Janice R. Andrews
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — A massive power outage swept across Puerto Rico early on New Year’s Eve, leaving nearly the entire island without electricity. Over 1.3 million residents were affected, and officials estimate it could take up to two days to fully restore power.
The blackout began at dawn, silencing electrical devices and air conditioning units, with only those equipped with generators able to continue operating. For many, the timing was a frustrating disruption to their holiday plans.
“It had to happen on December 31st!” said Manuel, a San Juan resident who was celebrating his birthday. “There’s no joy in this.”
Widespread Outage and Initial Response
Luma Energy, the private company responsible for power transmission and distribution, reported that nearly 90% of its 1.47 million customers were affected. Initial reports indicated that the outage was likely caused by a failure in an underground power line.
“We are working to restore power as quickly and safely as possible,” Luma stated, noting that the situation is still under investigation.
The blackout fueled growing frustration toward Luma and Genera PR, the company overseeing power generation in Puerto Rico. Many residents are calling for the removal of both companies due to frequent outages and ongoing issues with the grid.
Governor-elect Jenniffer González Colón, set to take office on January 2, vowed to prioritize fixing the island’s energy system. She suggested the creation of an “energy czar” to review Luma’s contracts and explore alternatives.
“We can’t keep depending on an energy system that keeps failing our people,” she wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Governor Pedro Pierluisi also expressed concerns, stating that he was in touch with both Luma and Genera PR, demanding answers and solutions.
Island-Wide Disruptions
The blackout forced many businesses, parks, and malls to close, while several government agencies implemented limited operations. Emergency services checked on patients who depend on electricity for medical needs.
In the absence of power, some residents adjusted their plans.
“I’ll sleep on my balcony,” said Raúl Pacheco, a 63-year-old diabetic, who was using a walker due to an injured foot.
Municipal worker Julio Córdova had to use his cellphone’s light to get dressed and planned to buy candles to cope with the outage. “This affects me because I had plans. Why couldn’t it have happened yesterday or tomorrow?” he asked.
Longstanding Power Issues
While outages of this scale are rare, Puerto Rico has long struggled with energy reliability due to an aging power grid. The system was heavily damaged by Hurricane Maria in 2017, and it was already in poor condition from years of neglect and lack of investment.
Repairs to the grid began only recently, with federal aid in the form of generators from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continuing to play a significant role in stabilizing the system.
In November, Puerto Rico’s government sought approval from U.S. officials to extend the use of FEMA’s portable generators for an additional two years.
The island’s energy infrastructure remains under strain, with petroleum accounting for more than 60% of power generation. Solar energy, despite the island’s abundant sunlight, represents just 7% of electricity consumption.
Economic and Environmental Struggles
The blackout also highlights the island’s larger economic challenges, including its ongoing financial crisis. The Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority is currently working to restructure over $9 billion in debt, the largest of any government agency on the island.
High costs for petroleum-based power, combined with Puerto Rico’s poverty rate of over 40%, add further stress to the grid.
Resilience in Adversity
Despite the difficulties, some residents remain undeterred.
“These blackouts are part of my life,” said Enid Núñez, 49, who prepared breakfast on a small gas stove she bought for emergencies.
For many Puerto Ricans, coping with frequent blackouts is a way of life. As the island continues efforts to restore power, the urgency for long-term energy reforms grows louder, with many hoping for a more sustainable and reliable power grid.
