Puerto Rico encourages efficiency

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, Aug. 13 (UPI) -- Puerto Rico Gov. Anibal Acevedo Vila announced new renewable energy projects.

The government announced a group of incentives it wants to offer to encourage greater energy efficiency and new renewable energy projects, the Spanish news agency EFE reported.

"Green" loans will provide $500 discounts and low-interest loans to help purchase solar-powered water heaters. The efficient light bulbs incentive will give customers $5 coupons to buy energy-efficient bulbs, and the government will also help buy more efficient kitchen appliances for low-income households, Vila said.

The municipal incentive fund for solar energy will reimburse municipalities half of their investments in renewable energy, and a plan is in the works to help the government lower its energy usage as well.