ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

A former energy official for Obama explains why Tesla has the best plan for helping Puerto Rico

Brandon Hurlbut, the chief of staff for the Department of Energy under President Barack Obama, says now is the right time to build microgrids in Puerto Rico.

It's been almost a month since Hurricane Maria tore through Puerto Rico and the majority of the island still doesn't have power.

About 84% of the island is without electricity, critical structures like hospitals are relying on gas- and diesel-powered generators to remain operational, and the prognosis looks bleak for most residents. It could be another six months before parts of the island regain power.

It's a dire situation that should inspire the federal government to seriously pursue the construction of microgrids — which has been pitched as the best solution to Puerto Rico's long-standing energy issues before the hurricane even struck, Brandon Hurlbut, the chief of staff for the Department of Energy under President Barack Obama, said in an interview.

Microgrids use batteries to store renewable energy generated by solar or wind farms, which is then converted into electricity. The systems are more reliable because they can operate independently of the main power grid, making them less vulnerable to power outages.

ADVERTISEMENT

It's a system that has been popularized by Tesla, which has deployed battery and solar projects in 18 countries, from Australia to the USA. Tesla CEO Elon Musk is now in talks with Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello about constructing microgrids on the island using solar panels and commercial batteries called Powerpacks.

"I really would just like to see them use this opportunity," Hurlbut said. "Puerto Rico could be a real shining example of a modern electricity system."

Hurlbut is no stranger to the issues plaguing Puerto Rico's electrical system.

He served as an energy representative for President Barack Obama's Puerto Rico Task Force, which was tasked with restructuring Puerto Rico's $72 billion in debt. That task force ultimately composed Promesa, a bill signed into law by Congress in 2016 that put the island's finances under direct federal control, similar to what occurred when Detroit filed for bankruptcy.

ADVERTISEMENT

As Hurlbut puts it, the issues plaguing Puerto Rico's electric company, PREPA, are symptomatic of the Commonwealth's debt crisis. PREPA was insolvent before the hurricane even hit, with $9 billion in debt.

PREPA has long passed up opportunities to modernize its aging electrical infrastructure, saying it didn't have the funds. But the utility has also been mired in corruption allegations, including that it overcharged consumers for oil.

Puerto Ricans have felt the ramifications of PREPA's financial choices; residents have paid astronomically high utility bills only to suffer through power outages that are four times more frequent than the rest of the US on average.

"They were the least innovative utility I had ever seen in my life," Hurlbut said. "When I was at the DOE, 70% of their electricity was generated by importing oil. That was down to about 50% recently. But still, that's absurd."

The task force encouraged the local government to impose regulations on PREPA and encourage a transition to renewable energy. The move would decrease Puerto Rico's reliance on an aging, oil-dependent power grid. In return, Puerto Ricans would have more reliable electricity at cheaper rates.

ADVERTISEMENT

Hurlbut said the hope was to replicate the DOE's Integrated Deployment project in Hawaii, which has helped utilities implement microgrids with the ultimate goal of drawing 100% of their electricity from renewable energy by 2045.

Tesla has played a role in aiding Hawaii's green energy transition. The company partnered with the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative and installed a microgrid in March that is expected to reduce fossil fuel use by approximately 1.6 million gallons per year.

"We wanted to do that with Puerto Rico but there are certain things that have to happen," Hurlbut said. "If you can't regulate the utility then you have no leverage to help them make this transition."

Under Promesa, the federal government finally has the leverage over the local government to encourage a transition to renewables, particularly in the wake of Hurricane Maria.

ADVERTISEMENT

Such a solution wouldn't just benefit Puerto Rico in the long run, but could help restore power at a much faster rate, Hurlbut said.

"You could do it now because the federal government has so much leverage right now," Puerto Rico needs the federal government not only for the storm but for its general finances."

Hurlbut said he would like to see the federal government use resources at the Department of Energy to pursue a clean energy solution, but acknowledges it's unlikely. EPA Chief Scott Pruitt

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Here's everything to know about being a virgin on your wedding night

Here's everything to know about being a virgin on your wedding night

7 do's and don’ts of the Holy month of Ramadan

7 do's and don’ts of the Holy month of Ramadan

Top 5 sweetest celebrity mother-child relationships that stand out for us

Top 5 sweetest celebrity mother-child relationships that stand out for us

International Women's Day: 5 Nigerian female celebrities championing women’s rights

International Women's Day: 5 Nigerian female celebrities championing women’s rights

Top 5 female directors in Nollywood

Top 5 female directors in Nollywood

6 things that will break a Muslim's fast during Ramadan

6 things that will break a Muslim's fast during Ramadan

5 benefits of fasting during Ramadan

5 benefits of fasting during Ramadan

5 reasons Easter was more fun when we were children

5 reasons Easter was more fun when we were children

Dos and don’ts of supporting Muslims during Ramadan

Dos and don’ts of supporting Muslims during Ramadan

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT