Local Energy Rules

How can an island rebuild its electric grid in a way that boosts the local economy? In September 2017, Hurricane Maria caused a devastating and historic blackout in Puerto Rico. The months of efforts to reconnect customers were hampered by the public utility’s bankruptcy, and control of the island’s financials by a federal oversight board. Marcel Castro Sitiriche, Professor of electrical engineering and Co-director of Cohemis at the University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez, joined me in April 2019, to discuss the limits of the island’s resilience, and what it can do to rebuild better for everyone. https://ilsr.org/articles/rebuilding-puerto-rico-electricity-episode-77-local-energy-rules-podcast/