SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm expressed the urgent need for increased power generation capabilities in Puerto Rico during her recent visit, especially in light of the territory’s ongoing recovery from a significant blackout. This trip marked Granholm’s final official engagement on the island, amid growing concerns surrounding the future of Puerto Rico’s fragile power grid and the potential resources it may see under the incoming Trump administration, which has appointed a leader with a background in fossil fuels for the energy secretary role.
Granholm highlighted that since Hurricane Fiona struck the island in September 2022, Puerto Rico has faced 232 power outages predominantly due to inadequate power generation. Despite the U.S. Department of Energy’s multi-million dollar investments in solar initiatives, which have established over 1,200 megawatts of new renewable energy capacity, only about half of the installed generation capacity is currently operational.
The relationship between Granholm and Puerto Rico’s political leaders has shown signs of strain. While former Governor Pedro Pierluisi viewed her as an ally, the newly inaugurated Governor Jenniffer González, who aligns with Trump, openly dismissed Granholm, choosing not to attend the press event. González expressed skepticism about Granholm’s visit, claiming it appeared more like a photo opportunity than a genuine effort to address pressing issues. She notably called for a focus beyond mere appearances to tackle the underlying challenges confronting the energy sector.
In her remarks, González also took issue with the U.S. government’s handling of funding for the power grid, citing that $18 billion earmarked for electrical infrastructure remains unreleased. Granholm clarified in response that the Department of Energy does not control these funds, as it is FEMA that oversees the allocation of disaster relief resources.
Granholm outlined that $6 billion in federal funding has been committed to rebuilding the grid since Hurricane Maria devastated it in September 2017, a Category 4 storm. Of the more than 440 projects submitted to FEMA for review, 200 have received approval, with 125 currently under construction. Yet, despite these efforts, the island continues to experience frequent power outages, a situation that was starkly highlighted on December 31 when a widespread blackout affected the 3.2 million residents just before the New Year celebrations.
Javier Rúa Jovet, the public policy director for Puerto Rico’s Solar and Energy Storage Association, voiced concerns regarding the energy outlook under the incoming Trump administration. He praised the Department of Energy’s support for renewable energy under Granholm’s leadership while expressing anxiety about the sustained investment in the grid. He underscored the point that Puerto Rico’s grid restoration heavily depends on federal funds from FEMA and warned that without continued financial commitment, the future of the grid could be jeopardized.
As Puerto Rico aims to shift away from a reliance on fossil fuels — which currently account for 93% of its energy supply — the recent nomination of Chris Wright, a fossil fuel executive, as the new energy secretary has raised additional concerns. The island, frequently subjected to hurricanes, is trying to transition towards renewable energy sources. According to a 2019 public policy act, Puerto Rico has set ambitious targets to meet 40% of its electricity needs through renewables by 2025, 60% by 2040, and 100% by 2050.
This evolving energy scenario depicts a landscape fraught with challenges as Puerto Rico navigates its recovery while striving for a sustainable energy future amidst political and administrative shifts at the federal level.
