What caused the Puerto Rico power outages? Reason explored amid massive power outage on New Year's Eve

The recent Puerto Rico power outage led the people to spend New Year in complete blackout. The initial findings stated that on New Year's Eve, the people in Puerto Rico suffered a power outage due to a critical failure in one of the power grids.

The island-wide power outages in Puerto Rico are a persisting issue that the people have been facing for years. The centralized grid consists of one primary line, and in case it gets damaged by any chance, the whole power system collapses. These power grids suffer from an outdated infrastructure, and the lack of investments makes them prone to falling apart easily.

Previously, during Hurricane Fiona and Hurricane Maria, the island people suffered from power outages and island-wide blackouts. In June 2024, nearly 350,000 consumers faced power outages caused by rising temperatures. In August, when Hurricane Ernesto hit the island, more than 700,000 people left with no electricity.

As per the reports, the recent power outage happened on New Year's Eve around 5:30 a.m. local time, leaving 90% of the population without electricity for hours. By Tuesday night, almost 700,000 consumers among 1.5 million go electricity back. These consumers included hospitals, Puerto Rico's water and sewer companies, among others.

What caused the Puerto Rico power outages? Details explored as Puerto Rico experienced a massive power outage on New Year's Eve

LUMA Energy, a Canadian-American company, took over the responsibility of power distribution as well as transmission in Puerto Rico in 2021 from PREPA, a government-owned company. LUMA Energy and GeneraPR are the two companies responsible for power generation and distribution in Puerto Rico, both of which have been subjected to criticism for frequent power outages on the island.

In the recent years, thousands of residents of the island have been affected by frequent power outages. As per the reports, the recent power outage happened because one of the main power plants, Costa Sur, had some issues in one of its underground power lines, which caused the power outage.

"Preliminary findings point to a fault on an underground line. The cause of the fault remains under investigation. LUMA crews responded immediately and have begun their process to restore power to customers as quickly and safely as possible," LUMA posted on X.

Governor Pedro Pierluisi posted about the power outage interrupting the lives of the whole island and demanded answers from LUMA and GeneraPR. He wrote,

"We are demanding answers and solutions from both LUMA and Genera, who must expedite the restart of the generating units outside the fault area and keep the people duly informed about the measures they are taking to restore service throughout the Island."

LUMA further informed that people can expect to get the electricity back within 24-48 hours. In another update at 11:00 p.m. local time, LUMA posted,

"LUMA Service Restoration Update: Over 700,000 restored; representing 47.8% of customers in service and our teams are continuing to fully restore electrical service."

The United States government has previously helped to restore Puerto Rico's electricity problem by providing funds to make infrastructural improvements and help the electricity system in recovery projects after natural disasters made serious damages. As of 2020, the US Federal Emergency Management Agency provided more than $9.4 billion for the recovery projects in order to renew and transform power grids. However, due to various issues, including construction issues and FEMA's requirement to authorize the use of funds, the implementation and restoration process was delayed.

After this massive power outage, U.S. President Joe Biden spoke with Governor Pedro Pierluisi and assured him that he would provide any necessary assistance needed in order to restore the electricity on the island. Biden also spoke with Jenniffer González-Colón, Puerto Rico's US congressional representative, to offer any federal assistance.

"We can't keep relying on an energy system that fails our people." she wrote. "All members of the energy component must work with speed and much more urgency in awareness of the island-wide events taking place tonight."

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According to the latest reports, the investigation into the exact cause of the massive power outage is still underway, and electricity has yet to be restored in various areas of the Puerto Rican Island. LUMA Energy posted a statement on X, apologizing for the inconvenience faced by the whole population.

"We understand the deep frustration that the power outage situation on a day like today is causing our customers and families in the country. We apologize to everyone for the impact that the event, which is still under investigation, has had on plans to say goodbye to this year and welcome the New Year."

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