The recent power outage in Puerto Rico has left most of the island in darkness, impacting millions of residents as they prepare for New Year celebrations. Here is a detailed update on the situation, its causes, and the ongoing recovery efforts.
How widespread is the Puerto Rico blackout?
As of early Tuesday, over 1.2 million of the island’s 1.47 million customers were left without power, according to LUMA Energy, the private company responsible for electricity transmission and distribution. This represents more than 80% of Puerto Rico’s population.
The outage began at approximately 5:30 a.m. and has affected critical areas, including Bayamón, Carolina, Arecibo, and San Juan. In the capital, only 24.12% of LUMA’s customers had access to electricity by mid-morning.
What caused the Puerto Rico power outage?
Preliminary findings from LUMA Energy suggest the blackout was triggered by a failure in a 230,000-volt underground transmission line located at Costa Sur. This failure caused a cascading effect, taking multiple power plants offline, including Costa Sur and EcoEléctrica.
Pedro Pierluisi, Governor of Puerto Rico, described the event as a “massive blackout affecting much of the island” and emphasized the urgency of resolving the crisis. Efforts to restore power are underway, but the exact cause of the transmission line failure remains under investigation.
Why does Puerto Rico experience frequent power outages?
The island has faced chronic power outages since Hurricane María devastated its electrical grid in 2017. Years of underinvestment and inadequate maintenance have left Puerto Rico’s energy infrastructure vulnerable.
LUMA Energy, which took over the island’s power grid operations in June 2021, has faced criticism for persistent outages and slow modernization efforts. Public dissatisfaction has sparked protests, with calls to terminate the company’s contract becoming a central issue in local elections.
How long will the power outage in Puerto Rico last?
According to José Pérez, a spokesperson for LUMA, full restoration of power could take up to 72 hours. “We have already begun restoring power to some areas,” Pérez stated, “but it’s a gradual process, and we want to be transparent—it won’t be completed overnight.”
By 9:50 a.m., some regions had regained power, but the restoration timeline depends on the ongoing investigation into the root cause of the failure and the condition of the affected infrastructure.
In its 11:00 update, LUMA reported via X: “Service has been restored in some areas. The San Juan Medical Center and Municipal Hospital are now in service. Culebra is also in service with Genera generators. We will be offering periodic updates every two hours.”
What services have been impacted by the power outage?
- Airports: Operations at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan continue with backup generators. While flights are unaffected, some areas lack air conditioning, and limited food services are available.
- Malls: Major shopping centers like Plaza Las Américas and The Mall of San Juan remain closed, although stores with backup power, such as Macy’s and JCPenney, might operate.
- Businesses and Residences: Many businesses are operating at reduced capacity, while residents rely on personal generators where available.
Will electricity costs increase in Puerto Rico?
The power outage coincides with an approved electricity rate hike effective January 1, 2025. The Puerto Rico Energy Bureau (NEPR) has authorized LUMA to implement rate adjustments, increasing residential bills by approximately $18.07 per month for an average household consuming 800 kWh.
The increase stems from higher-than-expected fuel costs and greater energy demand during unusually warm months. The adjustment does not fund LUMA’s operations but covers expenses related to fuel and energy purchases from independent producers.
Governor Pierluisi has demanded accountability and swift action from LUMA Energy and Genera PR, the company responsible for power generation. Both entities have pledged to investigate the outage and expedite recovery efforts.
Officials report that power restoration is progressing, with priority given to critical infrastructure such as hospitals and water systems. Residents have been advised to conserve energy and prepare for potential delays.
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