puerto rico

Puerto Rico Plans to Privatize PREPA as Critics Warn of ‘Maximum Amount of Corruption and a Minimal Amount of Electricity’

Puerto Rico Plans to Privatize PREPA as Critics Warn of ‘Maximum Amount of Corruption and a Minimal Amount of Electricity’

Puerto Rico will take steps to privatize its troubled state-owned electric utility, officials announced Monday. Governor Ricardo Rosselló said plans to sell the bankrupt Puerto Rican Power Authority, or PREPA, would move the island towards a “consumer-centered model” for power as well as help Puerto Rico attain its goal of 30 percent renewable energy. The […]

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    Inspiring Campaign Aims to Rebuild Puerto Rico Sustainably

    Inspiring Campaign Aims to Rebuild Puerto Rico Sustainably

    As millions of U.S. citizens in Puerto Rico continue to recover more than two months after Hurricane Maria hit, a new campaign aims completely rebuild the island in a sustainable manner. Operation Taino Spirit Promise is a joint effort between Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, actress and activist Michelle Rodriguez and the non-profit group Taino Warriors. […]

    This Brilliant Initiative Is Sending 100 Solar Trailers to Puerto Rico for Free

    This Brilliant Initiative Is Sending 100 Solar Trailers to Puerto Rico for Free

    A remarkable collaborative effort to deploy portable solar energy systems to relieve critical areas in Puerto Rico is well underway. The “Power On Puerto Rico” project from the Amicus Solar Cooperative, a nationwide solar energy cooperative, and Amurtel, an international disaster relief nonprofit, is sending 100 off-grid Solar Outreach Systems (SOS) to the storm-battered island. […]

    Whitefish Charges Puerto Rico $319 an Hour for Linemen, Then Pays Them $63 an Hour

    Whitefish Charges Puerto Rico $319 an Hour for Linemen, Then Pays Them $63 an Hour

    Whitefish Energy, the controversial energy firm repairing Puerto Rico‘s hurricane-wrecked power grid, is under fresh scrutiny for charging the island’s power authority hundreds of dollars more per hour than its linemen receive. The New York Times reported that the tiny Montana-based company—which doesn’t have many of its own employees—contracted electrical workers from Florida at rates […]

    Why Solar ‘Microgrids’ Are Not a Cure-All for Puerto Rico’s Power Woes

    Why Solar ‘Microgrids’ Are Not a Cure-All for Puerto Rico’s Power Woes

    By Peter Fox-Penne In addition to its many other devastating human consequences, Hurricane Maria left the island of Puerto Rico with its power grid in ruins. Power was knocked out throughout the island, with an estimated 80 percent of its transmission and distribution wires incapacitated. When hospitals and other critical users could not get backup […]

    Controversy Remains After Cancellation of Whitefish Energy’s Puerto Rico Contract

    Controversy Remains After Cancellation of Whitefish Energy’s Puerto Rico Contract

    Puerto Rico‘s electric power authority (PREPA) has cancelled Whitefish Energy Holdings’ controversial $300 million contract to help rebuild the U.S. territory’s Hurricane Maria-wrecked power grid. The small Montana-based power company said it was “very disappointed” with the decision which came after Gov. Ricardo Rosselló called on PREPA to “immediately” cancel the deal. Many questions have […]