantly impact the lives of thousands.

The Biden administration’s Puerto Rico Energy Resilience Fund holds promise but faces challenges. If solely dedicated to single-family rooftop systems, it might only cover a fraction of the population. Community-driven models, emphasizing collaboration and leveraging federal funding, could offer a more sustainable approach. Additionally, addressing damaged homes and infrastructure is crucial. A holistic strategy should include repairing homes, investing in workforce training, and ensuring access for all.

Challenges and Considerations:

However, challenges exist. The Puerto Rico Energy Resilience Fund, if solely dedicated to single-family rooftop systems, might only cover a fraction of the population. Community-driven models, emphasizing collaboration and leveraging federal funding, could offer a more sustainable approach. Additionally, addressing damaged homes and infrastructure is crucial. A holistic strategy should include repairing homes, investing in workforce training, and ensuring access for all.

Earning Trust and Moving Forward:

A 125-year colonial relationship with the United States and chronic inaction by local and federal governments have fostered skepticism and mistrust of government assistance. In every town hall, people raised concerns about trust. “How do you measure that this was really for the people?” a woman asked Granholm in Adjuntas. “Because in my experience, other interests enter that don’t care about people.” “We need to earn your trust,” Granholm responded. “The proof will be in the pudding.”

The department plans to start seeking proposals by summer and aims to fund them by the end of the year. If the resilience fund fulfills its promise, it will help bring energy sovereignty to people across the archipelago. That would save lives. It would also relieve people of the anxiety of wondering when the next interruption will come.

Conclusion:

The journey toward energy sovereignty and resilience in Puerto Rico is both a collective effort and a testament to the resilience of its people. With the Puerto Rico Energy Resilience Fund as a catalyst, the island has the potential to not only weather the storms but also create a sustainable, community-driven energy future. The ultimate goal is not just reliable power but a transformed, empowered Puerto Rico where residents can sleep in peace, free from the anxiety of unpredictable interruptions. As the islanders actively participate in shaping their energy future, there’s hope for a brighter, more resilient Puerto Rico.