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Tesla Turns Power Back On At Children's Hospital In Puerto Rico (npr.org)

Posted by BeauHD on from the flip-of-the-switch dept.

Elon Musk took to Instagram yesterday to announce the "first of many solar+battery Tesla projects going live in Puerto Rico." Tesla has used its solar panels and batteries to restore reliable electricity at San Juan's Hospital del Nino (Children's Hospital) after the country was devastated by two powerful hurricanes in September. NPR reports: Musk's company announced its success in getting the hospital's power working again less than three weeks after Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rossello tweeted on Oct. 6, "Great initial conversation with @elonmusk tonight. Teams are now talking; exploring opportunities." Tesla's image of the project's solar array, in a parking lot next to the hospital, has been liked more than 84,000 times since it was posted to Instagram Tuesday. The hospital's new system allows it to generate all the energy it needs, according to El Nuevo Dia. The facility has 35 permanent residents with chronic conditions; it also offers services to some 3,000 young patients, the newspaper says. As for who is paying for the power system, the head of the hospital tells Nuevo Dia that for now, it's a donation -- and that after the energy crisis is over, a deal could make it permanent. Both Rossello and the tech company tweeted about the project this week, with Tesla saying in a post, "Grateful to support the recovery of Puerto Rico with @ricardorossello" -- and Rossello stating, "A major contribution of @Tesla to the Hospital del Nino."

2 of 203 comments (clear)

  1. And it only cost them... by Jzanu · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    900 jobs, $10 billion tax subsidies, whatever fee was charged upfront, and whatever fees will be charged later. Musk is evil, and using kids for PR is par for the course.

  2. Dont let facts get in the way of your biased rant by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    Fact 1 - Puerto Rico was bankrupted by its own foolish investments and corrupt leaders.
    Fact 2 - There are literally hundreds of countries that would join the US today, we don't want them.

    Fact 3 - You are a huge blame-shifting excuse giver. Stop moaning about how bad you have it. Here in California we just had massive wildfires and we are getting NO BAILOUT. Elon Musk lives here and gave NO FUCKING POWER SHIT TO ANYONE IN AMERICA.