Home Batteries Help Alleviate Blackouts in the US

Puerto Rico experiences frequent blackouts due to an aging and storm-damaged fleet of power plants. This summer is expected to be no exception, with the power going out an estimated 93 times. Home batteries may provide some relief, but a long-term solution is needed to address the island's power grid issues.

Polaris Renewable Energy Inc. (TSX:PIF) has made significant strides in addressing Puerto Rico's power grid challenges by submitting the Battery Energy Storage System Standard Offer Agreement (SO1 Agreement) to the Puerto Rico Energy Bureau (PREB) through LUMA Energy ServCo. This strategic move is part of the Puerto Rico Accelerated Storage Addition Program (ASAP), aimed at bolstering grid reliability through utility-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) co-located with existing generation facilities [1].

The SO1 Agreement, executed between PREPA and Polaris Power US, Inc. (PPUS), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Polaris, involves installing a 71.4 MW battery storage system at the Punta Lima site. The project, expected to be operational by Q3 2026, includes potential expansion to 80 MW capacity. The 20-year agreement will generate revenue through monthly fixed and performance-based payments from PREPA. Final regulatory approval is anticipated within 30-90 days [1].

Polaris CEO Marc Murnaghan expressed pride in supporting Puerto Rico's energy resilience goals while leveraging existing infrastructure at Punta Lima. This project aligns with Polaris's commitment to delivering long-term, sustainable energy solutions across Latin America and the Caribbean [1].

Puerto Rico's power grid has been frequently strained due to aging infrastructure and storm damage. This summer, the island is expected to experience an estimated 93 blackouts, underscoring the need for long-term solutions. The Polaris project, along with other initiatives, is a step toward mitigating these issues and enhancing grid reliability [2].

In a separate development, New Fortress Energy Inc., which is also involved in Puerto Rico's energy landscape, has seen its fortunes shift with the recent firings of the Puerto Rico oversight board. The new board, with a more favorable stance towards New Fortress, could potentially facilitate a deal to supply the island with liquefied natural gas, providing a much-needed boost to the company's financial health [2].

These developments highlight the ongoing efforts to stabilize Puerto Rico's power grid and provide sustainable energy solutions. As the island continues to navigate its energy challenges, projects like Polaris's BESS system and the potential resolution of New Fortress's LNG deal could significantly impact the island's energy landscape.

References:
[1] https://www.stocktitan.net/news/RAMPF/polaris-renewable-energy-announces-submission-of-the-so1-agreement-1zg7cw6v1h4p.html
[2] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-08-07/puerto-rico-board-firings-boost-hand-of-aston-villa-owner-wes-edens