For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell and guest Ingrid Vila discuss why rooftop solar should power every home in Puerto Rico, reducing residential electricity rates and covering basic needs during future crises.… Read More
In this May 2019 interview, ILSR’s Director of Energy Democracy John Farrell, and Ingrid Vila – an engineer and director of Cambio, a Puerto Rico based nonprofit – discussed the enormous opportunity, and the pitfalls the island must avoid, to seize the island’s chance for energy democracy.… Read More
The cost of wind and solar energy keep falling, joined by batteries for energy storage. But while the technology of local grid power has become inexpensive, U.S. development of microgrids has lagged. Trapped by a bankrupt utility, high vulnerability to climate change, and high cost fossil-fueled electricity, Puerto Rico has been no exception. However, the island’s landmark microgrid regulations could open the small grid floodgates.… Read More
In this episode of Local Energy Rules, Energy Democracy Initiative director John Farrell speaks with Marcel Castro Sitiriche about the challenges Puerto Rico faces in building a local, clean, and resilient energy system in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria.… Read More
Host John Farrell talks with Marcel Castro Sitiriche about the challenges Puerto Rico faces in building a clean and resilient energy system. … Read More
The Black Start conference in March 2019 convened on- and off-island energy experts to discuss whether Puerto Rico can overcome a colonial past for a greener grid. It happened as the island’s governor aims to privatize the (corrupt) public utility and as new legislation recently passed to require 100% renewable energy. ILSR Co-Director John Farrell presented.… Read More
Amid the wreckage lies an opportunity for Puerto Rico to rebuild stronger and smarter. … Read More
Claims of Corruption and Danger to the Island from Garbage Incinerator Planned for Arecibo The Coalition of Anti-Incineration Organizations (prohibidoincinerar.org, Facebook, & Twitter) is battling against a ‘mega incinerator’ similar to the one proposed for the Curtis Bay community in Baltimore. (See, Activists Win The Day: Huge Grassroots Victory Over Curtis Bay Incinerator) Like the proposed … Read More
Small business owners are crying foul over an agreement reached between the Puerto Rican government and Wal-Mart. The deal allows Wal-Mart to proceed with its purchase of an island supermarket chain, which will give it control of 40 percent of Puerto Rico’s grocery sales. Last year Wal-Mart won approval from the Federal Trade Commission to purchase the Amigo supermarket chain. Puerto Rican officials said the deal violated local antitrust laws and sued to block the merger. … Read More
