Puerto Rico power grid funding rerouted from solar to grid resiliency

Published 21/05/2025, 20:32
Puerto Rico power grid funding rerouted from solar to grid resiliency

Investing.com -- The Trump administration announced on Wednesday that it will divert $365 million, previously allocated for Puerto Rico’s power grid to support rooftop solar power and battery storage, to other uses. The decision comes as the U.S. territory continues to grapple with widespread power outages, a result of its deteriorating infrastructure, the 2017 bankruptcy of the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, and a series of devastating hurricanes.

Just a month ago, the island experienced a blackout that affected the whole territory, followed by another outage impacting 134,000 customers. The Department of Energy (DOE) has stated that the redirected funds will aim to "expand access to reliable power for millions of people rather than thousands and generate a higher return on investment for taxpayers while advancing grid resiliency for Puerto Rico."

The DOE did not provide immediate details about the new destination for the funds initially intended for solar power. Last week, however, Energy Secretary Chris Wright issued an emergency order instructing Puerto Rico’s state-owned utility to address the ongoing electricity shortfalls on the island by utilizing electricity from oil-burning power plants, despite their emission of pollution and greenhouse gases.

The funds for solar power projects were awarded in late 2024, with construction expected to commence in 2026.

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