Bill Introduced in Congress Would Fund Renewables, Microgrids in U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico [View all]

WASHINGTON — Legislation recently introduced in Congress would establish a grant program for the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico to fund development of renewable energy resources, microgrids and energy storage.

The bill aims to improve the electric system on the two island territories. the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico which are still struggling to recover from Hurricane Maria. Maria hit the islands in September 2017 and caused the largest blackout in U.S. history. It killed at least 3,000 people in Puerto Rico alone.

The legislation calls for the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to establish a grant to fund the development and construction of new renewable energy projects, energy storage systems, smart grid or microgrid projects, and energy efficiency programs. The funds could not be used for fossil fuel or nuclear power projects.

In addition, under the legislation the energy secretary would ensure that the Department of Energy’s national laboratories provide technical assistance to entities carrying out projects under the grant program.

Read more: http://vifreepress.com/2019/04/bill-introduced-in-congress-would-fund-renewables-microgrids-in-u-s-virgin-islands-and-puerto-rico/