Puerto Rico's Secretary of Public Affairs, Jean Peña Payano, stated that Governor Jenniffer Aydin González Colón opposes any increase in the electricity tariff and will evaluate alternatives to help consumers if the Energy Bureau authorizes a rate hike. Peña Payano said the administration will wait for the Energy Bureau's decision and then consider how to assist the public.
He rejected linking the proposed rate increase to the conflict in the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz, citing information from the government's energy team that Puerto Rico's energy generation fuel does not come from that region. The secretary criticized the compensation of electric system executives, comparing their salaries to those of pensioners who struggle to live on $33 per day.
The Energy Bureau is responsible for determining the tariff review, and the administration will await its decision before considering next steps.