U.S. DOE Launches $325 Million Program To Enhance Energy Resilience In Puerto Rico

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has unveiled its plans to offer a $325 million funding opportunity through the new Programa de Comunidades Resilientes, an initiative backed by the Puerto Rico Energy Resilience Fund (PR-ERF). This program aims to bolster energy resilience at the community level for vulnerable populations across Puerto Rico by supporting the installation of solar and battery storage systems.

U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “The Biden-Harris Administration has proven its commitment to helping thousands of Puerto Rican households access affordable solar and battery storage, but households aren’t the only place you need power during and after an emergency. Through the Programa de Comunidades Resilientes, we’re expanding solar access to community healthcare facilities and subsidized multifamily housing, helping bring resilience and safety to even more families on the Island.”

The funding, which is part of the $1 billion allocated for the PR-ERF established by President Biden in December 2022, will be distributed to improve energy resilience for two main types of community infrastructure:

1. Community Healthcare Facilities: Between $70 million and $140 million will be awarded to enhance energy resilience for federally qualified health centers, dialysis centers, and diagnostic and treatment centers.
2. Multi-Family Housing Properties: Between $93 million and $185 million will be allocated to support energy resilience solutions for community centers and common areas within publicly or privately owned multi-family housing properties that are subsidized by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This includes powering common spaces and critical infrastructure like elevators.

Applicants can be individual entities or teams based in Puerto Rico capable of managing solar and battery storage deployments across multiple sites. The program also builds on the Programa Acceso Solar, which was launched in February 2024 to connect low-income Puerto Rican households with subsidized residential solar and battery storage systems.