Towns in central and southern Puerto Rico are grappling with a prolonged power outage that has left tens of thousands of residents without electricity for over a week. The outage was triggered by the collapse of a transformer that had exceeded its useful life, leading to a state of emergency being declared and a call for food distribution to those in need.
Luma Energy, responsible for transmission and distribution in Puerto Rico, has estimated that repairs could take more than a month, sparking widespread frustration among the affected population. The outage has not only disrupted water services but has also coincided with daily excessive heat warnings and the onset of the Atlantic hurricane season.
Politicians are urging Governor Pedro Pierluisi to declare a state of emergency, emphasizing the dire situation faced by residents in towns like Santa Isabel, Coamo, and Aibonito. With more than 40% of Puerto Rico's population living below the poverty level, many cannot afford generators or replace damaged electric appliances.
Residents like Carmen Franco, 68, have been forced to discard spoiled food due to voltage issues that damaged their refrigerators. In response, authorities have set up makeshift kitchens to provide meals to those in need, recognizing the challenges faced by vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly.
Chronic power outages have plagued Puerto Rico since Hurricane María in 2017, with the current outage lasting longer than most. The island heavily relies on traditional power sources like coal, petroleum, and natural gas, hindering progress towards renewable energy goals.
Efforts to transition to renewable energy are slow, compounded by a legal challenge to the net-metering policy that compensates solar-equipped households. This challenge, if successful, could impede the adoption of solar and battery systems, especially in low-income communities.
Residents like Madelyn Vives, a caretaker and mother, highlight the impact of the outages on vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly. She emphasizes the need for support for those who are most affected by the ongoing power crisis.
