Puerto Rico Energy Bureau tackles urgent electrical system crisis
September 26, 2024 | Natural Resources: House Committee, Standing Committees - House & Senate, Congressional Hearings Compilation
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Antonio Torres Miranda, associate commissioner of the Puerto Rico Energy Bureau, addressed the ongoing challenges facing Puerto Rico's electrical system during a recent government meeting. He highlighted the fragility of the infrastructure, citing significant outages in June that affected over 300,000 customers. The Energy Bureau has initiated formal investigations into these outages, engaging the Electric Power Research Institute to ensure adherence to industry standards.
To combat rolling blackouts, the Bureau has mandated LUMA, PREPA, and Genera to develop stabilization plans aimed at improving the electrical system within the next two years. These plans will undergo a review process that includes technical conferences and public hearings, with the goal of providing reliable electrical services to consumers.
Miranda emphasized the critical need for vegetation management, noting that over half of the outages are vegetation-related. The Bureau is closely monitoring a $1.2 billion federally funded vegetation management initiative. He also pointed out that the ongoing bankruptcy of PREPA, which has persisted since 2017, complicates long-term planning and investment in the electrical system.
Juan Saka, CEO of LUMA, also spoke at the meeting, acknowledging the challenges posed by decades of neglect and the impact of Hurricane Maria. Since taking over operations in June 2021, LUMA has made strides in replacing aging infrastructure, including over 17,850 utility poles and installing automated devices to mitigate outages. Despite these efforts, Saka noted that the legacy of past failures continues to pose challenges.
Both officials underscored the importance of a reliable, resilient, and sustainable electrical system for Puerto Rico, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach that considers the island's social and economic realities. The Energy Bureau remains committed to transforming the electrical system with continued support from Congress and federal partners, aiming to create a more equitable energy future for the island's residents.
To combat rolling blackouts, the Bureau has mandated LUMA, PREPA, and Genera to develop stabilization plans aimed at improving the electrical system within the next two years. These plans will undergo a review process that includes technical conferences and public hearings, with the goal of providing reliable electrical services to consumers.
Miranda emphasized the critical need for vegetation management, noting that over half of the outages are vegetation-related. The Bureau is closely monitoring a $1.2 billion federally funded vegetation management initiative. He also pointed out that the ongoing bankruptcy of PREPA, which has persisted since 2017, complicates long-term planning and investment in the electrical system.
Juan Saka, CEO of LUMA, also spoke at the meeting, acknowledging the challenges posed by decades of neglect and the impact of Hurricane Maria. Since taking over operations in June 2021, LUMA has made strides in replacing aging infrastructure, including over 17,850 utility poles and installing automated devices to mitigate outages. Despite these efforts, Saka noted that the legacy of past failures continues to pose challenges.
Both officials underscored the importance of a reliable, resilient, and sustainable electrical system for Puerto Rico, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach that considers the island's social and economic realities. The Energy Bureau remains committed to transforming the electrical system with continued support from Congress and federal partners, aiming to create a more equitable energy future for the island's residents.
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