Building Puerto Rico’s Energy Workforce of the Future 

 As part of the Government of Puerto Rico’s ongoing efforts to promote energy resilience, economic development, and institutional strengthening, the Puerto Rico Energy Policy Program (EPP) of the Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DEDC) successfully coordinated a series of professional trainings, including the Certified Energy Auditor (CEA™), Certified Energy Manager® (CEM®)، و Certified Measurement & Verification Professional® (CMVP®) courses. These trainings aim to expand Puerto Rico’s technical workforce and support the effective implementation of the island’s energy public policy. 

This initiative aligns with the principles established under Act 17-2019 and Act 57-2014, which promote a modern, efficient, resilient, and renewable-based energy system. The courses form part of a broader effort to reinforce energy governance, improve institutional processes, and foster the adoption of advanced energy management technologies across public, private, and nonprofit sectors. 

Participation was carried out through an open call issued across the DEDC’s official platforms and institutional networks. More than 80 professionals expressed interest in joining the initiative, underscoring the growing demand for specialized technical training in Puerto Rico. Due to the strong response, the Program has established a waitlist for the next training cycle planned for 2026. 

The sessions were delivered by instructors accredited by the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) and were held in Puerto Rico from October 27 to November 3, 2025. These trainings contribute to:

• Strengthening local capacity to conduct high-quality energy audits aligned with international standards. 
• Advancing the modernization of facilities through energy-efficiency measures and renewable integration. 
• Promoting the proper application of measurement and verification best practices to ensure reliable and verifiable outcomes. 
• Enhancing transparency, strengthening accountability, and improving performance in publicly funded energy projects. 
• Supporting a more competitive, diversified, and resilient energy ecosystem. 

The active engagement of the participating professionals who incorporated real-world challenges and opportunities from Puerto Rico’s energy landscape into technical exercises and analyses reflects a growing commitment to sector-wide professionalization, efficiency, and effective governance. 

Through this initiative, the Energy Policy Program of the Department of Economic Development and Commerce of Puerto Rico continue strengthening the institutional infrastructure and technical workforce needed to advance the Island’s energy transformation. In doing so, Puerto Rico moves closer to establishing a safer, modern, and self-reliant energy system capable of responding to natural events, reducing vulnerabilities, optimizing resources, and improving service quality for residents, communities, and economic sectors.