Current:Home > BackUS announces $440 million to install solar panels on low-income homes in Puerto Rico-InfoLens
US announces $440 million to install solar panels on low-income homes in Puerto Rico
View Date:2024-12-23 12:04:20
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — The U.S. Department of Energy announced Thursday that it will disburse $440 million to install solar panels on low-income homes in Puerto Rico as the U.S. territory struggles with ongoing power outages and a crumbling electric grid.
Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, who is visiting Puerto Rico for the sixth time this year, said the department has selected a group of nonprofits and solar companies for the project, which will target up to 40,000 homes. Eligible households would be located in impoverished communities that experience frequent power outages or have a person with a disability that depends on power, such as a dialysis patient.
Granholm said $400 million will be awarded to three solar companies and $40 million to five nonprofit organizations. The first installations are expected to start by early next year, according to the Department of Energy.
“Right now, Puerto Rico is number five in the country in terms of per capita of solar installations. We want it be number one,” she said.
The announcement is the newest push to help Puerto Rico lessen its dependence on fossil fuels and a disintegrating electric grid neglected for decades before it was razed by Hurricane Maria in 2017 and battered by Hurricane Fiona last year. Both storms caused island-wide blackouts, and while emergency repairs were made to the electric grid at the time, reconstruction from Hurricane Maria only started earlier this year.
“I am impatient with the grid,” Granholm said. “Half of your generation facilities are not working.”
In December 2022, the U.S. Congress approved $1 billion to help restore Puerto Rico’s grid while the U.S. government formed a task force charged with improving the grid’s resilience and deployment of resources.
Earlier this year, the U.S. government shipped three mega generators to supply emergency power generation amid ongoing outages.
Petroleum generates 97% of electricity in Puerto Rico, with the governor pledging to obtain 40% of power from renewable resources by 2025 and 60% by 2040.
veryGood! (6764)
Related
- Why California takes weeks to count votes, while states like Florida are faster
- Inflation eased in October as cheaper gas offset overall price increases
- Rescue operation to save 40 workers trapped under a collapsed tunnel in north India enters 3rd day
- Ford opens exclusive Bronco Off-Roadeo courses to non-owners for first time
- Jerry Jones lashes out at question about sun's glare at AT&T Stadium after Cowboys' loss
- It wasn't always the biggest shopping holiday of the year. Why is it called Black Friday?
- Peppermint Frosty is back at Wendy's: Here's how to get one for free this week
- What is trypophobia? Here's why some people are terrified of clusters of holes
- Why Outer Banks Fans Think Costars Rudy Pankow and Madison Bailey Used Stunt Doubles Amid Rumored Rift
- His 3,600 mile, Washington-to-Florida run honored vets. But what he learned may surprise you.
Ranking
- ‘Maybe Happy Ending’ review: Darren Criss shines in one of the best musicals in years
- Arby's debuts new meal inspired by 'Good Burger 2' ahead of movie's release on Paramount+
- Prince William's Earthshot Prize Awards held to honor companies addressing climate crisis
- Why thousands of UAW autoworkers are voting 'no' on Big 3's 'life-changing' contracts
- Deebo Samuel explains 'out of character' sideline altercation with 49ers long snapper, kicker
- 86-year-old man dies after his son ran over him repeatedly at a Florida bar, officials say
- 'Good Burger 2' star Kel Mitchell thanks fans after hospitalization, gives health update
- South Dakota hotel owner sued for race discrimination to apologize and step down
Recommendation
-
Bev Priestman fired as Canada women’s soccer coach after review of Olympic drone scandal
-
Which grocery stores are open Thanksgiving 2023? What to know about Kroger, Publix, Aldi, more
-
New 'NCIS: Sydney' takes classic show down under: Creator teases release date, cast, more
-
New York City Mayor ducks questions on FBI investigation, but pledges to cooperate with inquiry
-
Denver district attorney is investigating the leak of voting passwords in Colorado
-
Man dies after being shot in face by fellow bird hunter in Iowa
-
House blocks Alejandro Mayorkas impeachment resolution
-
South Dakota hotel owner sued for race discrimination to apologize and step down