The Biden-Harris Administration has made significant strides in supporting Puerto Rico's energy infrastructure recovery and modernization. Efforts have included unlocking disaster funding, implementing investments under the Inflation Reduction Act, and enacting the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. These measures aim to enhance energy access, improve grid reliability, and create jobs while addressing the needs of vulnerable communities.
The administration has accelerated Puerto Rico's grid reconstruction following Hurricane Maria by releasing billions in disaster recovery funds previously restricted between 2017 and 2020. Since 2021, collaboration with Puerto Rican authorities has led to critical projects enhancing grid resilience. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has allocated over $6 billion for nearly 200 projects aimed at improving grid reliability, including smart meter replacements and battery storage systems.
Additionally, FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Program has provided $7.6 billion for future disaster resilience projects. This includes a microgrid system for Vieques and Culebra to minimize power outage impacts for over 9,000 residents.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) authorized over $2.8 billion in Community Development Block Grants to address energy needs in impacted areas and low-income communities. A portion supports PREPA’s cost-share requirement for FEMA funding, while the remainder aids rooftop solar capacity deployment in underserved regions.
President Biden’s Investing in America agenda supports these efforts through legislation like the American Rescue Plan, which provided aid during COVID-19 impacts. The Inflation Reduction Act offers clean energy tax credits to local entities in Puerto Rico for the first time.
EPA awarded $156 million through the Solar for All grant program to develop solar programs benefiting low-income communities. Other initiatives include DOE’s Loan Programs Office financing solar energy facilities with loan guarantees totaling over $1 billion.
DOE established the Puerto Rico Energy Resilience Fund with $1 billion from the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 to invest in resilient renewable infrastructure for vulnerable communities. Initiatives like Programa Acceso Solar provide solar systems to low-income households reliant on electricity-powered medical devices.
Community-Sponsored Installations received $40 million for residential solar systems across various regions. Programa de Comunidades Resilientes allocated $365 million for installations serving community healthcare facilities and public housing centers.
The administration promotes equitable energy solutions through programs encouraging diversity and local innovation. USDA invested over $24 million in grants supporting rural business energy improvements.
Overall, federal efforts aim to add over 1,000 MW of new renewable capacity and battery storage to Puerto Rico's grid, significantly enhancing its resilience against future storms while fostering economic growth.
