Blackout Hits Puerto Rico on New Year’s Eve, Leaving 1.3M Without Power
TL/DR –
Almost the entirety of Puerto Rico experienced a power outage on New Year’s Eve, affecting more than 1.3 million customers. The outage, which officials said could take up to two days to restore, was reportedly caused by a failure of an underground power line, according to Luma Energy, a private company overseeing power transmission and distribution on the island. The power outage has led to increased frustration with Luma and Genera PR, which handles power generation in Puerto Rico, escalating calls for their removal and the creation of an “energy czar” to oversee Luma’s potential contractual breaches.
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – New Year’s Eve Blackout Impacts Puerto Rico
An unexpected power outage hit Puerto Rico on New Year’s Eve, leaving 1.3 million clients in darkness. Officials estimated power restoration could take up to two days.
The blackout began at dawn, silencing the island as electrical appliances and air conditioners shut down. Residents who could afford generators resorted to them for power.
Learn more about recent power outages in Puerto Rico.
Manuel, a local resident, lamented the timing of the outage, coinciding with his birthday. “There is no happiness,” he stated.
Luma Energy, a private company managing power transmission and distribution, reported that nearly 90% of their 1.47 million clients had no power. Luma believes the outage occurred due to an underground power line failure.
The blackout led to increased resentment towards Luma and power generation overseer Genera PR, with many locals demanding their removal.
Soon-to-be Governor Jenniffer González Colón called for an “energy czar” to examine potential Luma contract breaches, seeking an alternate operator.
Gov. Pedro Pierluisi shared that he was in touch with Luma and Genera PR, saying, “we are demanding answers and solutions.”
Preparations for prolonged power loss have started. For instance, 63-year-old diabetic Raúl Pacheco planned to sleep on his balcony for the time being.
Puerto Rico often experiences power outages due to an aging power grid, worsened by 2017’s Hurricane Maria. Recent repairs have started, but the island still relies heavily on U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency-provided generators.
Puerto Rico’s Electric Power Authority, currently wrestling with restructuring over $9 billion in debt, is one of the island’s largest government agencies.
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