Solar Project Brings More Clean Energy to Culebra Residents in Puerto Rico

Spanish

Environmental Defense Fund announced a new community-based solar initiative in Culebra that will provide clean and reliable energy to 15 families who rely on electricity to operate life-sustaining medical and specialized equipment.

“We remain committed to advancing greater energy security in Puerto Rico. This is especially important now that the hurricane season, which began last month, is underway,” said Daniel Whittle, Associate Vice President, Resilient Caribbean, Environmental Defense Fund.

The systems, installed by Power Solar, include rooftop solar panels paired with battery storage. During power outages, these systems enable families to continue operating essential medical equipment while also keeping medications properly refrigerated – providing much-needed relief for families with special medical needs.

“Initiatives like this not only provide immediate relief but also demonstrate the power of collaboration between community groups and nonprofit organizations – a meaningful step toward greater local energy resilience and community self-sufficiency,” said Abimarie Otaño Cruz, EDF Senior Manager for Energy Transition and a resident of Culebra.

As an island municipality, Culebra faces unique challenges. Its electric system is more vulnerable, repairs following severe weather events or grid failures are more difficult to coordinate, and response times are often longer than on Puerto Rico’s main island. The project was carried out in partnership with the local organizations Mujeres de Islas and Foundation for a Better Puerto Rico, with support from Banco Popular and the Lowenstein Foundation. 

These 15 households join the 45 families previously served through EDF’s pilot solar project in Culebra, expanding access to clean, reliable energy solutions across the island municipality.

EDF remains committed to identifying effective and equitable energy solutions that can deliver clean, affordable, and reliable electricity to communities throughout Puerto Rico while meeting the everyday needs of families and strengthening the island’s resilience to climate change. In Puerto Rico, EDF’s work focuses on advancing community-driven solar-plus-storage projects in Culebra and supporting a coalition of organizations working to drive systemic transformation of the island’s electric system. EDF takes an integrated approach, combining technical expertise with experience in energy reform and sustainable financing to help develop long-term solutions to Puerto Rico’s energy challenges.

For more information, visit: https://www.edf.org/energy/puertorico.