Traditional+Power+Methods

Under PRASA’s current plan, these energy needs are met by traditional power methods. Normally, the power is supplied by the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA). PREPA accomplishes this through the five power plants in: Costa Sur, Palo Seco, San Juan, Complejo Aguirre, and Arecibo (Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, 2002). These power stations function by converting the heat energy provided by the combustion of the fossil fuel petroleum into mechanical energy. The oil used for combustion is classified as a residual fuel oil, also known as a RFO. This type of heavy oil, specifically the bunker fuel No. 6, is used as the primary energy source for four out of the five power plants on the island. The fifth power plant, in Arecibo, burns the lighter distillate of bunker fuel No. 2 (Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, 2002). The electrical energy produced by the power plants is distributed to satisfy the energy demands of the island. According to PREPA, the electrical needs of 1.4 million clients are met by these current electrical systems and stations of PREPA (Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, 2002). The high electrical demands of the island can be costly and result in the high consumption of non-renewable natural resources. One way in which higher costs are prevented is through the use of the less expensive, heavier oils. These RFOs require specialized refineries for their burning, transport, and storage as opposed to the lighter distillates. In conjunction with these qualities, the toxins released upon heating allow for the residual oils to be priced lower than most other oils on the market. This continues their use as a cost effective and primary fuel source (U.S. Government, 2010).