The Oversight Hearing held by the Indian and Insular Affairs Subcommittee of the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources on December 31, 2024, focused on the pressing energy challenges facing Puerto Rico. Key discussions centered around the island's transition to solar energy and the current state of its electrical grid.

During the meeting, it was highlighted that Puerto Rico is expected to install over 5 gigawatts of solar capacity in the next decade, with only 8.8% of this coming from utility-scale projects. A significant concern raised was whether the existing grid could handle the increasing number of households adopting solar and battery systems. Experts indicated that the grid's ability to absorb this growth depends on the pace of upgrades to the infrastructure, suggesting that improvements are necessary for reliable service.

Another critical topic was the status of the Aguirre power plant, which was reported to be out of service. This facility has the potential to provide electricity to 200,000 residents. Questions were raised about the plans to restore its functionality and whether it fits into broader energy resiliency strategies for Puerto Rico. Officials acknowledged the need for immediate action, emphasizing a $126 million investment in a critical component replacement program aimed at addressing frequent equipment failures.

The discussions underscored the urgency for Puerto Rico to enhance its energy infrastructure to ensure reliability and meet the growing demand for renewable energy solutions. The hearing concluded with a commitment to follow up on the operational status of the Aguirre plant and the ongoing efforts to upgrade the grid.