Central Puerto Rico, Orocovis. DC Microgrid includes a SunStar direct drive fridge and a 55AH 12V nickel iron battery kit.
El Caney Orocovis (Casa del Pueblo) was founded in 1993 by Bibi (Abuela) Naniki as a community dedicated to hosting ancestral indigenous ceremony, and as a supportive space for people transitioning out of the prison system. Their large, three story community house hosted many gatherings over the years, some as big as 1000 people. The Caney served for decades as a unique refuge for many Boricua wishing to connect with their ancestral Taino heritage.
Sadly, the community house of El Caney suffered severe structural damage in Hurricane Maria in 2017. With the support of El Departamento de la Comida, brigades of volunteers have been working to rebuild the infrastructure. But still, the site is not the vibrant community center it once was. This is due in part to the lack of electrical service at the site. Abuela Naniki has been determined not to support Luma (Puerto Rico’s controversial, privately owned electrical utility) and has kept the site off the grid. But, they have not had the resources to install a solar kit sufficient to support the community house.
In 2023, Abuela Naniki was able to fundraise for a direct drive fridge and a 55AH nickel iron charging kit, to support a small number of residents and volunteers as they continue the work of rebuilding El Caney. Alexis, Debbie and Millo installed the equipment in March of 2023. It’s an improvement, but more work and resources are needed. Naniki, El Depa and Living Energy Lights are now collaborating on a grant that will hopefully provide the funds for a more substantial upgrade of El Caney’s electrical system. Stay tuned!