Governor enacts executive order to hasten solar projects

Gov. Jenniffer González Colón

By THE STAR STAFF

Gov. Jenniffer González Colón has issued an executive order directing the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) to expedite the evaluation and negotiation of new generation contracts that utilize clean energy sources.

The executive order, filed Monday, instructs the Puerto Rico Energy Bureau (PREB) to issue an order within five days of the executive order’s promulgation that will establish the evaluation criteria that PREPA must follow in carrying out its functions.

“It is essential to evaluate, negotiate, and promptly approve renewable energy purchase agreements (with or without storage capacity) that qualify for investment tax credits (ITCs), provided they benefit consumers and comply with existing laws,” the executive order states. “This process will facilitate the private investments needed to construct these facilities and ensure access to safe and affordable energy, thus maintaining the continuity of commercial and industrial operations, as well as critical infrastructure.”

PREB spokesperson Sheila Angleró commented in a written statement that the “executive order clearly defines the nature of this emergency.”

“The terms outlined in the executive order do not conflict with existing laws,” she said. “Recognizing that Puerto Rico requires new generation, the Energy Bureau is ready to collaborate as needed to ensure this new generation is implemented as quickly as possible while minimizing economic impact on consumers.”

Additionally, the budget reconciliation law promoted by President Donald Trump stipulates that only solar and wind energy projects that begin construction on or before July 4, 2026,