The Cámara de Representantes of Puerto Rico convened on September 13, 2024, to address critical issues surrounding the island's energy sector, particularly focusing on the performance and future of the Autoridad de Energía Eléctrica (AEE). The meeting highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by the AEE, which has been struggling since a significant blackout in September 2016, marking the largest power outage in thirty-six years.

The discussions began with a review of the AEE's historical context, noting its decline into disrepair since 2013 and the precarious financial situation it faced in 2014, when it was on the brink of default. Representatives emphasized the need to avoid reverting to past failures that led to the current crisis, advocating instead for a forward-looking approach to energy generation.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the current energy production landscape in Puerto Rico. A representative inquired about the share of energy generation held by Genera, which was confirmed to be around sixty percent. The discussion revealed that the combined output from Genera and Ecoeléctrica accounted for nearly one hundred percent of the island's energy production, with Genera contributing between fifteen and twenty-five percent depending on demand.

The representatives also addressed the anticipated increase in energy generation capacity, with projections indicating that total output could reach approximately four thousand megawatts by early November, contingent on the delivery of a new generator. This increase is seen as crucial for stabilizing the electrical system, which has been plagued by frequent outages since June.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the urgent need for improvements in the energy infrastructure to ensure reliability and prevent further disruptions. The representatives underscored the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders to achieve these goals and restore confidence in Puerto Rico's energy system.