Why does the Puerto Rico Energy Forum exist?

By Sam Talman

Energy is the number one input to economic activity. It is the critical infrastructure that enables schools to operate, police officers to respond to emergencies, and industry to hire talent and create a tax base. It is so fundamental that many other jurisdictions, especially in the US, have done what they can to prioritize a paradigm of low-cost/high-reliability, so much so that individuals and businesses can operate with relative ignorance to this system.

That’s not true in Puerto Rico. In Puerto Rico, the energy system hangs over the island. Worst of all, this crisis isn’t new. It is the accumulation of decades of challenges that result in mass outmigration, a hostile business environment, a bankrupt utility, politicized private operators, uncompetitive tenders for utility scale projects, sclerotic permitting regimes, stranded assets, high costs, frequent outages, aging infrastructure, and tons of federal funds.

The Puerto Rico Energy Forum was created to unpack these different features, as well as to highlight the innovative success stories where people have made progress. Tom and I have played with two different mottos for the Forum. The first is more straightforward, “inform, educate, and achieve.” In order to move the needle, Puerto Rico needs an engaged populace, willing and eager to understand the complexity of the various perspectives on the energy situation; and ultimately to participate in creating solutions, be they regulatory, technological, political, or financial. We need innovators, mentors, thought leaders, and public opinions.

The second motto is “the most comprehensive conversations about energy in Puerto Rico you’re not getting anywhere else and really want to have.” A bit more ‘tongue and cheek’, this version highlights that we are not the only ones talking energy, but we are the only ones doing so as openly and as broadly as we are. Puerto Rico needs technology and perspective diversification. We can put solar on every rooftop, but it won’t help address fundamental systematic challenges. Industrial users are forced to develop their own on-site solutions, but what does that say about the island’s competitiveness? Hydro assets have sat for decades without operational upgrades or maintenance and policy leaders have mandated the decommissioning of a key generation plant. What will happen with demand? Who’s thinking about utility economics?

The Forum is designed to merge and understand these different viewpoints, hear from the private sector, technologists, energy users, policy makers and government officials, and other thought leaders to engage in robust discussion. What are the challenges, how do we overcome them, what are responsible expectations, and how do we move the needle?

As of right now, we have three segments each month: Power Hour, PR Energy in 60 Minutes, and our General Forum. This year we are launching a website, a blog, easier channels to access the conversations, workshops on microgrid regulations and the circular economy, a second event for National Clean Energy Week, and more.

Follow us on LinkedIn, join the Forum as a member to support this work, participate and contribute your ideas; if you have a challenge, let’s hear it; if you have found a solution, even better. We need your help. Let’s lead a thought revolution for energy in Puerto Rico.

Sam Talman
Co-Principal
Puerto Rico Energy Forum

The Puerto Rico Energy Forum is an effort to organize thought leaders in Puerto Rico's energy sector to understand the challenges the island is facing, highlight success stories, and map a pathway forward.