Executive Summary: March 11th PR Energy Week Community Action Challenge in Aguadilla

Overview

Held on March 11th, 2025 at the UPR Aguadilla Amphitheater in Aguadilla, 50 community, government, utility, and task force leaders convened for 2025 AEG PR Energy Week Community Action Challenge. The workshop focused on developing collaborative strategies to strengthen municipal energy initiatives, streamline permitting processes, and accelerate infrastructure improvements. Participants worked to align stakeholder efforts, secure funding opportunities, and plan a 90-day sprint to implement tangible solutions that address workforce gaps, grid stability, and public engagement.

H.G. Chissell (The Carbon League, Advanced Energy Group), Dr. Sonia Rivera Gonzalez, Chancellor (UPR Aguadilla), Edwin E. Rivera Perez, Esq (LUMA), Alvin Miranda Colon (Departamento de Desarrollo Economico y Comercio), Efrain Rodriguez (Copan Industries), and Quintin Ramos (PowerComm, Inc) provided opening remarks, setting the stage for a critical discussion on energy equity across the island.

Following these remarks, participants engaged with presentations across three key focus areas: Energy Equity, Funding & Partnerships, and Grid Resilience. Alvin Colon (DDEC) represented Energy Equity, emphasizing the need to expand the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) to reduce energy burdens in underserved communities and ensure access to affordable and sustainable energy solutions. 

Efrain Rodriguez (LUMA) provided the Funding & Partnerships perspective, calling for identifying and securing federal, state, and private funding for energy infrastructure improvements. Rodriguez also advocated for cross-sector collaboration between government agencies, utilities and private stakeholders. Finally, Quintin Ramos (PowerComm, Inc) presented the Grid Resilience approach, implementing data-driven infrastructure upgrades and integrating emerging technologies to enhance grid stability and efficiency in critically vulnerable communities. 

Inspired by the above remarks and goals of the task force, participants agreed to move forward with the below next 90-day sprint:

There are currently 14 leaders who have committed to the Task Force to complete the above 90-day sprint and continue working towards the original critical obstacle.

Task Force Volunteers (some not pictured): Antuan Canon (Co-Lead), Willdan, Alvin Miranda Colon (Co-Lead), DDEC, Joseph Lopez, LUMA, Carmen Orama, CSA Group, Luis Munet Ginorio, LUMA, Erik Santiago, C+C, Nephtali Mercado, LUMA, Anginelly De Pena, Honeywell, Rebeca Maldonado, LUMA, Viviana Alicea, CSA Group, Rudy Saporite, IBTS, Efrain Rodriguez, Copan, Ben Tremblay, Cooperativa Hidroelectrica de la Montana, Agnes Crespo, IBTS

5 Key Themes

1. Expanding Energy Equity & Efficiency

The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is a crucial initiative aimed at reducing energy burdens for low-income households, improving resilience, and fostering local workforce development in energy efficiency. Expanding WAP access will be key to addressing Puerto Rico’s energy insecurity.

“At the community level, to achieve energy, equity, and resilience goals, a critical obstacle to collectively overcome in 12 months is expanding WAP access in Puerto Rico by addressing logistical delays, ensuring sufficient contractor availability, and securing sustained funding to meet community needs.” – Alvin Miranda Colón, Puerto Rico Department of Economic Development and Commerce

2. Strategic Funding & Public-Private Partnerships

Strengthening collaboration between government agencies, utilities, and private stakeholders is essential to securing the necessary funding for infrastructure improvements. Developing a strategic roadmap for grant applications will help prioritize critical energy projects and ensure resources reach the most affected communities.

“Identify and apply for federal, state, and private grants for infrastructure improvements. Strengthen partnerships between government agencies, utilities, and private stakeholders. Develop a strategic funding roadmap to prioritize critical projects.” – Efraín Rodríguez, Copan Industries

3. Grid Modernization & Data-Driven Solutions

Implementing advanced monitoring systems, upgrading infrastructure, and integrating new technologies will maximize efficiency and resilience in Puerto Rico’s energy grid. Data-driven approaches to infrastructure upgrades will help mitigate vulnerabilities and ensure long-term sustainability.

“Maximize efficiency through real-time monitoring, automation, and integration of advanced grid management technologies. Data-driven decision-making is key to ensuring reliability and stability in Puerto Rico’s energy sector.” – Quintin Ramos, PowerComm Inc.

4. Regulatory & Land Use Challenges

Addressing legal and regulatory obstacles, such as land encroachments and permitting delays, is critical for accelerating energy projects. Establishing clearer policies will help balance infrastructure development with community interests.

“Regulatory frameworks must be streamlined to avoid unnecessary delays in energy projects. Addressing land encroachment issues and ensuring compliance will facilitate Puerto Rico’s transition toward a resilient energy system.” – Ashley Carrillo Marcano, LUMA

5. Proactive Grid Maintenance & Resilience Planning

Investing in preventative measures, such as vegetation management programs, will help reduce outages and disruptions caused by storms and other environmental hazards. A coordinated approach will enhance reliability and disaster preparedness.

“At the community level, to achieve energy equity and resilience goals, a critical obstacle to collectively overcome in the next 12 months is enhancing proactive vegetation management and securing sustainable funding for energy infrastructure improvements.” – Efraín Rodríguez, Copan Industries

Conclusion

The AEG PR Energy Week Community Action Challenge in Aguadilla united government, industry, and community leaders to tackle systemic barriers to clean energy access and grid resilience in Puerto Rico. Key discussions emphasized expanding the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), strengthening public-private partnerships, leveraging data-driven grid modernization, addressing regulatory challenges, and implementing proactive maintenance strategies. As Task Force members embark on a 90-day sprint to expand WAP access and resolve logistical bottlenecks, their collaborative efforts will drive long-term energy equity and resilience for underserved communities across the island. 

For the list of participating stakeholders who are aligned on tackling this critical obstacle and next 90 day sprint, click here.