The Issue

Puerto Rico has faced an ongoing energy crisis that has only intensified since the devastation caused by Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. The hurricanes destroyed much of the island’s antiquated electrical grid, sparking an opportunity to rebuild a cleaner, more resilient energy system. However, six years later, Puerto Rico’s energy infrastructure remains fragile, plagued by frequent blackouts, high electricity costs, and dependency on fossil fuels. The recent transfer of management to LUMA Energy, a private consortium, has only highlighted these issues, as the company has been criticized for poor performance, increased tariffs, and lack of accountability.

Puerto Rico’s reliance on an outdated, centralized, and fossil-fuel-based energy grid has caused prolonged suffering for residents, who are subject to unreliable service and some of the highest energy rates in the United States. With the island’s abundance of natural resources, particularly solar and wind, we have a chance to create a decentralized, renewable energy grid that can provide sustainable power for all Puerto Ricans and pave the way for energy independence. Yet, progress has been limited by bureaucratic challenges and a lack of cohesive support.

Why This Matters

 1. Environmental and Health Concerns: Burning fossil fuels has increased pollution levels, negatively impacting the health of Puerto Ricans, particularly in low-income communities located near old power plants.

 2. Financial Burden on Residents: With energy prices 30% higher than the mainland U.S., residents are financially burdened, contributing to the exodus of families and businesses from the island.

 3. Ineffective Management: LUMA Energy, which took over grid management in 2021, has faced criticism for inadequate performance, power outages, and lack of transparency. Their focus on profits over service has contributed to deteriorating service and increased public frustration.

 4. Increased Climate Vulnerability: As climate change leads to more extreme weather events, Puerto Rico needs an energy infrastructure that can withstand hurricanes and other natural disasters. A renewable energy grid offers greater resilience and adaptability.

Our Vision for Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico has the potential to be a leader in clean, renewable energy in the Caribbean. By investing in solar and wind power, battery storage, and decentralized energy systems, Puerto Rico can reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, lower energy costs, and provide reliable power to all its residents. This vision will require collaboration between federal, local, and private entities, as well as transparency and accountability from those managing Puerto Rico’s energy systems.

What We Demand

 1. Increased Federal Oversight of LUMA Energy: LUMA should be held accountable for its service failures. Independent audits and public reports should be conducted regularly to ensure LUMA is meeting performance standards and prioritizing Puerto Rican residents over profit.

 2. Transition to Renewable Energy: Implement a plan to transition at least 50% of Puerto Rico’s energy to renewables by 2035, with benchmarks to ensure accountability. Funding should prioritize solar and wind installations, especially in remote areas where centralized energy access is challenging.

 3. Incentives for Renewable Energy Development: Provide tax credits and financial assistance to households and businesses investing in renewable energy and battery storage, particularly for low-income communities and rural areas.

 4. Investment in Grid Resiliency: Allocate funds to create a decentralized grid with microgrids, which would allow communities to produce and store their own energy independently, increasing overall grid resilience and reducing dependency on centralized power plants.

 5. Support for Community-Owned Energy Projects: Empower local communities to create and manage their own renewable energy projects, particularly through cooperatives and public-private partnerships that focus on sustainable development and community reinvestment.

Puerto Rico can rise again, green and sustainable, as a beacon of renewable energy in the Caribbean. Join us in demanding action from our leaders to support a resilient, clean, and affordable energy future for Puerto Rico. Sign this petition to stand with the people of Puerto Rico in calling for the necessary reforms to their energy infrastructure.