Puerto Rico faced another significant power outage on Tuesday, affecting nearly 1.3 million residents and businesses across the island. The disruption stemmed from infrastructure issues at a power plant located on the southern coast, leading to a widespread blackout at around 5:30 a.m., according to the energy company Luma.
Local resident Miosotis Corretjer expressed her frustration over the situation, criticizing the government for not doing enough to address the ongoing power issues. Many residents have voiced their dissatisfaction with Luma, asserting that the company provides the worst electric service in the history of Puerto Rico. The outage, coinciding with the holiday season, deeply impacted traditional celebrations for many families.
By early evening, Luma reported that power had been restored to over 336,000 customers, representing about 20% of those who lost electricity. Critical facilities, including hospitals and essential water infrastructure, had been re-energized, and Luma committed to ongoing restoration efforts.
The company identified an underground cable fault as the main issue and indicated that restoring power would occur in phases. Luma anticipated a full restoration timeframe of 24 to 48 hours.
Josué Colón, director of the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, explained in a radio interview that an issue with a southern power line triggered multiple plant failures. He acknowledged the complex nature of repairs, which could take much of the day.
Governor Pedro Pierluisi communicated with both Luma and Genera PR, demanding immediate answers and action to expedite power restoration across the island. Incoming Governor Jenniffer González emphasized the necessity for a reliable energy system to prevent recurrent failures, proposing that stabilizing the grid would be her primary focus as she takes office.
Despite the dire circumstances, stakeholders indicate potential for progress; Luma reported a 30% reduction in outage frequency over the past year and the initiation of 251 federally funded projects aimed at modernizing the grid. This focus on improvement suggests a hopeful pathway toward a more reliable energy system in the future.
Puerto Rico has faced ongoing electrical challenges, particularly following the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria in 2017. Despite significant federal investment aimed at upgrading the power grid, many residents continue to experience frequent outages and high electricity rates, which are more than double those of mainland U.S. customers.
In summary, while the current situation remains challenging, there is a commitment from local authorities and utility companies to enhance the island’s power infrastructure, aiming for a more stable and efficient energy future for the residents of Puerto Rico.