The U.S. government announced a $325 million investment in solar and battery storage installations across Puerto Rico to address the territory's persistent power outages. The program, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, aims to equip community centers, healthcare facilities, and common areas in subsidized, multi-family housing with renewable energy sources.

U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm emphasized the critical need for reliable power during emergencies during her visit to the island. The announcement follows widespread frustration over frequent outages that have left millions without power. The situation is particularly dire for those relying on medical equipment such as oxygen, refrigerated insulin, and dialysis machines.

In June, a significant outage affected 10,000 customers in Santa Isabel, with another incident leaving 350,000 customers without power, prompting Governor Pedro Pierluisi to order an investigation. Luma, the private company managing power transmission and distribution, has faced backlash over failed attempts to address these issues, including the installation of a faulty mega transformer.

Puerto Rico's power grid remains fragile nearly seven years after Hurricane Maria. The island's renewable energy generation has increased from 3% to 9% since the storm, largely due to private rooftop solar installations. However, the island still faces high electricity rates, now 41% above the U.S. average.

Additionally, the Department of Energy announced an $861 million loan guarantee for the construction of two solar photovoltaic farms in Guayama and Salinas. Prior to her visit to Puerto Rico, Granholm also allocated $100 million to the U.S. Virgin Islands for fuel storage facilities, addressing similar power reliability issues.

Source: nbcwashington.com