Climate Changed
Puerto Rico Lays Out Energy Future With Tesla, Privatization
- One scenario would keep transmission under public utility
- Undisclosed private operators showing interest in generation
APR CEO Says Puerto Rico Power Turbines to Start Oct. 25
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A Puerto Rican official who has been in talks with Tesla Inc. said the island is serious about transforming its energy infrastructure after it was leveled by Category 4 Hurricane Maria, despite questions about how such an overhaul would be funded.
Speaking in a telephone interview Sunday, Department of Economic Development and Commerce Secretary Manuel Laboy said Puerto Rico’s government understands its skeptics: The island’s finances are shot and its electricity system is in tatters. But he said the U.S. territory has a historic opportunity to use federal funds to modernize an aging and weak power grid.