After Hurricane Fiona, in September 2022, President Biden tasked Granholm to expedite the modernization of the island’s electric grid, deteriorated for decades by the lack of investment in its infrastructure, maintenance, and the scourge of Hurricane Maria, in 2017.
Jennifer Granholm made her last visit to Puerto Rico on Jan. 10, as the Biden administration’s energy secretary.
However, Granholm is leaving with a different feeling than the enthusiasm she has shown in her nearly ten visits in recent years, as she doubts that the new local and federal administration will continue with the renewable energy project for the island.
“[The renewable energy breakthrough] might not happen in the next four years. Gov. González Colón is close with the Trump administration and may have some influence. I know she is not necessarily interested in [a 100% solar energy model], but I think the sun is part of her portfolio,” Granholm told El Nuevo Día during a community event in Yabucoa.
After Hurricane Fiona, in September 2022, President Biden tasked Granholm to expedite the modernization of the island’s electric grid, deteriorated for decades by the lack of investment in its infrastructure, maintenance, and the scourge of Hurricane Maria, in 2017.
The outgoing secretary emphasized that since September 2022, FEMA’s allocated funds for rebuilding the system have risen by 532%, approved projects have grown by 355%, and construction activities have increased by 330%.
Granholm said she was disappointed that she was unable to meet with the new governor, Jenniffer González, to discuss the process. She did, however, meet with Josué Colón, the governor’s new energy czar.
At a press conference on Jan. 12, González said she is the one who is disappointed, because she believes the secretary has not done much to resolve the energy crisis affecting the island.
The governor believes that Granholm has only promoted the allocation of $1 billion that Congress allocated to the Department of Energy (DOE) to advance renewable energy initiatives in Puerto Rico, instead of promoting the use of approximately $17 billion in FEMA funds to rebuild the grid.
“We are asking them, in black and white, that, in addition to the photo tour, they address the core problems. I am not going to lend myself to the photo game,” said the governor during the press conference.
Since taking office, González has made a series of requests to the federal government, mainly in the wake of the massive blackout on Dec. 31. Among them is the approval of more funds to install 565 megawatts (MW) in temporary generation capacity and the extension, from 2027 to 2029, of the authorization for the use of temporary units that, since 2023, provide about 350 MW.
Granholm said it will be up to the Trump administration to decide whether to grant González’s requests.
