By The Star Staff
Today at 1 p.m. at the Jayuya Activity Center, U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm will announce the launch of the Solar Access program for residents and community leaders in the mountain region of Puerto Rico.
The Solar Access program will foster energy resilience for the most vulnerable people on the island. This program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, aims to boost access to solar energy by installing rooftop photovoltaic systems with energy storage for very low-income families.
“The Solar Access program will provide resilient energy to families who qualify and reside in ‘Last Mile Communities,’” said Rodolfo Lecleres, a community coordinator, in a written statement.
“This program will allow more families to be prepared for any natural disaster and strengthen community resilience,” he added.
During Granholm’s visit, the Solar Ambassadors of the Mountain Hydroelectric Cooperative will provide details on the requirements and procedures to participate in the Solar Access program. The Solar Access Program is designed for very low-income, single-family households (families receiving LIHEAP, PAN, or TANF benefits) in which: one of the residents is electro-dependent; for example, an individual requires the use of an oxygen concentrator or uses dialysis machines in their home; or the resident lives in a “Last Mile Community” — communities designated by the Department of Energy that suffer frequent and prolonged power outages.
As a Solar Ambassador, the Mountain Hydroelectric Cooperative will help identify residents and facilitate their application for qualified households for the Solar Access program.
“We are extremely honored to welcome back the Secretary of Energy, Jennifer Granholm, to the Cordillera Central, at an event sponsored by the Mountain Hydroelectric Cooperative,” said Maribel Hernández, a community coordinator. We invite all residents and community leaders to join us in this significant event, representing a crucial step toward a more sustainable and resilient future for our Cordillera Central.”