Eco-activists in Puerto Rico garnered a major win by succeeding in promoting self-sustainable alternatives to the energy crisis that plagues the island. The energy crisis was due to natural causes such as Hurricane Irma and Maria which caused destruction to over 80% of the islands power transmission lines (over 25,000 miles of electrical lines). These storms cause upwards of $80 billion worth of property destruction and numerous lives were tragically lost during and even after the storm. Another major catalyst to the fall of the power grid was thanks to local corrupted employees and government officials.
"... we are committed to transitioning from fossil fuels as early as possible..." - Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rosello
Supporters of this bill, SB 1121, have been at some odds with the leadership of the island when it came with handling the corruption of their centralized energy producer, Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA). Some have been reportedly upset that Liquefied Natural Gas is also approved for this "green energy bill" and consider the bill to be a sham. Liquefied Natural Gas imports to the island have already returned to pre-Hurrican Maria levels. LNG imports are very likely to surpass the 2016 rate by the end of 2019, as the island transitions away from oil and coal and favor renewable energy and Natural Gas. Overall, they are supportive of the bill but do not wish LNG to be included.
Notable SB 1121 Requirements and Politicians Pledges:
- Fully end coal-based energy production in 2020.
- Ban all coal plants and expansions in 2028 on the island to meet the 100% requirement set forth in the bill.
- Reach 40% renewable energy for the island by 2025
- Reach 100% renewable energy for the island by 2050
- Liquefied Natural Gas is permitted
- Lead to the privatization of PREPA
- Will decentralize energy production on the island
Opponents of the bill claim that the bill will bolster corruption in the island due to actions that may lead to the privatization of the energy utility company. As LNG grows and it displaces Coal and Oil energy production, that would lead to more privatized grids.
What are your thoughts about privatizing PREPA?
