By THE STAR STAFF The Puerto Rico Energy Bureau (PREB) has issued a resolution and order setting the official schedule for public hearings and the citizen comment period as part of the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority’s (PREPA) rate review process. The announcement came earlier this week after the PREB, which is part of the Public Service Regulatory Board, ended the evidentiary hearings on the process. To ensure broad public participation, the PREB will hold multiple in-p

Gov. Jenniffer González Colón has enacted four measures she introduced in the island Legislature aimed at easing the tax burden on taxpayers, particularly the middle class. By THE STAR STAFF Gov. Jenniffer González Colón has enacted four measures she introduced in the Legislature aimed at easing the tax burden on taxpayers, particularly the middle class. The initiatives stem from the work of the Tax Reform Committee, which the governor created prior to taking office. The firs

The Vega Alta Land Use Plan was originally adopted in 2011, and its comprehensive review was developed through a collaborative agreement between the municipality and the Puerto Rico Planning Board, in order to address current challenges and align the municipality’s growth with community priorities. (Facebook via Jenniffer González Colón) By THE STAR STAFF Gov. Jenniffer González Colón on Monday signed the executive order that formalizes the Comprehensive Review of the Vega Al

Historically, during this time of year the number of voluntary donors decreases significantly due to travel and family commitments, while the demand in hospitals remains constant or even increases due to emergencies. By THE STAR STAFF The Mutual Services Blood Bank issued an urgent appeal to the public on Monday due to a dramatic decrease in blood supplies, coinciding with the start of the Christmas and New Year holidays. Historically, during this time of year, the number of

Office of Management and Budget Executive Director Orlando Rivera Berríos By THE STAR STAFF Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Executive Director Orlando Rivera Berríos announced Monday the transfer of $3.4 million to the municipalities of Vieques, Canóvanas and Juncos for the execution of permanent improvement projects aimed at strengthening road infrastructure, community development and public safety. Rivera Berríos reiterated in a written statement that the OMB, “specif

The intervention followed a citizen complaint received through social media, which was corroborated by San Juan Municipal Police officers on site. By THE STAR STAFF San Juan Mayor Miguel Romero Lugo said Monday that municipal police officers issued fines to businesses in Old San Juan for violations of the Public Order Code related to the improper handling and disposal of solid waste. The intervention followed a citizen complaint received through social media, which was corrob

According to the resolution and order issued by the island Energy Bureau, the combined impact of the approved factors for the fuel purchase clause and power purchase clause represents a total decrease of $0.012739 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), which translates into an approximate 4.6% reduction in the bill of a non-subsidized residential customer consuming 800 kWh per month. From Jan. 1 through March 31, the cost per kWh will be $0.26. By THE STAR STAFF The Puerto Rico Energy Bure

LUMA Energy President & CEO Juan Saca By THE STAR STAFF The Puerto Rico Energy Bureau (PREB) has concluded evidentiary hearings in the rate review process, marking the end of several weeks of technical, transparent, and rigorous analysis of the island’s electrical system and the investments needed to strengthen the quality, reliability, and resilience of the service provided to customers. As requested by the PREB, LUMA Energy, the private operator of the island’s electric pow