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...]
Puerto Rico’s Utility Calls for Making the Island into Eight Minigrids
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?
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
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
“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...]