On Tuesday morning, a significant power outage in Puerto Rico affected nearly 90% of customers, leaving around 1.3 million users without electricity, as reported by LUMA Energy.
Early reports indicate that the outage was caused by an underground power line problem, but the exact cause is still being investigated.
LUMA Energy and Genera PR are partnering to restore power. Depending on conditions, they estimate it will take 24 to 48 hours to fully restore electricity.
Puerto Rico has experienced significant power outages before. The island’s power grid has struggled and has not been well-maintained for years, with substantial outages happening after Hurricane Maria in 2017 and Hurricane Ernesto in August 2024.
Governor Pedro Pierluisi has called for answers and quick solutions from LUMA and Genera PR, stressing the importance of transparency in restoration efforts. There are also suggestions for an “energy czar” to check for contract violations and seek other operators.
The blackout has disrupted daily life, forcing residents to use generators and candles for light. Many are frustrated with the ongoing power problems and the slow improvements being made.
