In Puerto Rico, the current state of electricity generation heavily relies on fossil fuels, with more than 97% coming from fossil sources. Of this percentage, gas accounts for about 40% and coal comprises nearly 20%, together dominating the electricity landscape. Unfortunately, the portion of electricity generated from low-carbon sources is close to none at just above 2.5%, with both wind and solar contributing equally at about 1.3% each. This significant dependency on fossil fuels is concerning due to the adverse impacts they have on climate change and air pollution. Between August 2024 and July 2025, this disconnect between fossil and clean energy represents a critical area that demands attention for sustainable growth.

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 seems to be declining rather than growing, which is disappointing. In 2025, electricity consumption stands at 4936 kWh per person, a significant decrease from the 2005 peak of 6599 kWh per person—showing a reduction of about 1660 kWh per person. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation has also seen a decline, with the most recent figures showing 125 kWh per person, a decrease from the 338 kWh per person recorded in 2024. This drop of more than 200 kWh per person highlights an unfortunate trend away from clean energy growth, which is vital for sustainable development and to counteract the detrimental effects of fossil fuels.

Suggestions

To bolster low-carbon electricity generation, Puerto Rico can draw lessons from successful regions worldwide. For instance, countries like France and Slovakia highlight the potential of nuclear energy, where nuclear contributes more than two-thirds of their electricity. States in the US such as Iowa and South Dakota demonstrate that wind power can be a viable solution, covering over half their electricity needs. Moreover, solar energy has gained substantial traction in regions like Lebanon and Nevada, each generating around 30% of their electricity from solar. By focusing on diverse strategies, including investments in nuclear and solar, Puerto Rico can markedly increase its reliance on clean energy sources and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.

History

Examining the history of low-carbon electricity generation in Puerto Rico reveals a mixed trajectory of growth and decline across different sources over the years. In the late 1980s and into the 1990s, hydroelectric power saw slight fluctuations, with small increments and decreases. However, the early 2000s marked minimal changes until 2013, when wind energy began to rise gradually, followed by solar energy's emergence in 2016. Between 2020 and 2021, solar made impressive gains, with a notable increase in 2021, while wind stagnated. Conversely, by 2025, solar experienced a downturn, underscoring the need for consistent strategies to maintain and grow low-carbon capacities—a crucial task ahead for Puerto Rico’s energy sector.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade