Energy Bureau approves another 5 solar projects

By The Star Staff

The Puerto Rico Energy Bureau (PREB) through a resolution issued earlier this week approved five solar energy purchase contracts that in total will add 169.37 megawatts to the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) network.

“The Authority has requested multiple extensions to conclude this negotiation process. Each delay entails cost increases considering high inflation and supply chain problems,” PREB Chairman Edison Avilés Deliz said in a written statement. “The Bureau supports the Authority’s efforts, but demands greater urgency and diligence in order to conclude the 18 projects of this first phase of renewables, which in total should add up to 844.82 megawatts of electrical resources.”

Avilés Deliz said PREPA had requested the approval of the contracts through motions filed with the PREB on Aug. 4 and Aug. 13.

PREPA also reported that it was continuing to negotiate four renewable-energy contracts with a proponent that would add another 245.3 megawatts. The additional contracts would complete the 18 green-energy projects that the PREB approved on Feb. 2 after PREPA requested its authorization in December 2021. Considering the urgency that the transition to renewables implies for the economy of Puerto Rico, the PREB ordered PREPA to complete the negotiations and submit the final four contracts on or before Aug. 26.

“The Energy Bureau is committed to advancing the transition of the electrical system to renewable generation sources,” Avilés Deliz said. “The Bureau has evaluated these contracts in less than two weeks and we will continue to work tirelessly and with the utmost urgency to ensure the people of Puerto Rico, in the medium and long term, a cleaner electricity system with stable prices.”