Executive Summary: March 14th PR Energy Week Island Action Challenge in San Juan

Overview

Held on March 14th, 2025, at La Concha Resort in San Juan, over 75 municipal leaders, energy experts, and community stakeholders gathered for the 2025 AEG PR Energy Week Island Action Challenge. This session focused on tackling key barriers to energy resilience and equitable clean energy expansion across Puerto Rico. Participants collaborated on strategies to enhance stakeholder engagement, streamline policy and funding efforts, and accelerate infrastructure projects. The workshop culminated in a 90-day sprint plan aimed at driving tangible solutions for workforce development, grid modernization, and energy accessibility in underserved communities.

H.G. Chissell (Advanced Energy Group), Juan Saca (LUMA), Juan A. Rosario Hernández (Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration), Dr. Ren Orans (Energy & Environmental Economics), Mary Zapata-Acosta (Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority), and Frances T. Berrios Meléndez (Colegio de Peritos Electricistas de Puerto Rico) delivered opening remarks, setting the stage for a pivotal discussion on energy equity, resilience, and infrastructure modernization across Puerto Rico.

Following these remarks, participants engaged with presentations across three core focus areas: Energy Resilience, Public Housing & Community Initiatives, and Workforce Development. Juan Saca (LUMA) highlighted efforts to enhance grid resilience through projects like the Accelerated Storage Addition Program (ASAP) and investments in infrastructure upgrades to prevent outages and expand renewable energy integration. Juan A. Rosario Hernández (Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration) discussed the Oasis de Energía initiative, a federally funded program deploying solar energy systems across public housing developments to improve energy security for vulnerable communities.

Mary Zapata-Acosta (PREPA) emphasized the need for grid modernization and regulatory streamlining, detailing strategies for accelerating reconstruction efforts and integrating more clean energy sources into Puerto Rico’s power system. Frances T. Berrios Meléndez (Colegio de Peritos Electricistas de Puerto Rico) reinforced the importance of workforce development, advocating for technical training programs and mentorship initiatives to expand Puerto Rico’s skilled labor pool in the renewable energy sector.

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 now 7 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): Gabriel Salgado, Nova Forge Consulting Partners, Robert Parker, Honu Hoku, Alex Diaz, Arco Relations,  Jessica Hendrickson, Wanda Rios, Mireya Rodriguez, Service Electric Co., Eidalia González Tosado, Ferraiuoli

5 Key Themes

1. Strengthening Grid Resilience & Energy Storage
Upgrading Puerto Rico’s electrical grid and expanding battery storage solutions are critical to reducing outages and ensuring reliable power, particularly during peak demand hours. Programs like LUMA’s Accelerated Storage Addition Program (ASAP) aim to modernize infrastructure and enhance grid stability.

“Puerto Rico’s citizens face periods of unserved energy due to insufficient generation availability. The implementation of new renewable sources is lengthy, and regulatory approvals can take months or years. Expanding storage capacity and improving infrastructure resilience are key priorities.” – Juan Saca, LUMA

2. Scaling Community-Based Renewable Energy
Expanding access to solar energy in public housing developments and underserved communities will help reduce energy burdens and increase resilience. Programs like the Oasis de Energía initiative are investing in solar installations to provide clean, affordable power where it's needed most.

“The Oasis de Energía program is a transformative initiative for public housing residents, bringing solar energy to low-income communities, improving energy security, and laying the foundation for future microgrids.” – Juan A. Rosario Hernández, Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration

3. Workforce Development & Training
A robust clean energy transition requires a skilled workforce. Expanding technical training, apprenticeship programs, and mentorship initiatives will help build a pipeline of qualified professionals ready to support Puerto Rico’s growing renewable energy sector.

“Attracting new talent and providing ongoing training are essential for the success of the electrical industry. We must invest in education, mentorship, and hands-on training to prepare the next generation of energy professionals.” – Frances T. Berrios Meléndez, Colegio de Peritos Electricistas de Puerto Rico

4. Policy & Regulatory Streamlining
Delays in permitting and regulatory approvals hinder the deployment of clean energy projects. Simplifying these processes and ensuring efficient federal and state funding disbursement will accelerate Puerto Rico’s transition to a modernized and resilient energy grid.

“To stabilize Puerto Rico’s electrical system, we must prioritize reconstruction projects, streamline permitting, and improve coordination among government agencies and private operators.” – Mary Zapata-Acosta, Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority

5. Long-Term Energy Planning & Stakeholder Collaboration
Achieving a sustainable energy future requires long-term strategic planning, transparent decision-making, and collaboration among government, private industry, and local communities. Lessons from global leaders like Hawaii can provide a framework for balancing affordability, equity, and clean energy goals.

“Puerto Rico can benefit from adopting strategic long-term energy planning models that ensure grid reliability, affordability, and stakeholder engagement in the clean energy transition.” – Dr. Ren Orans, Energy & Environmental Economics

Conclusion

The AEG PR Energy Week Island Action Challenge in San Juan brought together municipal leaders, energy experts, and community stakeholders to address critical barriers in Puerto Rico’s transition to a resilient and equitable clean energy future. Key discussions focused on strengthening grid resilience, expanding community-based renewable energy, streamlining policy and regulatory processes, and developing a skilled workforce to support large-scale energy transformation. Participants explored solutions such as LUMA’s Accelerated Storage Addition Program (ASAP), the Oasis de Energía solar initiative, and workforce training programs to ensure long-term sustainability. As Task Force members move forward with their 90-day sprint to advance energy resilience and workforce development initiatives, their collective efforts will be essential in accelerating Puerto Rico’s clean energy transition and improving energy security for underserved communities.

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