Currently, electricity consumption in Puerto Rico heavily relies on fossil fuels, accounting for over 90% of the energy mix, with gas and coal being the primary contributors. The use of clean, low-carbon energy sources, such as solar and wind, is minimal compared to fossil fuels. Solar energy makes up just over 4% of the electricity consumption, while wind energy contributes a little more than 1%. This stark disparity highlights a significant opportunity and need for transitioning towards a more sustainable energy system to mitigate climate change and decrease reliance on polluting sources.

Data sources used on this page include EIA and Ember. More about data sources →

Is Electricity Growing in Puerto Rico?

Electricity consumption in Puerto Rico has decreased over the years. In 2024, per capita electricity consumption stood at roughly 5,810 kWh, which is a marked decline from the peak in 2006 of 6,613 kWh per person. Despite this general decline, there is a positive note on the clean energy front, as low-carbon electricity generation reached a new peak of 338 kWh per person in 2024, surpassing its previous record in 2022. This slight growth in the low-carbon sector is encouraging but indicates a need for more aggressive strategies to capture and maintain such momentum moving forward.

Suggestions

To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Puerto Rico could focus on expanding its solar and potentially even considering nuclear options. Looking at successful regions, Nevada and California have effectively harnessed solar power, generating around a third and nearly 30% of their electricity, respectively, from this clean source. Additionally, regions like France and Illinois have leveraged nuclear energy, with over half and about a third of their electricity, respectively, coming from this zero-carbon source. Adopting lessons from these regions could significantly increase Puerto Rico’s sustainability and energy security, providing a blueprint for enhancing its low-carbon footprint.

History

Historically, Puerto Rico's journey with low-carbon electricity has been gradual and faced challenges. In the 1980s and early 1990s, hydroelectric power saw sporadic changes, with minor gains and setbacks. It wasn't until recent years that more noticeable progress materialized with solar and wind energy gaining traction. Since 2013, there have been incremental increases in solar and wind generation, with solar experiencing steady growth from 2018 onward and a small boost in wind energy in 2024. This indicates the beginning of a shift in energy sources, but further and more ambitious actions are critical to achieving a robust clean energy transition.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade