Transforming Puerto Rico’s energy system

A holistic approach for healthier, safer and more prosperous communities — thanks to clean, affordable, reliable electricity

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People in Culebra, a small and supportive island community about 20 miles off Puerto Rico’s eastern coast, are often hit first and worst by Atlantic hurricanes. As the climate warms, those storms are increasingly destructive.

Dependent upon an aging, unreliable power grid and with limited resources to update it, Culebra’s roughly 1,700 residents face longer, more frequent power outages. 

EDF partnered with the community to lead a residential solar and battery storage project to provide safer and more reliable electricity to the island municipality, so the lights stay on no matter what hurricane season brings. Reliable electricity means families can keep food from spoiling, medical devices working and essential services running even during power outages. 

This local, community-driven initiative is helping Puerto Rico make progress toward the goals set on the Puerto Rico Energy Public Policy Act, which requires that 100% of the archipelago's energy come from renewable sources by 2050. 

Through this project, EDF and its community partners seek to facilitate access to solar panels and backup batteries, reduce energy costs for participating residents and keep essential appliances and infrastructure running during outages 

An island ready for what’s next 

EDF’s work centers on advancing a community-driven, local solar and battery storage project in Culebra. We also support partners who develop and implement innovative climate solutions to drive systemic change – addressing the challenges that Puerto Rico’s current power grid poses, particularly for people across the archipelago who face greater risk due to aging infrastructure, poverty, or limited access to reliable electricity.  

With the right policies and support for programs and projects led by local leaders and experts, Puerto Rico can transform its centralized electric system and develop a new model for providing residents with clean, reliable, secure and affordable electricity. 

Collaboration among diverse sectors is necessary to help the island stay on track to source 100% of its electricity from renewables by 2050 and to meet the needs of its residents, businesses, and communities impacted by climate change. 

Energy reform 

The electric utility’s long-term energy plan, known as the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), was amended and approved with public participation by Puerto Rico's energy regulator in August 2020. It provides a roadmap for the archipelago to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2050. It also includes recommendations offered by EDF and several other environmental and community partners to prioritize clean and locally-produced energy, while rejecting new investments in natural gas-powered plants. 

The IRP is up for renewal this year, and EDF will work to strengthen the plan and oppose efforts to slow down the transition to clean and affordable energy.

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