Puerto Rico is grappling with major power outages following a significant failure in its electrical grid. On December 31, 2024, the island experienced a massive blackout affecting approximately 1.5 million customers. This incident marks yet another chapter in the ongoing struggle of the island’s aging infrastructure which has been prone to failures since Hurricane Maria devastated the region in 2017. The Electric Power Authority (PREPA) reported that a combination of technical issues and lack of maintenance led to the full-scale collapse. ‘Our grid is fragile, and this latest failure demonstrates the urgent need for comprehensive reforms and investment,’ said José A. Ortiz, the CEO of PREPA. Residents in the capital, San Juan, reported being without power for several hours, leading to concerns over safety and the impact on businesses. Emergency services were activated to address critical needs, and local leaders are demanding immediate action from both local and federal officials to restore power and prevent future outages. As of late afternoon, about 500,000 customers had their service partially restored. Governor Pedro Pierluisi stated, ‘We must prioritize not just restoration but also the modernization of our energy systems. The people of Puerto Rico deserve better.’ The situation remains under monitoring, as PREPA continues repair and recovery efforts. This latest blackout comes just as residents were gearing up for New Year’s celebrations, further exacerbating frustrations about the reliability of the island’s electrical system.
Puerto Rico Faces Widespread Power Outages as Grid Collapses
