The Cámara de Representantes of Puerto Rico held a meeting on September 13, 2024, focusing on the increasing energy demand in the region, despite a backdrop of business closures and economic challenges. Key discussions centered around the puzzling rise in energy consumption, particularly during peak hours, which contradicts expectations of a decline due to reduced commercial activity.

Representatives questioned how energy demand could be increasing when many small and medium-sized businesses have shut down. They highlighted that historical data shows a consistent rise in energy demand since 2017, even as the number of factories and new residents has not significantly changed. The conversation pointed to external factors influencing this trend, notably rising temperatures and the impact of climate change, which lead to higher energy consumption for cooling systems.

The meeting also addressed the growing prevalence of electric vehicles in Puerto Rico, which contribute significantly to energy demand. It was noted that each electric vehicle charger can draw as much power as a traditional electric stove, raising concerns about the infrastructure's capacity to handle this increased load.

Overall, the discussions underscored the complexities of energy demand dynamics in Puerto Rico, emphasizing the need for further analysis and potential adjustments in energy policy to accommodate these trends. The representatives called for more detailed performance indicators from Luma, the energy provider, to better understand the situation and plan for future energy needs.