Outgoing Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm took one last trip to Puerto Rico on Friday to promote solar power on the island after its power grid failed on New Year’s Eve.
Granholm ventured to Puerto Rico on Friday “to provide residents with an update on the Biden-Harris administration’s efforts to support the recovery and modernization of Puerto Rico’s energy infrastructure” after the island’s power grid failed and left most Puerto Ricans in the dark on New Year’s Eve. On the trip, Granholm promoted the administration’s efforts and spending to bring solar power to Puerto Rico, even though many power market experts have previously warned that over-reliance on intermittent solar power can erode long-term grid reliability.
“The Biden Administration has taken historic action to accelerate the reconstruction of Puerto Rico’s grid following the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria in 2017 by unlocking billions of dollars in disaster recovery funds, which had been held back between 2017 and 2020,” reads a Wednesday email to reporters notifying them of Granholm’s travel and agenda for the trip. “Additionally, the Biden Administration’s Investing in America agenda is helping Puerto Rico’s most vulnerable residents access cheaper, more resilient solar power and battery storage through programs like the Programa Acceso Solar and Programa de Comunidades Resilientes.”