Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González Colón will deliver a special message on the state of the electric system on Friday, at 11:00 AM through La Fortaleza’s Facebook page, as she announced on social media. The address comes amid rising tension between the government and LUMA Energy over increases in electricity bills. LUMA’s president and chief executive officer, Janisse Quiñones, called for dialogue in the face of the government’s criticism.
This is increase, increase, increase and, yet, they are not doing the work.
On Thursday, the company acknowledged Puerto Ricans’ concerns and offered guidance to customers struggling to pay their bills, saying in a post on X: 'We are aware of this reality and of the concerns our country is going through. We know these are difficult moments and we want our clients to know they do not have to face their doubts or concerns without guidance.'
During the week, González Colón called the possibility of another bill increase a 'barbarity' and accused LUMA of failing to maintain the system, saying Tuesday: 'This is increase, increase, increase and, yet, they are not doing the work.' Separately, LUMA told the Puerto Rico Energy Bureau (NEPR) that it faces a $54.4 million deficit in fuel costs for September, a situation that could lead to another adjustment in the electricity rate, subject to the regulator’s determination.