The Department of Energy (DOE) has extended emergency orders aimed at strengthening Puerto Rico’s electric grid, according to an announcement made in Washington. The original orders, issued in May, gave Puerto Rico’s government authority to implement repairs and improvements needed to restore the grid and support ongoing efforts toward greater energy resilience. The extension will allow this work to continue through the summer, a period when demand for electricity typically peaks.
“A reliable and secure power grid is essential for modern life, and the residents of Puerto Rico deserve solutions now. Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, we are able to take action, moving from years of instability toward measurable, lasting progress,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. “By extending these orders, DOE is ensuring critical work continues, urgent energy reliability needs are addressed, and the grid is more prepared to withstand the most demanding stretch of hurricane season for the 3.2 million Americans who call Puerto Rico home.”
Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González-Colón expressed support for DOE’s decision: “I thank Secretary Wright and strongly support the Department of Energy’s extension of the 202(c) emergency orders for Puerto Rico, which have provided needed flexibilities to maintain sufficient power generation capacity and conduct vegetation control activities along critical transmission lines. The Trump Administration’s close collaboration and commitment to stabilize and rebuild our power grid has been unprecedented and is already yielding results,” she said. “I look forward to building on this momentum and continue partnering with President Trump and Secretary Wright as we strengthen Puerto Rico’s electrical system and ensure an affordable, reliable, and secure supply of energy for the island’s 3.2 million Americans.”
Puerto Rico’s electric infrastructure has suffered from years of deferred maintenance, lack of investment, financial challenges faced by its system owner—including bankruptcy—and repeated damage from hurricanes and earthquakes. As a result, restoring full functionality will require several years; however, current initiatives are focused on improving both reliability and resilience.
The latest extension covers two previously issued 202(c) emergency orders: one that directs the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) to keep operating certain generation units necessary for maintaining grid stability; another that allows PREPA to carry out vegetation management around key transmission lines. These measures are set in place from August 15 through November 12.
On May 16 earlier this year, DOE invoked section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act when it first issued these orders—authorizing PREPA temporary operational flexibility over some generation units as well as permission for vegetation control activities designed to minimize faults caused by overgrown foliage.
DOE stated it will maintain cooperation with local officials including Governor González-Colón while continuing efforts alongside other stakeholders aimed at stabilizing Puerto Rico’s electric service.
