What Happened
Nearly all of Puerto Rico was plunged into darkness on New Year’s Eve due to a widespread power outage early Tuesday. Over 1.3 million clients, approximately 90% of the island’s population, were affected, according to Luma Energy, the company responsible for electricity transmission and distribution.
The blackout began at dawn, silencing electrical appliances and leaving residents without air conditioning. Luma Energy stated the outage was likely caused by the failure of an underground power line, but the incident is under investigation. Officials estimate it may take up to two days to fully restore power.
Public Reaction
The timing of the outage added to the frustration of many residents as the island was preparing to celebrate New Year’s Eve.
"It had to be on the 31st of December!" said Manuel, a resident of San Juan whose birthday coincided with the blackout.
Some residents, like 63-year-old Raúl Pacheco, adjusted their plans, with Pacheco planning to sleep on his balcony due to the lack of air conditioning. Others turned to makeshift solutions, such as using candles or gas stoves.
Anger At Utility Companies
The outage intensified criticism of Luma Energy and Genera PR, which oversees power generation. Many Puerto Ricans have called for their removal, citing ongoing issues with reliability and transparency.
Governor-elect Jenniffer González Colón, set to take office on January 2, proposed creating an “energy czar” to review Luma’s contract and find a potential replacement. Current Governor Pedro Pierluisi demanded answers and solutions from both companies.
Background on Puerto Rico’s Power Grid
Power outages are not new for Puerto Rico, though blackouts of this scale are rare. The island’s electrical grid has struggled since Hurricane Maria devastated the infrastructure in 2017.
Repairs to the grid have been slow, with some relying on generators provided by FEMA to stabilize the system.
In November, Puerto Rico requested U.S. approval to extend the use of portable generators for two more years.
The Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) is also burdened by over $9 billion in debt, complicating efforts to modernize the grid.
What’s Next?
Crews are working to restore power as quickly as possible, but the timeline remains uncertain. This latest outage highlights the island’s ongoing energy challenges and the need for substantial infrastructure improvements. For now, residents are bracing for more uncertainty as Puerto Rico continues to navigate its energy crisis.
Comments