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The Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority may require an investment ranging from $37 billion to $42.2 billion by 2044 to fulfill energy demands, as indicated in the initial interim 2025 integrated resource plan (IRP) submitted by LUMA Energy to the Puerto Rico Energy Bureau last week.
This document is part of the ongoing effort to formulate the IRP, serving as a framework for the island’s energy requirements. The data shared is vital for the enhancement of Puerto Rico’s energy infrastructure, addressing aspects such as generation, transmission, distribution, operations, and the advancement of new resources.
The draft IRP introduces four unique portfolios, each constructed utilizing the present value of revenue requirements, reflecting the total system expense discounted to its present value over the planning timeline.
Portfolio A, estimated at $37.0 billion, centers on conversions to liquefied natural gas (LNG) and biodiesel, with no new utility-scale solar developments beyond those already approved as part of the renewable Tranche 1 and Tranche 2 energy bids.
Portfolio B, which the document states is valued at $42.2 billion, projects an increase in energy demand while expecting a decrease in distributed energy contributions. In this portfolio, new LNG units are established and subsequently converted to biodiesel alongside some existing units. It includes a significant rise in the number of batteries constructed and does not introduce additional solar photovoltaic resources beyond those authorized in Tranche 1 and Tranche 2 bids.
Portfolio C is closely aligned with A in terms of costs but integrates more agricultural land for solar and wind renewable resources. Portfolio D, estimated at $40.24 billion, prioritizes utility-scale solar, battery storage, and biodiesel-powered LNG units, driven by optimistic assumptions regarding costs and adoption, according to the 151-page document.
The final submission of the IRP is anticipated in May 2025, as indicated in the document.
LUMA also provided recommendations to customers last week as part of a campaign aimed at ensuring a safe and energy-efficient holiday season, including keeping decorations at least 10 feet away from power lines.
Another recommendation was to refrain from overloading outlets and to distribute plugged-in devices evenly across outlets to prevent dangerous situations.
The utility further encouraged the use of UL-certified lights and decorations, as well as timers.
