The Department of Energy (DOE) has extended emergency orders aimed at improving the reliability and security of Puerto Rico’s electric grid. The extension, announced in Washington, allows critical work to continue as the island enters the peak summer demand season.
“A reliable and secure power grid is essential for modern life, and the residents of Puerto Rico deserve solutions now. Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, we are able to take action, moving from years of instability toward measurable, lasting progress,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. “By extending these orders, DOE is ensuring critical work continues, urgent energy reliability needs are addressed, and the grid is more prepared to withstand the most demanding stretch of hurricane season for the 3.2 million Americans who call Puerto Rico home.”
Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González-Colón expressed support for the move. “I thank Secretary Wright and strongly support the Department of Energy’s extension of the 202(c) emergency orders for Puerto Rico, which have provided needed flexibilities to maintain sufficient power generation capacity and conduct vegetation control activities along critical transmission lines. The Trump Administration’s close collaboration and commitment to stabilize and rebuild our power grid has been unprecedented and is already yielding results,” she said. “I look forward to building on this momentum and continue partnering with President Trump and Secretary Wright as we strengthen Puerto Rico’s electrical system and ensure an affordable, reliable, and secure supply of energy for the island’s 3.2 million Americans.”
Puerto Rico’s electric grid has suffered from decades of deferred maintenance, lack of investment, bankruptcy issues with its system owner, as well as severe damage from hurricanes and earthquakes. Recovery efforts are ongoing but expected to take years.
The DOE’s two extended orders were first issued in May under section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act. One order directs PREPA (Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority) to keep dispatching generation units necessary for maintaining grid reliability; another order instructs PREPA to continue vegetation management activities along key transmission lines. These extensions will remain in effect from August 15 through November 12.
DOE stated it will keep working with local leaders including Governor González-Colón to address ongoing challenges facing Puerto Rico’s energy infrastructure.
