Article

The U.S. Energy Department has canceled solar projects in Puerto Rico, impacting initiatives worth millions aimed at assisting 30,000 low-income families. The department cited concerns over reliability in the electric grid, stating that increased distributed solar power has caused instability.

Javier Rúa Jovet from Puerto Rico's Solar and Energy Storage Association countered, noting that solar power supports around 200,000 families and generates approximately 1.4 gigawatts daily. The cancellation includes three programs, one valued at $400 million, designed for low-income homes and those with medical needs.

The Energy Department plans to reallocate up to $350 million for grid improvements. These solar projects were part of a $1 billion fund initiated by Congress in 2022 to enhance energy resilience post-Hurricane Maria, which devastated the island's infrastructure.