A widespread power outage struck nearly all of Puerto Rico just before the New Year, affecting over 1.3 million customers. The blackout, which happened early Tuesday morning, left 90% of the island’s electrical grid down, creating a quiet atmosphere as many relied on generators to maintain power in their homes. Officials indicated that the restoration of power could take up to two days.
The outage was reportedly caused by a failure in an underground power line, an issue that has reignited frustration towards Luma Energy and Genera PR, the companies responsible for electricity transmission and generation in Puerto Rico. Governor-elect Jenniffer González Colón, set to take office on January 2, has proposed the establishment of an “energy czar” to investigate potential breaches of contract by Luma while a new operator is sought. Current Governor Pedro Pierluisi has also urged Luma and Genera for swift answers and resolutions regarding the situation.
Residents expressed their disappointment, especially since the outage occurred on New Year’s Eve. Many began to adjust their plans, lighting candles, or turning to gas stoves to prepare meals. Despite the challenges faced during the outage, some locals have learned to adapt. Enid Núñez mentioned that she has a gas stove handy for such emergencies.
Puerto Rico has faced chronic power issues, largely attributed to a deteriorating infrastructure exacerbated by the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in 2017. Recent efforts to permanently repair the power grid have begun, and the government has asked for an extension to utilize portable generators from FEMA to stabilize the supply.
While the blackout was unfortunate, there is a silver lining. This incident has spurred calls for accountability and improvements in Puerto Rico’s energy infrastructure. As the new year approaches, this could be the catalyst for meaningful changes that ensure reliable power for residents in the future.
Overall, while this blackout has been a difficult experience, it presents an opportunity for leaders and utilities to reassess and improve the island’s energy resilience going forward.