More than 40+ organizations, businesses and churches have asked Congress to approve $5 billion in necessary spending to strengthen Puerto Rico’s energy grid. They sent a letter asking for funding to update Puerto Rico’s aging energy system.
“It’s been five years since Hurricane María and we’re still suffering from constant blackouts,” said David Ortiz, Solar United Neighbors Puerto Rico Program Director. “It’s time to fix this problem. Solar energy and battery storage is the solution. This will save Congress billions of dollars in the future, every time we get hit by a hurricane.
Puerto Rico’s energy grid remains poorly managed, centralized and vulnerable to catastrophic failure when major hurricanes hit. The system relies on expensive fossil fuel plants and aging transmission lines.
If this system fails, it can leave communities without electricity for weeks at a time. Previous funding efforts have focused on rebuilding existing infrastructure. It keeps the same weak system in place.
Solar and storage systems can withstand storms and provide continuous electricity. This is why these groups are asking Congress to fund a new, better power system. The money in the request will pay for rooftop solar and battery storage systems to benefit low-income and vulnerable households. It will also fund solar and storage for non-profit organizations and municipalities. These large systems will serve as part of community resilience projects.
“Puerto Ricans from all walks of life want a solution to this life-threatening energy crisis,” Ortiz said. “We hope that Congress will decide to support this bill.”
News item from Solar United Neighbors
