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Yale Climate Connection readers in Puerto Rico are taking action to protect themselves from the island’s frequent power outages.
“Puerto Rico is prepared to endure power outages even though it may not look like it; Puerto Ricans have become accustomed to this daily life thanks to the promises of the politicians who came to power.” One resident responded to our questionnaire on how readers can take care of themselves during power outages. Tell us when.
“Before taking the stage, they [politicians] Oppose the current administration and make Puerto Ricans believe they are on their side, when in reality, they are just taking advantage of the situation. But most Puerto Ricans are ready for solar panel systems, with more than 120,000 residences already implementing them, and hospitals, shopping malls and pharmaceutical companies also implementing them,” one reader wrote.
Dangerously high temperatures
2023 is the third warmest year Puerto Rico has ever experienced, and 2024 could be the hottest year on record. This heat puts more stress on the island's failing power grid. The situation is becoming increasingly precarious as a population requires air conditioning to stay cool and an aging population requires medications that often require refrigeration.
The Puerto Rican archipelago has experienced power outages over the years due to damaged and mismanaged power grids, as well as frequent storms and hurricanes. In July 2024, Puerto Rico's capital, San Juan, experienced hot weather five times higher than that caused by man-made climate change, according to the Climate Change Index, a tool developed by the nonprofit research group Climate Central. Although many schools and homes still do not have air conditioning, using it is not only a luxury comfort but a necessity.
Electricity prices continue to rise
At the same time, electricity prices continue to rise, making it difficult for some people to pay their bills. Old power plants that rely on fossil fuels have not yet been rapidly replaced by renewable energy, and governments appear to have little interest in accelerating this change.
Currently, 12% of the electricity delivered through the grid comes from the rooftops of homes and businesses, thanks to subsidies, community-led schemes and net metering, which allows households with solar panels to receive an excess credit on their bills. credits) they put energy back into the grid. However, solar systems are still expensive, and not everyone can afford a $30,000 full battery system.
“I know it is necessary to purchase a solar system for my home,” one resident wrote to us. “But the companies currently available (Power Solar, WindMar) offer monthly payments that are much more expensive than the electricity bill, so we continue to use LUMA (Puerto Rico’s private electricity provider) even though it often disappoints us. It should be an option.
Residents without solar panels make sure they have enough natural gas for their generators. One woman wrote to us that she “had a little chat” before the danger of a storm or power outage. [on WhatsApp] Community needs among neighbors” to make sure everyone is safe and sound.
A resident of San Lorenzo, southeast of the main island, told us, “I made sure that a solar system (batteries and solar panels) was installed on the island. [the home of] my parents. He went on to explain that he was living with his parents during the extended power outage. “If time is short, I'll stay in my apartment because I have a solar generator.”
He also explained: “In order to buy food and medicine, I bought a small refrigerator for my parents that does not consume electricity. In my case, if I want to keep meat and medicine that need to be at a certain temperature alive, I have to Don’t buy bagged ice.
Other residents purchased generators.
“I fill Ziploc bags with water and freeze them. The ice helps keep items in the freezer cold. I also buy food that needs to be refrigerated for a week. I have a generator and [that] Stay cold.
Another threat from frequent power outages is mosquitoes. For residents without generators or solar panels, the only option is to open doors and windows to create air circulation and let mosquitoes in. Mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, Zika and chikungunya have increased in recent years. In addition, rising temperatures facilitate the spread of mosquitoes.
“I have a flashlight, batteries, a beach cooler for water and food. I have a gas stove to heat food. I put mosquito nets over the bed and citronella around the house to repel mosquitoes. I have a battery fan and a Wish your rosary and pray for power service to be restored as soon as possible.
Perhaps one of the most striking comments was:
“We must take into account in our preparedness plans the fact that whether it is a hurricane or a power outage, our life scenario is different now. Our power system has deteriorated and we have to rely on ourselves or relatives. This is no longer a thought” The power will be restored soon'.
Hopefully, in the future, residents holding rosary beads will not have to pray for the return of power.
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