A significant power outage affected nearly all of Puerto Rico on New Year’s Eve, impacting over 1.3 million customers as the island prepared to welcome 2024. The blackout began early Tuesday, leaving around 90% of the island’s 1.47 million clients without electricity. Authorities indicated that restoring power could take as long as two days.
The cause of the outage appears to be linked to a failure in an underground power line, according to Luma Energy, the private firm responsible for the island’s electricity transmission and distribution. As officials investigate the situation, Luma has assured the public that efforts are underway to restore power as swiftly and safely as possible.
The outage has reignited frustrations towards Luma and Genera PR, the company that manages electricity generation in Puerto Rico, prompting growing calls for their dismissal. Incoming Governor Jenniffer González Colón, set to take office on January 2, has proposed appointing an “energy czar” to evaluate potential breaches of contract by Luma while searching for a new operator. Current Governor Pedro Pierluisi communicated with Luma and Genera PR to demand clarity and solutions regarding the outage.
Residents responded variously to the power cut, with some expressing disappointment on what was supposed to be a festive night. Manuel, a man whose birthday coincided with the outage, lamented the timing of the blackout. Other residents adapted by using candles and gas stoves, highlighting the resilience of the community in dealing with such challenges.
While power outages are not commonplace in Puerto Rico, the island has been struggling with a deteriorating electrical grid, which suffered severe damage during Hurricane Maria in 2017. The system’s decline has been exacerbated by years without adequate maintenance and investment. Crews have only recently commenced permanent repairs, supported by portable generators supplied by the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency to help stabilize the grid.
In November, the Puerto Rican government sought permission from U.S. officials to continue relying on temporary generators for an additional two years as part of ongoing recovery efforts. Amid the challenges, some residents, like Enid Núñez, have found workaround solutions, showcasing the island’s adaptive spirit.
As Puerto Rico navigates these current hardships, the community remains hopeful for a more stable power infrastructure in the future, with ongoing discussions about improving the management and reliability of energy resources. This situation highlights the critical need for investments and reforms that can lead to a more resilient power supply for the island.