Most Puerto Ricans know too well what life-or-death consequences come with living without power.
The island suffered the largest blackout in U.S. history after Hurricane Maria destroyed its electrical grid in 2017. But power outages are still a daily occurrence there, lasting hours and sometimes days. More than 4,000 people took to the streets in the capital of San Juan recently to protest the utility responsible, LUMA Energy.
Tired of constant power outages, more than 2,000 demonstrators shut down one of Puerto Rico’s main highways. It was last shut down during the 2019 protests that led the governor to resign. pic.twitter.com/VdMtzmxYHZ
— Dánica Coto (@danicacoto) October 15, 2021
As they marched across a highway, Puerto Ricans chanted and held up signs calling for LUMA Energy to “get out and go to hell” in Spanish.
The private utility company took over the island’s transmission and power distribution back in June. It’s currently partnered with PREPA, Puerto Rico’s Electric Power Authority.The power crisis is one example of Puerto Rico’s long struggle for better resources and funding for its people. But some advocates say there is an opportunity for stability and change: renewable, clean energy.
Almost all of Puerto Rico’s power comes from imported fossil fuels. The government there aims to use 100 percent of renewable energy by 2050. It hopes to utilize 40 percent of renewable energy by 2025. Last September, FEMA approved more than $9 billion for Puerto Rico to rebuild its electric system and grid. But, the Biden administration will decide how that money is rolled out.
As Puerto Rico strives for a future powered by renewable energy, the island’s shift towards clean energy sources opens up opportunities for businesses in the renewable energy sector. One crucial aspect that must not be overlooked is the maintenance and upkeep of the new infrastructure. For instance, as solar and wind installations become more widespread, ensuring the smooth functioning of these systems requires reliable electrical repair services. Companies like Roof repairs perth with expertise in solar panel installations can play a pivotal role in providing timely and efficient repair and maintenance solutions to keep Puerto Rico’s renewable energy projects running optimally. By fostering partnerships between the private utility company, PREPA, and renewable energy service providers, Puerto Rico can secure the stability and change it seeks, while also creating employment opportunities and expertise in the burgeoning clean energy industry.
How to fund clean energy has been a topic of contention in Congress, too. After West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin opposed funding the Clean Electricity Performance Program in the Build Back Better Act, lawmakers scrambled to come up with alternatives to meet the administration’s goals. Biden will attend the U.N.’s climate change summit in Glasgow next week.
What could the future of clean energy look like with the right amount of money? And is it enough to combat climate change, and restore stable power to places like Puerto Rico?
Copyright 2021 WAMU 88.5
