The U.S. Department of Energy has redirected $365 million initially allocated for solar projects in Puerto Rico to bolster the island's failing power grid, igniting criticism as hurricane season looms. This funding, which was meant for battery-operated solar systems to assist healthcare facilities and vulnerable residents, experienced delays in finalization. Critics, including local officials and organizations, argue this move jeopardizes residents’ access to reliable power and distracts from ongoing issues with Puerto Rico's electrical infrastructure, which has a significant budget already allocated for improvements.
That money was spring loaded to flow now, said Javier Rúa Jovet, public policy director for Puerto Rico's Solar and Energy Storage Association. He and others criticized the move.
This is shameful, Democratic New York Rep. Nydia Velázquez wrote on X, noting that the funds were meant to serve the most vulnerable. Republicans have turned their backs on those who need it most, just 1 week before the start of hurricane season, she wrote.
Pretending that reallocating these funds will make any immediate difference on the stability of the electric grid, when the grid already has an $18 billion allocation, is just a way to distract from the real consequences of their decision. Puerto Rico deserves better, said Frankie Miranda, the federation's CEO and president.
The Department of Energy said in a statement that the money would now be used to support technologies that improve system flexibility and response, power flow and control, component strength, supply security, and safety.
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