The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a reallocation of up to $365 million to support Puerto Rico’s electric grid, aiming to improve reliability and affordability for the island’s 3.2 million residents. The funds will be administered by DOE’s Grid Deployment Office through the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA), focusing on repairs and emergency measures that strengthen grid stability and critical infrastructure.
Puerto Rico’s power system has experienced persistent challenges due to deferred maintenance, mismanagement, and severe weather events, resulting in frequent outages and increased costs for families and businesses. In response, President Trump issued Executive Order 14156, directing resources toward enhancing the island’s energy infrastructure.
U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright stated, “For too long Puerto Ricans have endured instability in their power system with outages and inflated costs. The Department of Energy is putting the needs of Puerto Rico’s residents first and taking decisive action to restore reliability, protect essential services, and build an energy future they can depend on.”
Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González-Colón emphasized the importance of reliable electricity for economic development efforts on the island: “A reliable, secure electric system is essential to meet citizens’ basic needs and promote economic development, including our initiatives to bring manufacturing back to Puerto Rico and revitalize the American industrial base. Since day one, President Trump and Secretary Wright have recognized this, making it a priority to support our efforts to stabilize the island’s power grid and prevent future outages. The Department of Energy’s $365 million award is further proof of this commitment. These funds will help support emergency activities to increase grid reliability and repair generation assets, delivering immediate results that will benefit all 3.2 million Americans in Puerto Rico.”
The funding comes from the Puerto Rico Resilience Fund (PR-ERF). It was initially awarded by the Biden Administration in December 2024 for rooftop solar projects scheduled for construction in 2026 but has now been redirected following DOE’s May announcement. This change aims to provide more immediate benefits by expanding access to reliable electricity across a broader segment of Puerto Rico’s population.
DOE officials indicated ongoing collaboration with Governor González-Colón and local energy authorities as part of continued efforts to stabilize Puerto Rico’s power supply.
