Major donors support Resilient Power Puerto Rico effort

Share

The Fundación Banco Popular, Acacia Network – Ayuda Puerto Rico Fund, and the PRxPR Fund announced today their joint donation of $625,000 in key funding towards a first wave of solar microgrid installations by Resilient Power Puerto Rico (RPPR) across Puerto Rico, benefiting more than 100,000 people. Their long term mission is to address the vulnerabilities of the island’s existing, fossil-fueled electrical infrastructure by supporting initiatives that promote renewable, clean energy. The support provided by these donors will enable the design and installation of 25 solar microgrids in community centers, schools, shelters, libraries, healthcare centers and churches in areas affected by the hurricane.

“We are proud to be one of the first institutional supporters of Resilient Power Puerto Rico which will provide energy resiliency to communities across the Island,” said Richard L. Carrión, President of the Board of Trustees of Fundación Banco Popular. “Our contribution through Embracing Puerto Rico will benefit eight non-profit organizations that played a crucial role following the aftermath of Hurricane María. With this project, we ensure that these organizations will continue providing services even in the event of a future natural disaster.”

Although electrical power has been restored in some areas, the implementation of solar technology is an opportunity to reduce rising energy costs amongst non-profits and create resiliency for future hurricane seasons.

“This initiative will not only help our communities with their immediate problem of lack of energy.  It will also set them up for the future – with resilient systems that will be efficient, cost effective, and most importantly, reliable.  It is a short and long-term innovative solution. PRxPRis proud to be a part of this effort,” said Carmen Baez, Founder of PRxPR. The PRxPR Fund was established in New York by the Puerto Rican diaspora as a relief fund in response to Hurricane María. Their $125,000 donation will power five community centers.

As part of the Acacia Network’s social solidarity work, the day Hurricane Maria ravaged Puerto Rico, the Board and Executive Team created the Ayuda Puerto Rico Relief Fund, a pool of financial and other resources to provide relief efforts and rebuild the Island. Since that September day, the Fund has reached more than 80% of the Island, and 6,000 families or roughly 18,000 individuals with aid. Ayuda’s initial efforts focused on direct aid and investments in the local economy. In this second phase of work, Ayuda is focused on the long term rebuilding of the Island through various programs and alliances that will help build a stronger Puerto Rico.

“Ayuda Puerto Rico is firmly committed to a long-term rebuilding effort for the Island of Puerto Rico with significant investments in sustainable and resilient efforts,” said Raul Russi, CEO of Acacia Network, who also donated $250,000. “This strategic installation of technology to allow for solar use and clean energy will be a game changer, not only helping reduce high energy costs for those that need it the most, but also ensuring they are ready should disaster strike. Never again will we be left in the dark!”

The microgrids are being installed by local Tesla-trained solar system specialists and run with Tesla Powerwall batteries. RPPR has teamed up with Tesla to show the potential of solar energy in creating long-term energy resiliency and solutions. With the current grid operating at about 80 percent on the island, and with hurricane season starting June, Marvel and his team are hoping to create a movement that will help them weather future storms and provide alternatives to the current energy suppliers.

“We are honored by the generous support of Fundación Banco Popular, Acacia Network – Ayuda Puerto Rico, and the PRxPR Fund, who share our passion and vision for a more resilient Puerto Rico,” said RPPR founder Cristina Roig. “This isn’t just relief work, this is a movement towards long-term sustainability.”

The first wave of solar microgrid installations is slated for completion by Resilient Power Puerto Rico by summer 2018.