Energy Bureau clears Yabucoa battery storage contract

In a resolution, the island’s energy regulator confirmed that the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority and Yabucoa Energy LLC had “substantially complied” with the changes required in an order related to an energy storage services agreement for a proposed 100‑megawatt battery project in Yabucoa.

Orders final corrections before signing

By THE STAR STAFF

The Puerto Rico Energy Bureau (PREB) has approved the revised energy storage services agreement for a proposed 100‑megawatt battery project in Yabucoa, while ordering the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) and the developer to make final corrections before the contract can be executed.

In a resolution issued late last week, the regulator confirmed that PREPA and Yabucoa Energy LLC had “substantially complied” with the changes required in a July 20 order, which directed the parties to remove energy‑degradation provisions, correct location references, and submit final interconnection studies once completed.

However, regulators flagged two remaining issues. The definition of the project “Site” still contains an incorrect location, and stray references to “expected degradation” or “applicable degradation” remain in sections describing charging, discharging, and the facility’s power profile.

“Although the Yabucoa Energy Project location was corrected throughout most of the Revised Proposed Contract, the definition of ‘Site’ still contains an incorrect project location,” the PREB wrote.

The PREB authorized PREPA and Yabucoa Energy to move forward with contract execution once those corrections are made. It also granted confidential treatment to the revised contract submitted on July 30.

The July 31 order warns PREPA that failure to comply could trigger fines under Article 6.36 of Act 57‑2014.

The resolution was approved by a majority of commissioners on July 31, according to the certification signed by PREB clerk Sonia Seda Gaztambide.