Today the New Jersey Puerto Rico Commission (PRC) announced its forthcoming inaugural alternative energy grant. The state-funded grant will be used by awarded entities for the purchase and installation of either an emergency standby generator, solar panels, or other energy project independent of the grid. Applications for this opportunity open Friday May 23, 2025 at 5:00pm EST.

The purpose of this funding is to allow chosen community organizations in Puerto Rico to continue their services, programming, education, and other daily operations without reliance on the unpredictable energy grid.

“Opening the pathways between New Jersey and Puerto Rico both culturally and economically has been a priority for this Administration. This grant is just one of the ways our Administration is cultivating long lasting business and governmental relationships,” expressed Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way, who oversees the Puerto Rico Commission in her capacity as Secretary of State.

The project is open to both Puerto Rico and New Jersey based entities. However, the project must be located in Puerto Rico. Priority will be given to applicants completing this project with a purchase from a New Jersey business or manufacturer.

“Through our exploratory conversations to assess needs on the Island, the Commission decided to design this grant to allow maximum flexibility and innovative solutions to this existing problem of unreliable power that interrupts the daily lives of Boricuas,” said Executive Director Awilda Pomales-Diaz. “We are confident that this grant will have a lasting and positive impact on the vulnerable communities on the Island and strengthen our two interconnected regions.”

The New Jersey Puerto Rico Commission was first established in the wake of Hurricane Maria with a law signed by Governor Murphy on January 9, 2020. The combined impact of Hurricanes Irma and Maria led to a complete failure of Puerto Rico’s grid, leaving residents in the dark for days or even weeks on end after every major rainfall.

“As the prime sponsor of the legislation creating the New Jersey Puerto Rico Commission, I am incredibly excited to review these proposals and continue these forward-thinking initiatives,” said Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez.

Examples of eligible projects and purposes of the $200,000 include solar panels, generators, and solar-powered devices such as charging stations for phones or stand by power for medical refrigerators storing insulin.

"We encourage all eligible entities to apply. This grant is actively paving the way for a prosperous future in Puerto Rico and Statewide,” said PRC Chairwoman Peggy Anastos.

The grant timeline will run from Friday, May 23, 2025 to Tuesday, June 17, 2025. Applications on the System for Administering Grants Electronically (SAGE) will open May 23, 2025, at 5:00pm EST. Visit PRC.NJ.GOV for grant details.