Solar Setbacks, Political Pivots, and Community Power Plays

Welcome to Connect Puerto Rico,

We’re a monthly newsletter tracking the people, policies, and projects shaping Puerto Rico’s renewable energy development.

We break down what’s happening, what’s not, and what you can do about it.

In This Issue

• DOE Reverses Course on Solar Funds

• Gonzalez Touts Jobs, Energy Overhaul

• Co-op Powers Mountain Town With Solar Resilience

• LUMA Offers Credits for Cutting Load During Emergencies

DOE Reverses Course on Solar Funds for Puerto Rico

📰 What Happened?

The U.S. Department of Energy is redirecting $365 million — originally set aside for solar and battery projects at clinics and public housing in Puerto Rico —toward repairs for the island’s aging power grid. The change comes days before hurricane season begins. (Associated Press)

💡 Why It Matters

The funds were meant to support decentralized energy for medically vulnerable populations. Critics say the shift, praised by Gov. Jenniffer González, undermines solar expansion and delays direct relief. Puerto Rico already faces energy shortfalls, unspent FEMA funds, and worsening grid failures.

🔍 What to Watch

• Will this reduce outages or reinforce dependence on fossil fuels?

• Who will oversee how the funds are spent, and how transparently?

• What does this signal about federal support for solar in Puerto Rico?

🛠️ Ways to Take Action

• Local: Ask your municipality how grid repair priorities are being set and whether local solar projects are affected

• Federal: Monitor updates from the DOE’s Puerto Rico Energy Resilience Fund

• Civic / Community: Follow Queremos Sol and other coalitions advocating for community solar equity

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González Touts Jobs and Energy Overhaul Plan

📰 What Happened?

Gov. Jenniffer González Colón pledged to improve Puerto Rico’s power grid and economy in her first major public address since taking office. (Associated Press)

She criticized LUMA and reiterated her promise to cancel their contract. She also promised to create jobs, support small businesses, and push federal agencies for faster disaster recovery.

💡 Why It Matters

The speech outlined González Colón’s top priorities as: restoring reliable electricity service, addressing frequent outages, and boosting local employment.

🔍 What to Watch

• How her administration addresses LUMA’s performance

• What new initiatives support job creation and small businesses

• Whether federal agencies respond to her calls for faster action

🛠️ Ways to Take Action

• Local: Follow updates from the Governor’s Office and el Centro de Periodismo Investigativo

• Federal: Track grid oversight via the Puerto Rico Energy Bureau

• Civic / Community: Support civic groups like Hispanic Federation and El Puente

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