ENERGY

“Puerto Rico needs a clear vision and a strong and strategic change in the environmental-energy policy for our prosperity and for future generations.”
~ Governor Luis Fortuño

Energy fuels our lives and our economic engine.  It is essential to have an affordable, sustainable, and efficient supply of energy to continue powering Puerto Rico in the 21st century.

Right now, the Island is heavily dependent on oil-derived fuels for electricity generation (approximately 70% of supply).  This over-reliance is both expensive and bad for the environment.  Because Puerto Rico is committed to creating a low carbon economy with affordable energy prices, it must aggressively develop renewable sources of energy.  Puerto Rico is beginning this process, but there is a long way to go.

Another key issue that could impede offshore energy development is the fact that Puerto Rico’s coastal waters are not part of the outer continental shelf.  Although Puerto Rico has the ability to site renewable energy projects within nine nautical miles of its coastline, areas further out are off limits for development.

The Role of Federal Legislation in Helping Puerto Rico Achieve its Renewable Energy Goals

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) provides funding in several areas that help promote renewable energy and energy efficient technologies.  This includes:

• $ 37 million in funding for Puerto Rico’s state energy program – Provides grants to state energy offices from DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE).  The Puerto Rico Energy Affairs Administration has quite a bit of flexibility on how these funds are used.
• $ 48.9 million in grants for weatherization to improve the energy efficiency of low income homes.
• $33.98 million in funding for the energy efficiency conservation block grant program for state and municipal governments.

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