After two years of debate and planning, Puerto Rico finally appears positioned to re-create its electric grid with microgrids and renewable energy, mandated in a new utility integrated resource plan (IRP). The mandate came from the Puerto Rico Energy Bureau, the island’s chief energy regulator, in late August. Utility IRPs are guiding … [Read more...]
Scrutiny Begins of New Energy Resource Plan Issued by Puerto Rico’s Utility
June 11, 2019 By 3 Comments
The Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) issued a revised integrated resource plan (IRP) late last week in the latest move to redesign the island’s grid to avoid a repeat of the massive power outages brought by Hurricane Maria. Like its earlier version, the new plan segments the island into eight minigrids but incorporates more … [Read more...]
Puerto Rico’s Utility Calls for Making the Island into Eight Minigrids
February 5, 2019 By 5 Comments
Puerto Rico’s utility is calling for segmenting the island's electrical grid into eight minigrids, myriad microgrids and installing more energy storage than is now in all 50 US states. The concept is outlined in a draft integrated resource plan (IRP) that the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) plans to finalize and submit to … [Read more...]
We Want Sun: A 100% Renewable Puerto Rico?
October 8, 2018 By 1 Comment
US energy researchers and a group of energy, public policy and labor interests in Puerto Rico last week issued a plan to put the island on a path towards 100 percent renewable energy. With power costs at 23 cents/kWh, it makes economic sense to develop generation that's not subject to fossil fuel price volatility and long power outages, … [Read more...]
Why and How Puerto Rico Must Prioritize Distributed Energy Resources
August 31, 2018 By 2 Comments
IEEFA's Cathy Kunkel argues that Puerto Rico should employ Integrated Resource Planning (IRP) that prioritizes cost-effective distributed energy resources over imported natural gas. Puerto Rico has a historic opportunity to rebuild its electrical system and phase out its obsolete oil-fired generation in favor of a much more decentralized and … [Read more...]
“We Want Microgrids Everywhere,” says Puerto Rico’s Gov. Rosselló
July 6, 2018 By
“We want microgrids everywhere,” said Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rosselló in a recent discussion of his Energy 2.0 plan and a future that allows citizens to choose whether they want to stay on the grid or leave it. Part of his "New Vision for Puerto Rico" speech at the Aspen Ideas Festival June 26, Rosselló's remarks signaled the continued … [Read more...]
Puerto Rico – Pioneer in Microgrids
December 13, 2017 By Leave a Comment
Mahesh Bhave, of BHAVE Power Systems, says that the entire world stands to benefit as Puerto Rico gives full policy attention to microgrids and confronts fundamental questions about electricity policy. The Puerto Rico Energy Commission deserves praise for raising the right and important questions about the future of electricity on the … [Read more...]
New York and Puerto Rico Propose $1B for Microgrids in Post-Maria Rebuild
December 12, 2017 By 2 Comments
Officials from New York and Puerto Rico yesterday urged Congress to approve more than $1 billion for microgrids as part of a $94.4 billion package they are proposing to rebuild the island. Announced by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rosselló, the plan comes as more than 30 percent of the island remains without power … [Read more...]
