Islandwide Power Outage Strikes Puerto Rico Ahead of Easter Celebrations

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico -- A widespread power outage affected the entire island of Puerto Rico on Wednesday, coinciding with preparations for the upcoming Easter weekend. Approximately 1.4 million customers experienced disruptions, as reported by Luma Energy, the company responsible for the island's power transmission and distribution.

By late Wednesday night, power had been restored to nearly 100,000 customers, representing about 7% of those affected, although fluctuations in service were anticipated. With hotels nearing full capacity due to the influx of tourists celebrating the holiday, officials moved quickly to alleviate concerns, assuring visitors that many establishments were equipped with generators to maintain operations.

In addition to the power outage, at least 328,000 residents faced water supply issues. Governor Jenniffer González expressed her discontent regarding the situation, deeming it unacceptable for such a significant failure to occur in the electrical system's transmission.

Officials estimated that 90% of customers would regain electricity within 48 to 72 hours following the outage. The cause of the blackout was not immediately clear but marks yet another significant disruption in a series of outages that have plagued the island in recent years.

Frustration among residents was palpable, with many renewing calls for the government to terminate its contract with Luma Energy and Genera PR, the company managing power generation on the island. Local businesses and public services were also impacted, with many establishments forced to close. Popular entertainment events, including professional sports games, were canceled, and traffic congestion increased as police were deployed to manage the chaos.

Outraged citizens voiced their concerns, emphasizing the need for urgent action to address the chronic power issues. In response, Governor González pledged to review the contract with Luma Energy and initiate an investigation into the causes of the blackout. She acknowledged the challenges the island faces, especially with the approaching summer months, which typically see higher energy demands.

Emergency measures were implemented to restore power to the smaller islands of Culebra and Vieques, while those without generators sought ice and other supplies from local stores. Many residents expressed desperation over the situation, particularly those with vulnerable family members.

The island, home to 3.2 million people, has a poverty rate exceeding 40%, making access to reliable power particularly critical for many households, especially those unable to invest in alternative energy sources. The power infrastructure has struggled to recover since Hurricane Maria devastated the region in 2017, and ongoing maintenance issues have compounded the difficulties.

As of now, approximately 117,000 homes and businesses have solar rooftops, while traditional energy sources still dominate the market, with petroleum accounting for 62% of the island's power supply. The situation remains a pressing concern for local officials and residents alike, who are demanding accountability and long-term solutions to the persistent energy crisis.