Mamdani and Hochul pledge aid to Puerto Rico amid energy disputes

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul pledged increased support for Puerto Rico on Friday as they arrived in San Juan for a four-day annual conference.

The visit follows a midterm election victory for Democrats, which both officials described as a turning point for the U.S. territory.

Mamdani framed the island's recurring emergencies as political rather than purely natural events. He told reporters that the election results allow leaders to finally deliver for working-class people. He noted that many crises on the island stem from specific political choices.

Hochul characterized the election outcome as a new day for Puerto Rico. She warned that the federal government would be held accountable for its past actions. She cited a two-year period of abandonment and outlined a plan to restore healthcare, nutrition programs, and energy infrastructure.

During the visit, officials announced a $280,000 partnership between the Hispanic Federation and the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York. The funds will equip 10 community-run resiliency hubs with increased water storage capacity. Some sites will also receive rain-collection systems, kitchen infrastructure, and solar power with battery storage.

Frankie Miranda, president and CEO of the Hispanic Federation, stated that the partnership aims to ensure the Puerto Rico agenda is not forgotten. He told The Associated Press that public policies have been harmful to the island and that leaders must now address remaining challenges.

The announcement comes after the Trump administration canceled solar projects intended to help low-income families. A $400 million project for solar and battery storage in homes with medical needs was scrapped. The U.S. Department of Energy said the funds would instead maintain the power grid damaged by Hurricane Maria in 2017.

Six Puerto Rico residents filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Energy Department and Secretary Chris Wright last week. They seek to reinstate a $1 billion federal program for solar power and battery storage. The lawsuit cites the high cost of such systems for the majority of residents.

Ileana Rios, a 63-year-old diabetic resident of Arecibo, is among the plaintiffs. She requires electricity to refrigerate insulin and run her son's nebulizer. The lawsuit notes she loses power during storms and even in stable weather. Other plaintiffs have similar health needs that depend on reliable electricity.

Sybelle Rodriguez del Valle, director of operations at Barrio Eléctrico, described months of uncertainty while awaiting the federal decision. The nonprofit serves more than 500 families and was set to aid 1,200 more. It had completed only one-third of its projects before losing an estimated $16 million to $20 million in funding.