popular articles

Puerto Rico under pressure as 1.25 million households impacted by power outage

A massive power outage plunged Puerto Rico into darkness on New Year's Eve, affecting more than a million households. The structural challenges of the energy grid reveal significant shortcomings.

Please share:

Puerto Rico, a territory associated with the United States, faced a major power outage on December 31, leaving approximately 1.25 million households without electricity. Luma Energy, the operator managing the grid, confirmed that 85.6% of customers had regained power by the morning of January 1.

Technical failure and aging infrastructure

The outage was caused by an overload on a high-voltage cable in the southern part of the island, triggering a cascading failure across the grid. This incident highlights the chronic weaknesses of an energy system still recovering from the devastating hurricanes of 2017 and the 2020 earthquake.

Puerto Rico’s electric grid, managed by Luma Energy and Genera, frequently experiences massive outages. Structural issues, combined with insufficient investment, underline the territory’s critical dependence on federal assistance.

Economic and political repercussions

This outage occurred during the peak tourist season, dealing a severe blow to an already fragile economy. Prolonged darkness in key areas, such as the capital San Juan, caused significant disruptions in public services and the private sector.

Politically, this incident has fueled criticism of energy operators and local authorities. Governor Pedro Pierluisi has increased pressure on Luma and Genera to provide explanations and long-term solutions. He also requested continued support from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Uncertain solutions ahead

Puerto Rico’s energy challenges require a coordinated response between local and federal actors. Calls for a complete modernization of infrastructure are growing, but budget constraints and complex administrative processes hinder concrete progress.

While power has been restored in most areas, experts warn that a sustainable solution to prevent future outages will require significant investment and structural overhaul of the grid.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Recently published in

The Watt For Change Foundation and the French Development Agency are joining forces to support three initiatives aimed at improving access to renewable energy in Benin, Mauritania, and Madagascar. A €860,000 three-year partnership dedicated to assisting local associations.
The Tanzanian government plans to invest $12.9 billion to add 2.4 GW to its power grid by 2030. This funding aims to expand electricity access to 75% of the population, with significant participation from the private sector.
The Tanzanian government plans to invest $12.9 billion to add 2.4 GW to its power grid by 2030. This funding aims to expand electricity access to 75% of the population, with significant participation from the private sector.
A court demands that all funding linked to federal energy and climate laws, previously suspended, be immediately put back into circulation. This decision is based on a federal judgment challenging the legality of a freeze imposed by the American executive.
A court demands that all funding linked to federal energy and climate laws, previously suspended, be immediately put back into circulation. This decision is based on a federal judgment challenging the legality of a freeze imposed by the American executive.
At the World Summit on Artificial Intelligence in Paris, Emmanuel Macron highlighted nuclear energy as a power source for technological infrastructures, countering Donald Trump's plans to massively expand oil drilling in the United States.
At the World Summit on Artificial Intelligence in Paris, Emmanuel Macron highlighted nuclear energy as a power source for technological infrastructures, countering Donald Trump's plans to massively expand oil drilling in the United States.
Canada will need to build energy infrastructure on an unprecedented scale to meet the federal government's goal of eliminating greenhouse gas emissions from the electricity sector by 2050. A major technical and economic challenge marked by delays and significant costs.
The majority of countries have not submitted their new climate roadmaps to the UN before the February 10 deadline. This delay raises questions about the priorities of major economies amid geopolitical shifts and economic uncertainty.
The majority of countries have not submitted their new climate roadmaps to the UN before the February 10 deadline. This delay raises questions about the priorities of major economies amid geopolitical shifts and economic uncertainty.
Joseph Saddi is the new Minister of Energy in Lebanon. He inherits a sector weakened by reliance on imports and failing infrastructure, while international partnerships struggle to restart oil and gas exploration.
Joseph Saddi is the new Minister of Energy in Lebanon. He inherits a sector weakened by reliance on imports and failing infrastructure, while international partnerships struggle to restart oil and gas exploration.
Rosatom announces the development of a plasma rocket engine prototype capable of reducing the journey to Mars to just 30 days. This technological breakthrough could have major strategic implications in the race for space exploration.
Rosatom announces the development of a plasma rocket engine prototype capable of reducing the journey to Mars to just 30 days. This technological breakthrough could have major strategic implications in the race for space exploration.
The Canadian government allocates $43.5 million to strengthen energy policy related to critical minerals in Quebec. This investment aims to support infrastructure and research, consolidating the country's strategic supply chains.
Electricity consumption in France increased by 0.7% in 2024, reaching 449.2 terawatt-hours, according to RTE. This slight rise marks a turning point after two years of decline but remains well below pre-2020 levels.
Electricity consumption in France increased by 0.7% in 2024, reaching 449.2 terawatt-hours, according to RTE. This slight rise marks a turning point after two years of decline but remains well below pre-2020 levels.
The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) has announced a reduction in renewable energy subsidies in China. New projects will now have to sell their electricity at market prices, marking a transition to a more autonomous economic model.
The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) has announced a reduction in renewable energy subsidies in China. New projects will now have to sell their electricity at market prices, marking a transition to a more autonomous economic model.
Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia have finalized their synchronization with the European electricity grid, ending their dependence on Russian infrastructure. This project, funded with €1.6 billion, strengthens the region’s energy security.
Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia have finalized their synchronization with the European electricity grid, ending their dependence on Russian infrastructure. This project, funded with €1.6 billion, strengthens the region’s energy security.
French electricity exports generated a record €5 billion in 2024, driven by increased volumes despite falling market prices. Italy, Germany, and Belgium are among the main importers.
France’s electricity exports generated €5 billion in 2024, an unprecedented level driven by increased volumes despite declining market prices. Italy, Germany, and Belgium were among the main importers.
France’s electricity exports generated €5 billion in 2024, an unprecedented level driven by increased volumes despite declining market prices. Italy, Germany, and Belgium were among the main importers.
Engie announces an exceptional increase of €50 for energy vouchers benefiting eligible customers and doubles its contribution to the Housing Solidarity Fund (FSL). This measure comes as rising electricity taxes impact consumers.
Engie announces an exceptional increase of €50 for energy vouchers benefiting eligible customers and doubles its contribution to the Housing Solidarity Fund (FSL). This measure comes as rising electricity taxes impact consumers.
La Lituanie, la Lettonie et l'Estonie vont couper leurs derniers liens avec le réseau électrique russe. Ce basculement, prévu le 8 février, marque leur intégration complète au réseau européen après des années de préparation et d'investissements.
La Lituanie, la Lettonie et l'Estonie vont couper leurs derniers liens avec le réseau électrique russe. Ce basculement, prévu le 8 février, marque leur intégration complète au réseau européen après des années de préparation et d'investissements.
Indonesia must manage ambitious climate commitments while maintaining energy stability. The Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), aimed at mobilizing $20 billion, faces financial obstacles and uncertainties regarding international funding.
The recent changes in U.S. tariff policies could affect the global energy industry, particularly trade in key products such as natural gas and renewable energy equipment.
The recent changes in U.S. tariff policies could affect the global energy industry, particularly trade in key products such as natural gas and renewable energy equipment.
The Vietnamese government is adjusting its timeline for the implementation of its carbon market. Initially planned for 2028, the official launch will now take place in 2029 after a three-year pilot phase. This delay aims to strengthen the regulatory and technical framework.
The Vietnamese government is adjusting its timeline for the implementation of its carbon market. Initially planned for 2028, the official launch will now take place in 2029 after a three-year pilot phase. This delay aims to strengthen the regulatory and technical framework.
The European Union launches an emergency consultation with automakers to accelerate the transition to electrification in response to current competitive and regulatory challenges.
The European Union launches an emergency consultation with automakers to accelerate the transition to electrification in response to current competitive and regulatory challenges.
The High Council for Climate (HCC) presents six conditions for the energy transition. The opinion outlines areas to strengthen, particularly regarding budget mobilization and planning for the phase-out of fossil fuels.
At the heart of the vast northern expanses, Sami communities see their ancestral ways of life challenged by the rise of renewable projects. A factual narrative revealing the tensions between economic modernization and the preservation of millennia-old traditions.
At the heart of the vast northern expanses, Sami communities see their ancestral ways of life challenged by the rise of renewable projects. A factual narrative revealing the tensions between economic modernization and the preservation of millennia-old traditions.
The 15% tariff reduction affects over 24 million subscribers in France, with disparities depending on regulated and market offers, amid fluctuations in energy costs, taxes, and transmission fees.
The 15% tariff reduction affects over 24 million subscribers in France, with disparities depending on regulated and market offers, amid fluctuations in energy costs, taxes, and transmission fees.
Myanmar faces recurrent power outages linked to civil conflict and outdated infrastructure, affecting daily life and economic activities.
Myanmar faces recurrent power outages linked to civil conflict and outdated infrastructure, affecting daily life and economic activities.

Advertising