Puerto Rico's struggle to modernize its electrical grid, despite substantial federal funding, is hindered by outdated infrastructure, privatization and bureaucratic inefficiencies.
Marlowe Starling reports for Sierra Magazine.
In short:
- Despite $14 billion in federal funds allocated for grid transformation, implementation lags, leaving the island vulnerable to frequent blackouts.
- Privatization of the grid has led to decreased reliability and higher costs, as private companies prioritize profits over public service.
- Advocates push for decentralized renewable energy solutions, yet progress is slowed by political and financial obstacles.
Key quote:
“It’s frustrating for the people here to see that they thought that this was a big opportunity for improvement, and it’s the same. We’re still working with these big companies. . . . We’re still reliant upon someone else.”
— Lorena Vélez Miranda, attorney for Earthjustice
Why this matters:
Puerto Rico’s outdated and unreliable grid not only jeopardizes lives during storms but also threatens economic stability. A shift to decentralized, renewable energy could provide long-term resilience and self-sufficiency for the island.
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