-The Empowering Culebra Economic Ecosystem project was made possible with a grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration ( EDA ) and donors from the Foundation -
San Juan, Puerto Rico: Twenty essential service businesses located in the island municipality of Culebra have been supplied with renewable solar energy since the end of March through the installation of solar systems with batteries as a result of the first phase of the project. Empowering Culebra Economic Ecosystem implemented by the Puerto Rico Community Foundation, with financial support from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) and donors to the nonprofit organization.
In total, the solar panels will provide an estimated 283.5 kilowatts and generate a one-year energy output of approximately 480 megawatt hours, representing savings equivalent to $135,000. The cost of the solar equipment installed under EDA's Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) and disaster recovery program is estimated at $2.5 million.
The project aimed at providing resilient energy to Culebra businesses emerged after Hurricane Maria. After overcoming challenges such as the lack of title to some of the potential installations, the installation of the solar systems was completed at the end of March of this year.
To seal the conclusion of the installation phase, the Foundation recently held a closing ceremony at Flamenco Beach in Culebra with the participation of its directors, representatives of the companies and technicians who were in charge of the various stages of the project, the municipal government, representatives of non-profit organizations committed to renewable energy, officials from related entities in Culebra, and several merchants who benefited from the program.
Miguel Vargas opened the proceedings and addressed those present as president of the Foundation's Board of Directors, thanking the Culebra business community for their openness and acceptance of the program and wished them success as participants in this resilient energy project.
Meanwhile, Dr. Nelson Colón Tarrats, president of the Puerto Rico Community Foundation, highlighted as important the goal of seeking the self-sustainability of renewable energy systems while “achieving a solarized Culebra” for the benefit of the entire Culebra community. He said he was sure that the project “will be the axis and model in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean region.
For his part, energy lawyer Ramón Luis Nieves, who served as legal advisor during the development of the project, recalled some of the limitations faced during execution, while noting that “it was a project worked with great effort, dedication and close collaboration with the federal government (referring to the EDA)”. He also urged to defend the renewable energy model despite the threats and criticisms from sectors that see it as a problem.
Meanwhile, Edilberto Romero, mayor of Culebra, thanked the Puerto Rico Community Foundation for its contribution to making the island municipality “the first to be 100% energy sustainable”.
The second phase of the program will follow, in which the owners of the participating businesses will begin to pay for their consumption. To this end, the Community Foundation will support the creation of a micro-enterprise in Culebra that will guarantee the maintenance and administration of the renewable energy project. This stage is expected to begin next August.
The participating businesses are Always Summer Inn, Casa Robinson, Country Family, Dakiti Gas Station, Dinghy Dock Restaurant, La Casita Azul de Culebra, La Galería, Oceanía Villas # 13, Oceanía Villas # 14, Supermercado Costa del Sol, Villa Ensenada Honda, Villa Patria Back and Villa Patria Front. Also, the kiosks Flamenco Beach Bar and Grill, Café 939 Ice Cream Parlor, Kiosko de Mami, Open Tomorrow Gift Shop, Pizza Kiosk, Playero Bar & Grill and Restaurant & Seafood, all located in Flamenco Beach.
Prior to the activity that ended the first phase of Empowering Culebra Economic EcoSystem, the Community Foundation's directors visited several non-profit organizations that they have supported in recent years, including the Culebra Foundation, Mujeres de Islas and the Culebra Fishing Association.