SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — During her yearly state address on Thursday, Puerto Rico Gov. Jenniffer González announced plans to increase electrical generation capacity across the U.S. territory as ongoing blackouts continue to anger residents throughout the island.
The governor explained that a competitive selection process for adding 3,000 megawatts of new power generation is currently in progress, with the contract expected to be finalized by the end of summer. She also revealed that approximately 1,000 megawatts will come online in the coming months as workers repair and upgrade existing power facilities.
González explained that every 100 megawatts can supply electricity to 60,000 households.
“With more megawatts in the system, we can reduce outages,” she said.
The island’s electrical infrastructure was devastated when Hurricane Maria struck as a Category 4 hurricane in September 2017, though the system was already deteriorating due to insufficient upkeep and funding.
The governor announced that workers have begun installing Tesla battery systems using over $700 million in federal funding, noting these units should help decrease power interruptions with their 430 megawatts of energy storage capability.
Additionally, 244 megawatts worth of backup power plants designed to operate during peak usage periods have been delivered to the island, she stated.
González has received significant criticism for supporting the Trump administration’s decision to reallocate $350 million in federal money initially designated for rooftop solar panels and battery systems for 12,000 low-income Puerto Rican families, funds now being used for the island’s deteriorating electrical grid.
The governor also stated her continued support for converting power facilities to natural gas operations.
“I want to reduce the cost of power in Puerto Rico,” she said.
Last year, the island ranked fifth nationally for highest average electricity costs, trailing only Hawaii, California, Connecticut and Rhode Island, based on U.S. Energy Administration Information data.
González repeated her commitment to terminate a multimillion-dollar agreement with Luma, a private corporation managing power transmission and distribution in Puerto Rico that has faced widespread criticism as blackouts continue.
In response, Luma issued a statement saying “the improvements to the transmission and distribution network are evident.”
The company added: “As long as the outstanding funds remain available, the reconstruction and modernization work across the island will continue.”
Puerto Rico’s Electric Power Authority continues working to reorganize over $9 billion in outstanding debt.
González also recognized “serious problems” affecting the island’s water systems, as increasing numbers of communities experience extended periods without service.
“I don’t intend to console anyone,” she said while requesting patience and noting that rebuilding projects are ongoing.
After the nearly two-hour speech, the governor, who belongs to the pro-statehood New Progressive Party, received criticism from opposition politicians.
Pablo José Hernández, Puerto Rico’s representative in Congress and a member of the Popular Democratic Party, released a video statement following the address declaring that Puerto Ricans are not alone, “that your feelings of frustration, dissatisfaction, and anger are justified.”
