LUMA Energy Restores Power to 336,000 Customers After Puerto Rico Power Outage

07:50 PM EST

LUMA apologizes for outage and effect it had on New Year’s Eve plans

LUMA Energy has issued an apology to its customers for today’s outage, and how it has effected many Puerto Rican residents’ New Year’s Eve plans.

“We understand the deep frustration that the power outage situation on a day like today is causing our customers and families in the country,” the company said in a statement.

“We apologize to everyone for the impact that the event, which is still under investigation, has had on plans to say goodbye to this year and welcome the New Year.”

LUMA said the cause of the outage was still under investigation, adding that its teams and emergency operations personnel “are working tirelessly to restore the electrical system as quickly and safely as possible.”

07:39 PM EST

More than 336,000 customers have energy restored, say LUMA

LUMA Energy said it has restored power to more than 336,000 customers.

“Our 7:00 p.m. update states that over 336,000 are currently in service and our teams continue to fully restore power,” the energy company said in a statement.

“We currently have approximately 790 MW of generation back online. About 16 hospitals have been energized, including the Naguabo hospital and other facilities such as the Water and Sewer Authority, such as the Super Aqueduct, and critical loads. We will continue to work to restore service as quickly and safely as possible.”

07:10 PM EST

What is Luma?

LUMA Energy is a private Canadian-American company based in San Juan, Puerto Rico, responsible for the distribution of electricity in Puerto Rico.

In 2021, the Puerto Rican government hired Luma to oversee electricity transmission and distribution, following the bankruptcy of the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) after Hurricane Maria in 2017.

LUMA’s role includes modernizing and maintaining the island’s electrical infrastructure, per its mission.

CEO Juan Saca, appointed in 2023, said in a hearing in September that the company has made substantial investments to improve the grid, including installing over 17,850 hurricane-proof poles, which meant that more than 95% of customers had over 98% reliable service when power was available.

However, LUMA has still come under fire for the repeated power outages that have affected Puerto Rico.

06:52 PM EST

Puerto Rico’s governor-elect pledges to make energy grid ‘top priority’

Rep. Jenniffer González, the governor-elect for Puerto Rico, said she plans to make the failing energy grid her “top priority” when she takes office.

“We can’t keep relying on an energy system that fails our people. Today’s blackout and the uncertainty around restoration continue to impact our economy and quality of life,” she said in a post on X.

“Even before officially taking office, I’ve met with energy and public safety teams to ensure swift action and updates. Restoring power is our priority. LUMA will provide hourly updates on progress. When I take office as Governor, stabilizing Puerto Rico’s energy grid will be my top priority.”

06:24 PM EST

Biden speaks with Puerto Rico Governor to discuss outage

The White House confirmed today that President Joe Biden had spoken with Puerto Rico Governor Pedro Pierluisi to “discuss the widespread power outages across Puerto Rico and offer any federal assistance that they need.”

Biden also spoke with Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm and directed her to provide assistance to “speed power restoration for the people of Puerto Rico,” a spokesperson said.

Gov. Pierluisi confirmed he’d spoken to Biden who he said, “reiterated to me the federal government’s commitment to assist Puerto Rico in continuing and expediting the reconstruction of the electrical system.”

He added he was granted an extension to use temporary generators that produce 350 megawatts for two additional years, which allows us to use them until 2027.

06:05 PM EST

Biden has been briefed on Puerto Rico power outages

President Joe Biden has been briefed on the widespread power outages in Puerto Rico.

As of 3:00 p.m. today, LUMA Energy announced that electrical service has been restored to more than 73,000 customers affected by the widespread blackout in Puerto Rico. Approximately 290 megawatts of generation have been reconnected to the grid.

05:44 PM EST

Resident Commissioner-elect of Puerto Rico: ‘We will not settle for less’

05:03 PM EST

‘The single worst infrastructure crisis in the U.S.’ says Rep,

New York Congressman Ritchie Torres has called Puerto Rico’s failing grid “he single worst infrastructure crisis in the United States.”

Rep. Torres, who represents a district in the Bronx, said in post on X that the repeated power outages and ageing grid were further symptoms of Puerto Rico’s “second-class status.”

“Almost all of Puerto Rico has no electricity on New Year’s Eve. The failing grid in Puerto Rico is the single worst infrastructure crisis in the United States,” he said.

“The three million American citizens of Puerto Rico have no right to vote in federal elections. Puerto Rico has no representation in the Electoral College, the House of Representatives, and the Senate. It is a colony of the United States, and its failing grid is a symptom of its second-class status.”

New York has the second-highest population of Puerto Ricans in the contiguous United States.

04:40 PM EST

New York AG condemns the power outage

New York Attorney General Letitia James today condemned the mass power outage in Puerto Rico.

“This is unacceptable,” she said in a post on X.

“The people of Puerto Rico deserve to have an infrastructure on their island that doesn’t leave them in the dark.”

04:01 PM EST

Puerto Rico’s power grid struggles persist seven years after Hurricane María

Puerto Rico’s electrical grid, already in poor shape before Hurricane María, continues to suffer from years of underinvestment and lack of maintenance. The storm exacerbated these issues, leading to chronic power outages and high electricity costs.

A recent outage in June 2024 affected over 340,000 residents, further emphasizing the system’s fragility. Experts and critics, including grassroots groups, stress the urgent need for improvements to avoid further disruptions and hold responsible parties, such as Luma Energy, accountable for their role in the ongoing issues.

03:45 PM EST

Geraldo Rivera and Andrew Cuomo call for action on Puerto Rico’s power grid crisis

Journalist Geraldo Rivera and former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo have voiced their frustrations over Puerto Rico’s persistent power grid issues. Rivera spoke on the grid’s unreliability since Hurricane Maria in 2017, calling it “antiquated and insufferable,” and stressed that Puerto Ricans, as U.S. citizens, deserve better infrastructure.

Cuomo echoed these sentiments, condemning the continuous blackouts as unacceptable and urging the federal government to take responsibility. Both emphasized that such conditions wouldn’t be tolerated elsewhere in the United States, demanding immediate and comprehensive action.

03:35 PM EST

Luxury hotel continues New Year’s Eve celebrations despite Puerto Rico blackout

As Puerto Rico grapples with a sweeping power outage, ALMA San Juan remains fully operational thanks to its emergency generators, a spokesperson told Newsweek. The luxury hotel, situated at the gateway to Old San Juan, is proceeding with its planned New Year’s Eve events.

“Our commitment to providing an unforgettable experience remains unwavering,” said Gisela Rivera, the hotel’s General Manager. Signature restaurants Mar y Rosa and Andaluz are hosting their rooftop and ballroom celebrations, offering uninterrupted service despite the island-wide blackout affecting millions.

03:23 PM EST

T-Mobile Puerto Rico works to restore services amid island-wide blackout

T-Mobile Puerto Rico reported disruptions to its network operations due to the ongoing blackout impacting the island. Some transmission sites have been affected, leading the company to deploy engineering teams to recharge batteries and refuel generator-powered antennas.

Although T-Mobile has not disclosed the extent of the outage or the affected areas, the company assured customers that efforts to stabilize services are underway. Updates will be provided through official channels as the situation develops.

03:14 PM EST

Luma confirms that 73,000 customers have power

Luma Energy has shared an update on X, confirming that over 73,000 customers have had their power re-established.

There are still many more without electricity at the moment.

It added that the actual cause of the issues remains under investigation.

02:59 PM EST

Puerto Ricans furious over frequent power outages

Puerto Ricans have expressed their frustrations over the repeated power outages on the island.

“Frustration, disappointment with the government, with the institutions, with everything,” Sonia Arroyo, a resident of Vega Alta, near San Juan, told CNN on Tuesday.

The power grid that Puerto Ricans rely on is old, poorly-maintained, and overstretched, while efforts to modernize it have been slow.

Liz Rebeca Aponte, from Dorado, said that she was concerned about the development of the island and that potential businesses and investors could be put off by the poor infrastructure.

“Here we work in the pharmaceutical industry, and industries that want to invest in the country will not come here if we do not improve the structure,” she said.

02:40 PM EST

More than 80% of Puerto Rico customers still without power

The critical failure in Puerto Rico’s power grid on New Year’s Eve knocked out power to nearly 90% of LUMA Energy customers this morning.

LUMA, the Canadian-American power company on the island, have begun restoring power but 1.2 million users, or more than 80% of customers remained without power as of noon, local time, CNN reports.

02:18 PM EST

How to protect yourself during a power outage in Puerto Rico

With Puerto Rico’s power grid still unreliable, including the recent outage affecting residents, it’s important to prepare, per Ready.gov. Consider using backup power sources, such as portable chargers and batteries.

Ensure you have enough nonperishable food and water, and keep refrigerators and freezers closed. Stay safe by never using gas stoves for heating or generators indoors.

For medical needs, consult your doctor about plans for power-dependent devices. And remember to monitor local updates during outages for further guidance.

02:09 PM EST

Why Puerto Rico’s power grid continues to struggle

Puerto Rico’s power grid remains vulnerable, even years after Hurricane Maria devastated the island. The grid’s issues stem from outdated infrastructure, chronic underinvestment, and reliance on fossil fuels.

Despite efforts to modernize, including transitioning to renewable energy sources, only 3% of the island’s energy comes from renewables. The privatization of its power utility has led to mismanagement and delayed repairs, exacerbating outages like the one affecting the island today.

The lack of resilience in the system, combined with the fragility of the grid, continues to leave Puerto Ricans in the dark during crises.

01:58 PM EST

Luis Muñoz Marín Airport maintains operations with generators amid island-wide blackout

An airplane arrives to Luis Munoz Marin International Airport, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on September 24, 2017.
An airplane arrives to Luis Munoz Marin International Airport, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on September 24, 2017.
Hector Retamal/Getty Images

The Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan has managed to continue flights using backup generators, ensuring that operations remain functional despite the ongoing power outage affecting Puerto Rico.

However, airlines are cautioning travelers to monitor flight statuses closely, as there may be delays or cancellations if the power situation worsens. Passengers are advised to stay updated on their flight schedules.

01:48 PM EST

Rep. Goldman: ‘PR deserves the investment that every American is entitled to’

Rep. Dan Goldman shared his reaction to the ongoing outage issues in Puerto Rico, including today’s, criticizing the response to the island’s power grid.

01:36 PM EST

Flight delays warning issued after massive Puerto Rico power outage

Residential buildings are seen in the dark 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…
Residential buildings are seen in the dark 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.
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RICARDO ARDUENGO/AFP via Getty Images

Puerto Rico’s aging power grid, long plagued by recurring blackouts, continues to highlight the fragility of its infrastructure. The energy crisis has even permeated pop culture, with Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny addressing the issue in his hit song “El Apagón,” which references the recurrent blackouts.

The latest outage, striking during New Year’s Eve celebrations, has disrupted travel plans and daily life. For travelers, it has sparked concerns over flight delays and cancellations, while for residents, it serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for significant upgrades to the island’s power system.

This incident follows a series of blackouts earlier in the year, including a storm-related outage in August that left 700,000 without power. Despite a recent transition to private grid management, progress in improving reliability has been slow.

Read the full article by Jesus Mesa on Newsweek.

01:29 PM EST

Power restored at La Plata plant, water service expected to normalize soon in Bayamón

Following the widespread blackout that left most of Puerto Rico without power, authorities announced on Tuesday afternoon that electricity had been restored at the La Plata plant, Telemundo reports.

The Bayamón municipality reported that water service would be restored within the next three hours.

To mitigate the effects of the outage, several water distribution points, called “water oases,” were set up in key areas, offering water from 2:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with additional emergency water supply at various locations.

01:14 PM EST

Rep. Velázquez: ‘I hope this matter gets solved swiftly’

Rep. Nydia Velázquez expressed concern over the ongoing electricity issues in Puerto Rico, highlighting the stark reality that many Puerto Ricans are facing power outages as the New Year approaches.

“As we get ready to celebrate the New Year, Puerto Ricans be forced to celebrate in darkness,” she wrote on X. “This is just the latest injustice done to the people of Puerto Rico by a fractured system.

“I hope this matter gets solved swiftly.”

01:05 PM EST

Puerto Rico’s Resident Commissioner-elect shares statement

Puerto Rico’s Resident Commissioner-elect Pablo José Hernández Rivera shared a statement on X on the power grid crisis that caused the outage today.

“I will collaborate closely with Congressional leaders and the incoming administrations in Puerto Rico and the United States to deliver real, lasting solutions,” the statement read. “Our people deserve reliable energy and a brighter future.”

12:40 PM EST

LUMA Energy restores power to thousands – but many more remain without electricity

LUMA Energy announced that by 1:27 p.m., power was restored to 44,700 customers in the metropolitan area and Culebra, marking 3% of those affected by the outage.

The company continues to investigate the cause of the blackout while working closely with Governor Pedro Pierluisi, Governor-elect Jenniffer González, and local mayors.

Critical facilities, including the Medical Center and San Juan Municipal Hospital, have been re-energized. Restoration efforts are expected to take 24 to 48 hours, with updates to be provided.

12:36 PM EST

Power outage impacts Puerto Rico’s services

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO – JUNE 07: Customers shops as part of the reopen of H&M at The Mall Of San Juan on June 7, 2018 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO – JUNE 07: Customers shops as part of the reopen of H&M at The Mall Of San Juan on June 7, 2018 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Gladys Vega/Getty Images

Puerto Rico’s recent power outage has disrupted various services. At Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, operations continue with backup power, though air conditioning is absent and food options are limited.

Shopping malls, including Plaza Las Américas and The Mall of San Juan, remain closed, though some stores with backup power are open. Many businesses are running at reduced capacity, and residents are relying on personal generators for electricity where possible.

12:28 PM EST

Puerto Rico requested extension to use FEMA generators amid ongoing power grid struggles

Puerto Rico’s power grid remains in a state of disrepair, largely due to the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria in 2017, along with years of underinvestment and poor maintenance.

Despite ongoing repairs, the island continues to rely heavily on FEMA-provided portable generators to stabilize the system. In November, the Puerto Rican government sought permission from U.S. officials to extend the use of these generators for an additional two years, underscoring the continued struggle to restore reliable power infrastructure.

12:19 PM EST

Attorney General Leticia James reacts to Puerto Rico outage: ‘Unacceptable’

New York Attorney General Leticia James has called the outage situation in Puerto Rico “unacceptable” in a tweet this morning.

“The people of Puerto Rico deserve to have an infrastructure on their island that doesn’t leave them in the dark,” she wrote.

12:05 PM EST

Luma Energy contract in Puerto Rico sparks controversy

A woman waves a flag that reads in Spanish “LUMA Out” during a protest in front of the headquarters of LUMA Energy, the company that took over the transmission and distribution of the island’s electric…
A woman waves a flag that reads in Spanish “LUMA Out” during a protest in front of the headquarters of LUMA Energy, the company that took over the transmission and distribution of the island’s electric authority, after a blackout hit the island two days earlier, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, April 8, 2022. – Most people in Puerto Rico woke up Thursday with no electricity after a blackout hit the entire US island territory in the Caribbean. The Luma electric company said the outage Wednesday evening may have been caused by a failed circuit breaker at a power plant. It said the precise cause was not yet known.
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Ricardo Arduengo/Getty Images

The contract between LUMA Energy and the Puerto Rican government has faced significant backlash due to its lack of transparency. Signed behind closed doors, it grants LUMA control over critical infrastructure, customer service, and administrative functions. Legal experts have raised concerns about LUMA’s ability to dissolve the agreement with just a 120-day notice and its request for limited liability, which was ultimately denied. Critics argue that the deal worsens Puerto Rico’s energy crisis, with calls for legal challenges to the contract’s validity.

11:55 AM EST

Luma Energy’s role in Puerto Rico

LUMA Energy is a private company responsible for the transmission and distribution of electricity in Puerto Rico. It took over these duties from the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) on June 1, 2021, after a 15-year contract was signed in June 2020.

LUMA’s role includes modernizing and maintaining the island’s electrical infrastructure, per its mission.

The transition to private management was part of a broader shift that began in 2018, when the Puerto Rican government allowed private companies to manage PREPA’s assets and services.

11:46 AM EST

DTOP extends vehicle tag validity deadline due to power outage issues

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.
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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.