The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a reallocation of up to $365 million to support Puerto Rico’s efforts to improve its power grid. The funding aims to provide essential repairs and emergency measures designed to strengthen grid stability and reinforce critical infrastructure for the island’s 3.2 million residents.
The DOE’s Grid Deployment Office will oversee the distribution of these funds through the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA). The goal is to address longstanding issues caused by deferred maintenance, mismanagement, and repeated storm damage that have left many families and businesses vulnerable to frequent outages and increased energy costs.
The initiative is part of President Trump’s Executive Order 14156, which directs federal resources toward strengthening vital infrastructure and delivering dependable, affordable power across Puerto Rico.
“For too long Puerto Ricans have endured instability in their power system with outages and inflated costs,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. “The Department of Energy is putting the needs of Puerto Rico’s residents first and taking decisive action to restore reliability, protect essential services, and build an energy future they can depend on.”
Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González-Colón expressed appreciation for the new investment: “A reliable, secure electric system is essential to meet citizens’ basic needs and promote economic development, including our initiatives to bring manufacturing back to Puerto Rico and revitalize the American industrial base. Since day one, President Trump and Secretary Wright have recognized this, making it a priority to support our efforts to stabilize the island’s power grid and prevent future outages,” she said. “The Department of Energy’s $365 million award is further proof of this commitment. These funds will help support emergency activities to increase grid reliability and repair generation assets, delivering immediate results that will benefit all 3.2 million Americans in Puerto Rico.”
DOE officials stated that continued collaboration with Governor González-Colón and local authorities remains a priority as work progresses on stabilizing the island’s electric grid.
Originally allocated under the Biden Administration in December 2024 for rooftop solar projects set for construction in 2026, this funding—now redirected through the Puerto Rico Resilience Fund—will be used instead for more immediate upgrades expected to benefit millions rather than thousands of residents.
