Solar Projects on Hold, FEMA Not Ready, and Storms Are Coming

Welcome to Connect Puerto Rico,

We cover how U.S. policy, business decisions, and infrastructure plans shape Puerto Rico’s energy development and disaster recovery.

This month, we’re tracking:

🚨Federal emergency declared for Puerto Rico’s grid
🌧️ Flooding & emergency aid delays
⚡ Solar funding pulled mid-deployment
🆘 FEMA’s readiness report leaked
⚖️ Climate lawsuit dropped

We explain what happened — and what you can do next.

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DOE Declares Energy Emergency in Puerto Rico

📌 What Happened?

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued emergency orders under Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act to address Puerto Rico’s grid instability on May 16. The declaration authorizes immediate federal intervention to stabilize Puerto Rico’s fragile power system.

The DOE also announced a full review of $365 million allocated for solar and battery storage projects from the resilient communities program under the $1 billion Puerto Rico Energy Resilience Fund. (U.S. Department of Energy)

💡Why It Matters

This may be the most direct federal acknowledgment to date that Puerto Rico’s energy crisis is a national emergency. DOE officials cited threats to public safety and access to basic services. The move could shift how energy resilience funds are allocated — and who decides.

🔍 What to Watch

How will the emergency orders be implemented on the ground? Will local officials, community organizations, and residents be involved in shaping next steps?

🛠️ Ways to Take Action

• Follow DOE updates on how the emergency orders are applied.

• Monitor how resilience funds are reviewed and redirected.

• Ask local leaders how they’ll ensure public input.

Weeks of Rain Leave Puerto Rico Flooded

📌 What Happened?

Puerto Rico extended a state of emergency to 10 towns after two weeks of rain caused landslides and flooding, killing two people.

One man drowned in floodwaters; another died when a tree fell on his car during a landslide in Toa Baja. San Juan, Cidra, Vega Alta, and Aguas Buenas were among the hardest hit.

Damages exceeded $10 million, but towns are only receiving $100,000 each in emergency funds (Associated Press).

💡Why It Matters

Local leaders say they’re underfunded and overwhelmed, facing collapsed roads, broken water systems, and isolated neighborhoods. With FEMA’s disaster fund nearly empty, many may face recovery alone as hurricane season begins June 1.

🔍 What to Watch

Will leaders push for long-term climate-resilient infrastructure and federal support?

🛠️ Ways to Take Action

• Call your reps and demand emergency FEMA funding for Puerto Rico.

• Support groups like Brigada Solidaria and ConPRmetidos.

• Ask local leaders: What’s the flood plan? Is it working?

Puerto Rico Governor Pulls Support for Solar

📌 What Happened?

Gov. Jenniffer González is under fire after withdrawing support for $365 million in federal solar grants intended for Puerto Rico’s health clinics and public housing.

The U.S. Department of Energy missed a contract deadline and hasn’t communicated with awardees. The grants were part of over $1 billion in federal clean energy funding for the island. (Associated Press).

💡Why It Matters

The funds were meant to deliver battery-backed solar systems to vulnerable communities before hurricane season. Redirecting them toward grid infrastructure instead could leave those most at risk without reliable power.

🔍 What to Watch

Will the federal government reassign the funds? Will local leaders push to restore support for distributed solar?

🛠️ Ways to Take Action

• Ask local officials where solar deployment stands.

• Support groups like Hispanic Federation and Solar United Neighbors.

• Urge officials to involve communities in clean energy planning.

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