As Puerto Rico prepared to ring in the New Year, the island was hit by a massive power outage, leaving nearly 1.3 million customers without electricity. This blackout is the latest in a series of power disruptions that have plagued the island, highlighting ongoing issues with its power grid.

The Incident

On December 31, 2024, the outage affected about 90% of the island’s population. The cause was traced to a failure in an underground power line, according to Luma Energy, the company responsible for electricity transmission and distribution in Puerto Rico. The event sparked widespread frustration, with many residents demanding the removal of Luma and Genera PR, the company overseeing power generation on the island.

Impact on Residents

The blackout had a profound impact on daily life. Many residents were forced to rely on generators, while others went without power altogether. The outage disrupted New Year’s Eve celebrations, with people like Raúl Pacheco, a 63-year-old diabetic, resorting to sleeping on his balcony because there was no air conditioning. Businesses and essential services were also affected, adding to the public frustration.

Historical Context

Puerto Rico’s power grid has been in decline for years, worsened by the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria in 2017. Despite efforts to repair and stabilize the grid, the island continues to experience frequent outages. The government has been collaborating with the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to deploy portable generators in an attempt to stabilize the grid, but permanent solutions have been slow to materialize.

Government Response

Governor Pedro Pierluisi has demanded answers and solutions from both Luma and Genera PR. He has been in direct contact with the companies to expedite the restoration of power and ensure that residents are kept informed about progress. Governor-elect Jenniffer González Colón has called for the creation of an “energy czar” to review potential contractual breaches by Luma and to explore finding another operator if necessary.

The recent blackout in Puerto Rico underscores the urgent need for a reliable and resilient power grid. As the island continues to recover from past disasters and face ongoing infrastructure challenges, it is critical for both the government and private companies to work together to provide stable and dependable electricity to all residents.