05: Puerto Rico's Energy Crisis: Are We Solving the Wrong Problem?

Puerto Rico faces one of the highest electricity costs in the United States, putting enormous pressure on local manufacturers, businesses, and the island's economic competitiveness. But what if part of the solution isn't generating more electricity, but using less of it?In this episode of La Ecuación Industrial, Karen Mojica, CEO of the Puerto Rico Manufacturers Association, sits down with Fred “The Energy Guy” of Simcox Refrigeration to explore a side of Puerto Rico's energy crisis that often gets overlooked: energy efficiency.They discuss why businesses in Puerto Rico pay significantly more for electricity than their mainland competitors, how new technologies can reduce energy consumption without replacing existing equipment, and why lowering demand could save millions while reducing pressure on the island's electrical grid.Later in the conversation, Manuel García of ASHRAE Puerto Rico joins to explain how smarter building operations, engineering standards, and responsible energy use can benefit both businesses and the wider community.Join the Puerto Rico Energy Efficiency Summit on November 17 and discover innovative solutions to reduce energy consumption and costs. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/puerto-rico-energy-efficiency-summit-tickets-1996652206498 ⚡⚡Learn more about the Puerto Rico Manufacturers Association: https://industriales.org00:00 Introduction: Puerto Rico's Energy Crisis03:48 Meet Fred “The Energy Guy”05:04 Why Puerto Rico Needs a Different Energy Strategy07:39 The Power of Energy Efficiency10:48 Puerto Rico Energy Efficiency Summit13:01 How High Electricity Costs Threaten Businesses18:08 Is Puerto Rico Losing Its Competitive Edge?19:14 The Hidden Energy Costs of Air Conditioning22:19 How Saving Energy Benefits the Entire Island26:07 How Businesses Can Reduce Energy Costs28:55 Why Puerto Rico Needs Energy Efficiency Incentives34:20 Meet Manuel García of ASHRAE Puerto Rico38:34 Where Buildings Waste the Most Energy43:36 Practical Solutions Businesses Can Implement Now47:01 Smart Technology, Automation, and Water Savings