Energy Secretary Granholm makes fifth trip to Puerto Rico amid GOP scrutiny of travel expenses.

Granholm’s Mission to Modernize Puerto Rico’s Power Grid Sparks Debate

Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm ‌has made her fifth trip to‍ Puerto Rico in nine months,‌ raising questions ⁤from energy⁣ experts about the ⁣necessity of her in-person presence.

Granholm expressed‌ her excitement about being back in Puerto Rico, stating on Twitter,‍ “Glad⁤ to be back in Puerto Rico this week w/ a series of announcements on energy resilience.”

This visit marks ‌Granholm’s fifth official trip to Puerto Rico since last October, including ‍a week-long‌ visit in February and another ‌week-long trip during ‍spring break in March.

Earlier this‍ year, House Republicans raised concerns about Granholm’s‌ extensive taxpayer-funded travel⁤ to⁣ Puerto Rico and requested her itineraries⁤ and list of expenses⁢ for these trips.

During her‌ latest ⁤trip, Granholm announced $453 million⁤ in federal funding ⁤for residential rooftop solar PV and battery storage installations in Puerto Rico, as well as ⁤$7‌ million in grants to help⁤ disadvantaged communities determine their energy​ needs.

While ⁢Granholm​ aims to⁤ assist Puerto Rico‍ in modernizing its power‌ grid, energy experts have ‍questioned the​ need for her frequent on-the-ground presence during a global energy⁣ crisis.

A former Department of Energy official criticized Granholm’s trips, stating, “Unless Granholm is there installing the solar ‍panels herself, there is no reason for her to⁢ be on the ground for that long.”

Despite inquiries from Republican lawmakers about the ⁤frequency and duration of her trips, Granholm continues to prioritize her efforts in ⁢stabilizing and ​modernizing Puerto Rico’s electric​ grid.

The Biden administration has allocated $1 billion to support the restoration of Puerto Rico’s electricity grid, which was severely damaged by hurricanes in​ 2017. However, corruption ‍and mismanagement have hindered⁤ previous repair attempts.

Granholm’s recent trip ⁢to⁢ Puerto Rico ⁣follows her week-long visit to India, where she participated⁣ in multiple international forums.