Power Grid Collapse Leaves Puerto Rico in Darkness on New Year’s Eve

Puerto Rico faced a massive power outage on New Year’s Eve, leaving 87% of the island without electricity. Energy distributor LUMA Energy stated it could take 24-48 hours to restore power, with some critical facilities like San Juan’s Centro Medico and Municipal Hospital already reconnected.

Preliminary findings indicate the outage was caused by a failure in an underground line. Puerto Rico Governor Pedro Pierluisi urged LUMA and Genera, the power generator operator, to expedite repairs and keep the public informed.

The blackout has disrupted traditional celebrations and highlighted long-standing issues with the island’s aging power infrastructure. Critics, including former senator Ramon Luis Nieves, blame decades of neglect and insufficient investment for the frequent outages.

Incoming Governor Jenniffer González announced plans to create an energy task force to address the recurring blackouts, calling the current system unsustainable.

Residents remain frustrated, with many fearing that such crises will continue unless substantial changes are made to Puerto Rico’s energy infrastructure.