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Puerto Rico Update: Evolving Renewable Generation Plans

Posted by Jeffrey Karp on 6/27/19 5:13 PM

By: Jeffrey Karp and Maxwell Unterhalter

Nearly two years following hurricanes Irma and Maria, challenges remain as Puerto Rico seeks to develop a cleaner and more resilient power grid. In November 2018, we discussed the evolving renewable energy situation in Puerto Rico as proposals for 100% renewable generation appeared stalled in its legislature. Half a year later, Puerto Rico has passed a new law that calls for implementing aggressive renewable energy goals.

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Topics: Solar Energy, Renewable Energy, Puerto Rico

The Role of Renewable Energy Remains Uncertain in Transforming Puerto Rico's Electrical Grid

Posted by Jeffrey Karp on 11/30/18 12:36 PM

By Jeffrey Karp and Kevin Fink

Over a year has elapsed since Hurricane Maria devastated the island of Puerto Rico, which, in addition to claiming thousands of lives, destroyed Puerto Rico’s electrical infrastructure. As discussed in prior postings, a number of factors have contributed to the delay in restoring and upgrading the electrical grid, including contract mismanagement by the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority ("PREPA") and the lack of a consensus approach regarding the energy mix to be deployed on the Island.

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Topics: Renewable Energy, Puerto Rico, Hurricane Maria

Puerto Rico Update: A Busy Week as House Committee Holds Hearing on PREPA Oversight and Reform, and PREPA Reaches Preliminary Agreement with Bondholders

Posted by Jeffrey Karp on 8/6/18 4:18 PM

By Jeffrey Karp

As discussed in our posting covering continuing challenges to rebuild Puerto Rico’s electrical grid, the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (“PREPA”) has inhibited the recovery and redevelopment of the Island’s energy system. On July 25, 2018, the U.S. Congress House Committee on Natural Resources held an oversight hearing to discuss the “Management Crisis at the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority and Implications for Recovery.” A panel of five witnesses – Bruce Walker (U.S. Department of Energy, Assistant Secretary of the Office of Electricity), Eduardo Bhatia (Puerto Rico Senate Minority Leader) and three energy and infrastructure advisors and consultants[1] – were present to testify and answer legislators’ questions. Puerto Rico’s Governor Ricardo Rosselló also was invited, but chose not to attend.

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Topics: Microgrid, U.S. House of Representatives, Puerto Rico, privatization

Puerto Rico: The Continuing Challenge to Rebuild the Island’s Power System and the Role of Microgrids in a Sustainable Future

Posted by Jeffrey Karp on 7/12/18 10:34 AM

By: Jeffrey Karp, Zachary Altman and Caroline Lambert

In the nine months since Hurricane Maria, substantial progress has occurred in bringing Puerto Rico’s power grid back online. Some consumers with access to solar microgrid systems regained power as soon as a few days after the storm, while others who relied on traditional energy sources had to wait for the power grid to be repaired. Solar microgrid systems are unique; they offer solar-powered electricity in parallel with the traditional energy grid but can also disconnect from the grid in times of crisis and provide solar-powered energy to a smaller subset of consumers.

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Topics: Microgrid, Solar Energy, Puerto Rico, Hurricane Maria

Renewables Can Play a Big Role in Puerto Rico's Fresh Start

Posted by Jeffrey Karp on 6/27/17 11:23 AM

This article originally appeared on Recharge.

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Topics: Energy Finance, Renewable Energy, Energy Investment, Puerto Rico, Power Purchase Agreements, Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards

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The Environment & Energy Insights blog analyzes developments in the law, as well as provides updates and perspectives on trends and polices.

The material on this site is for general information only and is not legal advice. No liability is accepted for any loss or damage which may result from reliance on it. Always consult a qualified lawyer about a specific legal problem.

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