The U.S. Department of Energy announced Puerto Rico will be granted more than $7.4 million through the Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grants as part of President Joe Biden's Investing in America agenda. Managed by DOE's Grid Deployment Office and backed by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this funding will be directed toward the modernization of Puerto Rico's electric grid according to a news release.

"Access to reliable, affordable energy is akin to a basic right, and for too long Puerto Ricans have borne the burden of an unreliable grid," U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm said in the release. "Thanks to President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, more funding is coming to Puerto Rico to help modernize its electric infrastructure and enhance energy resiliency all while creating good paying jobs in support of the commonwealth’s goal of 100% renewable energy."

The government of Puerto Rico reportedly plans to leverage the allocated funding with a strong focus on uplifting disadvantaged communities and addressing their specific energy needs. The release indicated a significant portion of the funds will be channeled into providing resilient and cost-effective electricity solutions to rural and remote areas, fortifying their resilience against adverse weather and natural disasters.

Additionally, the initiative aims to create job opportunities and offer training programs within these communities, equipping residents with valuable skills to participate in the renewable energy sector and maintenance of energy infrastructure. This approach seeks to foster inclusive socio-economic growth while building a more sustainable and self-sufficient energy landscape in Puerto Rico, according to the release.

These funds are part of the much larger Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grants. The release claims that, since May 2023, more than $354 million has been distributed to strengthen and revitalize electrical grids around the nation.