The Puerto Rico College of Health Services Administrators (CASS) warned of the harmful effect high electricity rates have on hospitals, hospices and other health centers, and asked the Energy Bureau (NEPR) for a hearing to discuss the risks these facilities face. In an October 23 letter to NEPR chair Edison Avilés Deliz, CASS president Tania Conde Sterling wrote that a rate increase without safeguards for the health sector would have a severe impact on operating costs, which could mean reduced services, limited access to care and a greater financial burden on patients.
The letter refers to a "proposed increase." After the rise that took effect in early October from the latest quarterly fuel adjustment, LUMA Energy told NEPR that September saw a $48 million mismatch between revenue and expenses, which could lead to an "accelerated" rate review. NEPR is not required to approve an adjustment immediately and has not responded to LUMA’s motion.
LUMA president Janisse Quiñones said last week the consortium takes no position on an accelerated adjustment, and Avilés Deliz said only that the motion is under "consideration." NEPR had not answered CASS’s letter at publication. According to CASS, more than 800 health entities, including dialysis centers, emergency rooms, long-term care units and mental health centers, are directly hit by higher bills.
Conde Sterling said these facilities operate 24 hours a day and depend on stable power for patient safety, refrigerated medicines and vaccines, and essential equipment. CASS hopes to submit a data-based statement on the economic and operational impact, with recommendations including special rates, energy efficiency incentives and renewable energy adoption in the health sector.