Puerto Rico's Power Struggles: The Big Blackout and What's Next

Puerto Rico faced a major blackout, leaving 1. 4 million people without electricity and over 400, 000 without water. This was the second big outage since New Year’s Eve, when 90% of the island lost power. The latest blackout started at 12:38 p. m. on Wednesday, when key power plants shut down due to a failed transmission line. People quickly realized the extent of the problem when they couldn't reach friends and family on the other side of the island. Businesses, including the largest mall in the Caribbean, had to close. Hospitals and the main airport switched to generators, and passengers on a rapid transit system had to walk to evacuate. Puerto Ricans were frustrated and demanded answers. A reggaeton star even took to social media to express the collective disappointment. Photos of affected people, like a woman using a grocery store outlet for medical treatment, fueled the anger. The cause of the blackout is still under investigation. It might be due to failed breakers or overgrown vegetation affecting the grid. Luma Energy, which oversees power transmission and distribution, is supposed to regularly check the lines. An engineer from Luma said the failed line was inspected last week, but no immediate risks were found. The government expects a preliminary report soon, but a full explanation could take weeks. Puerto Rico's power grid has been in bad shape for a long time. The Electric Power Authority didn't keep up with maintenance and investments. Hurricane Maria in 2017 made things worse, damaging power lines and towers. Emergency repairs were done, but real reconstruction took years. In 2021, Luma was contracted to help with the grid, and in 2023, Genera PR was brought in for power generation. The island has had frequent power outages since Maria. Photos of burning transmission lines are common. The governor has said reliable energy is a priority, but many people can't afford solar panels or generators. Most of Puerto Rico's power comes from petroleum, with some from natural gas, coal, and renewables. The poverty rate is high, making it hard for people to invest in better energy solutions. Many Puerto Ricans want the governor to cancel Luma's contract. She has promised to do so but noted it takes time. The government is also looking for a company to provide more power this summer. Sixty companies have submitted proposals. The situation is complex, but one thing is clear: Puerto Rico needs a reliable and affordable power solution.