A coal-fired plant in Puerto Rico that was supposed to stop burning coal in 2027 is now closer to continuing until 2032. Puerto Rico still depends on coal to keep the lights on. AES and the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA (AEE), or PREPA) have already set the groundwork to negotiate an extension, but the final cost and the impact on customers’ bills are not yet known.
Víctor Alvarado, spokesperson and coordinator of the Comité Diálogo Ambiental, said the coal plant is the most expensive for Puerto Rico, both economically and because of complaints over the pollution it produces. Senator José Santiago called it an "outrage" ("barbaridad") that coal burning remains an option. Representative Joel Franqui Atiles said Puerto Rico should move toward solar panels, natural gas and nuclear microreactors.