Strengthening Puerto Rico's Power Grid
Puerto Rico is still recovering from the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria, which struck the U.S. territory in September 2017, destroying the power grid and leaving the entire island without power for an extended period. Power has since been restored, but a comprehensive and ambitious rebuilding process is underway to strengthen the power grid. The Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) is developing a new Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), being prepared by Siemen’s, to modernize the electric grid, increase its efficiency, meet environmental objectives, and improve reliability and resilience in the face of severe weather events. The New York State Smart Grid Consortium (NYSSGC) and ProsumerGrid, Inc. assisted with these long-term grid planning efforts as part of a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Consortium, Prosumer Grid, and PREPA. Through the project the NYSSGC assisted PREPA in analyzing a broad set of options to maximize the benefits of future critical infrastructure investments by conducting analyses that will inform PREPA’s IRP process. NYSSGC is offering its service pro bono to PREPA. ProsumerGrid will offer its expertise and modelling tools, including its ARPA-E funded DSO simulation studio tool, to develop innovative and sound technological solutions for Puerto Rico’s grid.
REPORTS
Comments on the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority’s Integrated Resource Plan
April 29, 2016 | Presented by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, this report focuses on flaws in the PREPA’s current modeling such as risks overlooked and resources inappropriately modeled.
Privatization Bill Will Not Solve Puerto Rico’s Electricity Crisis
April 2018 | Presented by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, this report expresses their thoughts on The Puerto Rico Electrical System Transformation Act, that was introduced in the Puerto Rico legislature in March to establish the legal framework for PREPA’s privatization.
Toward Electric System Sustainability in Puerto Rico
March 2018 | Presented by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, this report presents a detailed conceptualization of energy transformation for Puerto Rico — one that prioritizes the growth of renewables and distributed energy, complemented by highly-efficient generation.
ARTICLES
DOE Reports on NYSSGC, ProsumerGrid, and PREPA Efforts to Strengthen Puerto Rico Power GridMay 9, 2018 | DOE showcases efforts to inform strategic decisions on how to strengthen the island’s power grid today and in the future.
Rebuilding Puerto Rico’s Power Grid: The Inside Story
March 12, 2018 | This IEEE Spectrum article explores how, although much of the island’s power is restored, Puerto Rico is still working hard to hurricane-proof the grid.
PRESS RELEASES
Governor Cuomo Announces 500 Student Volunteers Depart on SUNY Maritime Training Ship for Puerto RicoMay 7, 2018 | Students from University of Albany and SUNY-ESF join Maritime cadets to participate in volunteer service work to help rebuild homes across Puerto Rico.
NYSSGC Announces Partnership with the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) and ProsumerGrid, Inc., to Study Options for Strengthening and Enhancing the Resiliency of Puerto Rico’s Power Grid
April 18, 2018 | The New York State Smart Grid Consortium (NYSSGC) entered into a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) and ProsumerGrid, Inc., to assist with Puerto Rico’s long term grid planning efforts.
RESOURCES
PREPA Investors and Financial Community PortalThe portal for businesses interested in investing in PREPA.
PREPA
The homepage for the Puerto Rican Electric Power Authority.
ProsumerGrid
The homepage for the software development company working with the NYSSGC to assist with Puerto Rico’s long term grid planning efforts.
