Para añadir un Artículo 8.4 C a la Ley 161-2009, según enmendada, conocida como “Ley para la Reforma del Proceso de Permisos de Puerto Rico”, a fin de exceptuar del cumplimiento de instalación de provisión “rapid shutdown” para sistemas de energía renovable instalados en techos de uso exclusivo residencial de concreto; y establecer que la Oficina de Gerencia de Permisos, la Autoridad de Energía Eléctrica, el Negociado de Energía, así como cualquier otro departamento, agencia, municipio, corporación o instrumentalidad pública del Gobierno revisarán, enmendarán o derogarán sus reglamentos administrativos, órdenes administrativas, memorandos para instituir procedimientos, políticas y formularios de permisos con la intención de atemperarlos a lo aquí contenido; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Exempts residential rooftop solar systems on concrete structures from mandatory rapid shutdown safety devices, directing Puerto Rico agencies to revise regulations accordingly.

Quedó Pendiente de Acción Posterior en el Senado

Legislative bill overview

Bill PS 832 exempts residential rooftop renewable energy systems installed on concrete structures from mandatory "rapid shutdown" safety device installation requirements in Puerto Rico. The bill also directs multiple government agencies—including the Permits Management Office, Electric Power Authority, and Energy Board—to review and amend their administrative regulations, orders, and permit procedures to align with this exemption.

Why is this important

Rapid shutdown devices are safety mechanisms required by electrical codes to quickly de-energize solar panels during emergencies or maintenance, protecting workers and first responders. This exemption could reduce installation costs for residential renewable energy but raises questions about emergency response protocols and worker safety in Puerto Rico's renewable energy expansion efforts.

Potential points of contention

Safety vs. cost trade-off: Whether concrete residential roofs genuinely present lower fire or electrocution risks justifying exemption from industry-standard safety requirements, or if exemptions create inconsistent safety standards

Regulatory authority and burden: The broad directive requiring multiple agencies to revise regulations may create implementation challenges and potential conflicts between different government bodies' safety standards

First responder implications: Whether firefighters and emergency personnel adequately understand which systems lack rapid shutdown capability, potentially complicating emergency response procedures