Puerto Rico’s Governor-Elect Jenniffer González addressed the widespread power outage affecting the island on New Year’s Eve, calling for urgent action to restore electricity and improve the energy system. Despite not yet officially assuming office, González gathered key energy and security officials for updates, stressing the importance of rapid response and coordination. She stressed the need for a more reliable energy infrastructure, speaking on the formation of an Energy Task Force that will prioritize a stable power system once she takes office.
The widespread blackout is affecting over 1.3 million customers, caused by a failure of an underground power line, leaving nearly 90% of the island without power, with Luma Energy working to restore electricity. The incident fueled public anger against Luma and Genera PR, leading Governor-elect Jenniffer González to propose the creation of an “energy czar” to review possible breaches in Luma’s contract. Power restoration could take up to two days, Luma said.
No podemos seguir con un sistema energético que le falla tanto a nuestro pueblo. Eventos como el apagón de esta mañana y la incertidumbre de una pronta energización de la isla sigue afectando nuestra economía y calidad de vida.
Todos los miembros del componente energético deben…
— Jenniffer González (@Jenniffer)
December 31, 2024
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11:46 AM EST
A public transport bus drives on a dark street in San Juan, Puerto Rico after a major power outage hit the island on December 31, 2024. A major power outage plunged much of Puerto Rico…
A public transport bus drives on a dark street in San Juan, Puerto Rico after a major power outage hit the island on December 31, 2024. A major power outage plunged much of Puerto Rico into darkness Tuesday, with the US island territory’s electric utility saying restoration could take up to two days. The “island-wide blackout” began at 5:30 am (0930 GMT), Luma Energy said in a social media statement.
Ricardo Arduengo/Getty Images
The Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTOP) in Puerto Rico has extended the validity of vehicle tags that expire on December 31, 2024, until January 15, 2025, due to the ongoing power outage situation. This measure, under Resolution No. 2024-31, ensures no penalties for late inspections or renewals within this period.
Additionally, the extension covers the ACAA and compulsory insurance, ensuring that affected individuals maintain access to necessary services in case of an accident.
11:36 AM EST
Luma Energy re-establishes power for local hospitals
Luma Energy has shared an update on X, formerly Twitter, updating its customers about the re-establishment of power in Centro Médico hospital and the Hospital Municipal de San Juan.
The municipality of Culebra also has electricity, according to the company.
It added that there will be updates made on its X every two hours.
Actualización 11 am ??Se ha estado restableciendo el servicio en algunas zonas. Ya el Centro Médico y el Hospital Municipal de San Juan están en servicio. Culebra en servicio también con generadores de Genera. ??Estaremos ofreciendo actualizaciones periódicas cada dos horas.
— LUMA Puerto Rico (@lumaenergypr)
December 31, 2024
Puerto Rico Power Outage Updates: Governor-Elect Urges Urgent Action Following Island-Wide Blackout
