Empowering Culebra

As part of our mission to empower Culebra energy system by strengthening its resilience, Fundación Comunitaria de Puerto Rico provided solar energy infrastructure to two anchor non-profit organizations: Asociación Pesquera de Culebra Inc. (Culebra Fishing Association Inc.) y Mujeres de Islas Inc. (Island Women Inc.).

Asociación Pesquera de Culebra Inc. gathers approximately 20 fishermen, promotes economic development and food sustainability for the community of this municipal island. The solar energy infrastructure, already in place, facilitates the continuation of services, not only to serve its members but the community at large. Also, energy resilience will increase the economic viability of the village and contribute to mitigating climate change.

Its members are very conscious of their responsibility for the maintenance of the equipment, and of their crucial role in preserving energy all year long. And have shown commitment to educating the community of fishermen with workshops as well as the community in general.

In the case of Mujeres de Islas, the Aula Hotel in the Sede de Experiencias Vivas de Aprendizaje (SEVA), a lodging of three rooms for people coming to the island to serve the community now has become a resilient space to continue to one of Culebra’s community first responders in the wake of natural events. Mujeres de Islas is also a hub for small business incubation and acceleration, uplifting Culebra’s economic activity.

Both are anchor institutions and become first responders in the wake of natural events. And because of their services, both are crucial in the economic empowerment of individuals and their social and economic mobility. Also, have been key in promoting community convenings and gatherings around the FCPR solarization project.

The process linked to the authorization of the installation of the solar systems –with storage infrastructures– in 24 essentials businesses in Culebra Island, has continued. This has involved a call for patience to all the people involved in the project. Nevertheless, it has revealed the commitment and perseverance of Fundación Comunitaria de Puerto Rico (FCPR) to this project, which is so important for the island’s energy resilience. The flame of hope is burning.

In the meantime, FCPR has kept an ongoing communication with the 24 site owners: gas stations, supermarkets, convenience stores, hostelries, restaurants, and others. In the meantime, a signage effort on all sites has taken place following EDAs guidelines and, a planning logistic process for transportation and storage of the materials and equipment to the municipal island. The energy sales and maintenance business plan for the infrastructure has advanced. Although these facilities will have their own solar system, as a way to guarantee the long-term sustainability of the project, the owners will pay a nominal amount for their energy consumption that will be used for administrative and maintenance support through a subsidiary established by Fundación Comunitaria de Puerto Rico for this sole purpose. The system will generate over 600 KWDC.

Culebra’s business ecosystem has already signed contracts, and submitted documents related to the authorization for the installations –certifications, final designs, security agreements and others– to the Economic Development Administration (EDA). When this stage is approved, we’re all set to start the installation.

After Hurricane María hit Puerto Rico in September 2017, Culebra and Vieques, two municipal islands in the north-eastern region, suffered from lack of energy for more than a year. Fossil fuel power generators had been providing the source to maintain electricity in the island with an unprecedented, elevated cost and with a negative impact on the environment. According to Census 2020, Culebra population is 1,792. 

 The project started in 2019 with planning and matching grants efforts. By 2020, the work concentrated on contracting staff, legal, compliance, and engineers for the design. In 2021, PRCF celebrated community outreaches and individual and collective structure predesigns. The project is funded by EDA, GlobalGiving, Prudential, and other private donors. Be a part of the transformation of Culebra and continue to support this project.

#