Puerto Rico’s Dying Grid Gets Federal Green Light For Polluting Fuel Oil Plants

Puerto Rico’s struggling power grid received a critical lifeline this week as the U.S. Energy Department issued an emergency order directing the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) to dispatch necessary generation units. The order, issued on May 15, 2025, comes after an island-wide blackout in April left residents, hospitals, and the main airport without power.

The federal action aligns with Executive Order 14156, in which President Trump declared a National Energy Emergency. Governor González-Colón responded by modifying Puerto Rico’s own energy emergency through Executive Order 2025-016, which accelerated permitting processes for repairs and reconstruction of power system components.

Progress is already underway with Costa Sur Thermal Power Plant‘s Unit 5 returning to service on May 7, adding 350 megawatts to the grid. Officials expect Unit 6 of San Juan Power Plant to contribute about 200 megawatts, while Aguirre Power Plant’s Combined Cycle Unit should add another 150 megawatts. By late May 2025, Puerto Rico’s grid should gain approximately 700 megawatts of capacity.

Power restoration accelerates as three major plants bring 700 megawatts back online by month’s end.

“We’ve completed the initial rehabilitation in record time,” said the Governor, who has committed to increasing energy generation before peak summer demand arrives. Seven energy generation companies have already met requirements to eventually provide an additional 800 megawatts.

Puerto Rico’s power system remains the least reliable in the U.S. despite billions in available federal funds. Service interruptions have plagued the island since January 2025, prompting government action through the appointment of an Energy Czar and involvement of the Public-Private Partnerships Authority. The recent island-wide blackout in April affected 1.45 million customers, representing nearly 99% of the population.

The territory faces competing pressures as it works to stabilize its grid. Environmental activists have criticized the reliance on fossil fuels as merely another example of Big Oil’s greenwashing rather than genuine climate action. A 2019 law mandated a shift from 95% fossil fuel dependency to 100% renewable energy by mid-century, including ending all coal-fired generation by 2028. This shift presents challenges as renewable systems would still connect to fragile grid infrastructure. Local communities have experienced severe emotional distress due to persistent power outages affecting healthcare, education, and basic quality of life.

Debates continue over accountability between FEMA and PREPA as Puerto Ricans hope these emergency measures will finally deliver the reliable power they desperately need.