Biden’s Initiatives Boost Puerto Rico’s Energy Resilience Post-Hurricane Fiona with $1 Billion Fund and Solar Programs

After Hurricane Fiona struck in October 2022, President Joe Biden visited Puerto Rico and committed to using federal technical support to enhance the island’s electric grid.

In December 2022, he signed the Fiscal Year 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act, which allocated $1 billion to create the Puerto Rico Energy Resilience Fund (PR-ERF). This fund aims to invest in renewable and resilient energy infrastructure, supporting Puerto Rico’s goal of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2050. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) launched the PR-ERF in February 2023 to address the energy costs and grid resilience issues faced by Puerto Ricans.

During the summer of 2023, the DOE announced funding opportunities for the new Programa Acceso Solar, designed to provide low-income households in Puerto Rico with subsidized rooftop solar panels and battery storage. This initiative invites solar companies, nonprofits, energy cooperatives, and government entities to apply for federal funding. Additionally, the DOE introduced the Solar Ambassador Prize to empower organizations in Puerto Rico to help identify and assist eligible households for solar and battery installations. Currently, 14 selected solar ambassadors are actively working to reach out to qualifying households.

The Programa Acceso Solar and the Solar Ambassador Prize represent the initial phase of PR-ERF funding. In July 2024, the DOE unveiled the second phase, the Programa de Comunidades Resilientes (Resilient Communities Program), aimed at enhancing energy resilience for community healthcare facilities and shared spaces in subsidized multifamily housing. These PR-ERF initiatives will be implemented over the coming years, with ongoing support from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). NREL has played a crucial role in determining eligible homes for solar installations, facilitating outreach, and shaping the funding structure. Project manager Caleigh Isaacks has led efforts to develop and manage the prize since its inception, including conducting webinars and training sessions. “The impact of the Programa Acceso Solar will be incredible,” NREL Project Lead Mike Campton said. “Thousands of people will be able to access reliable and affordable electricity for their homes. I am incredibly proud to say that NRELians played a huge role in delivering this positive impact to Puerto Ricans.”

“It is truly special to be a part of such an important project,” Isaacks said. “The team’s efforts in collaborating with local community-based organizations for outreach and directly assisting homeowners across Puerto Rico are critical to rebuilding the grid there.”