Calls are mounting for the Trump Administration to reinstate $350M in federal funding for Puerto Rico solar. (AP News)
The context: In January, President Trump axed grants providing $350M for low-income households to set up solar and battery systems in Puerto Rico (which has the least reliable grid in the country). Now, over 200 organizations demand that the White House and Puerto Rico Gov. Jenniffer González help the 12K families left in limbo as the May 9 program deadline—and hurricane season—approaches.
Home solar + storage adoption has exploded on the island since Hurricane Maria devastated the already vulnerable grid in 2017. But with a 40%+ poverty rate, many families can’t pay for solar. Gov. González said the federal money is expected to be redirected toward grid repairs instead. The DOE website says some families will still receive systems…but hasn't said who or when.