DOE renews emergency orders to bolster electrical grid

Secretary of Energy Chris Wright at a hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington on May 13, 2026. Wright said the renewed emergency orders for Puerto Rico are part of the federal government’s broader push to modernize the island’s aging grid. (Haiyun Jiang/The New York Times)

By THE STAR STAFF

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has renewed two emergency orders aimed at reinforcing Puerto Rico’s electrical system as the island confronts rising power demand and the 2026 hurricane season.

The orders, first issued in 2025, allow the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) to continue operating key generation units and expand vegetation‑management work intended to reduce outages and strengthen long‑term grid reliability.

La Fortaleza provided the information in a statement.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the renewed directives are part of the federal government’s broader push to modernize Puerto Rico’s aging grid.

“The Department of Energy will continue advancing the modernization of Puerto Rico’s electric grid to build a more affordable, reliable, and secure energy system for hardworking American families and businesses,” Wright said.

He added that the renewed orders ensure critical reliability work moves forward and that the grid is prepared to meet increased demand. Wright credited President Donald Trump for supporting efforts that he said are producing “real, lasting progress” for the island.

The emergency orders address two persistent vulnerabilities: limited generation capacity and vegetation encroachment near transmission lines. Downed branches and overgrown brush have long contributed to widespread outages during storms and high‑wind events, and federal officials say expanded clearing efforts are essential to reducing service interruptions and preventing potential wildfires.

Gov. Jenniffer González Colón said the federal orders have been instrumental in stabilizing the grid over the past 19 months. She said emergency authorities granted under Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act have enabled the restoration or refurbishment of nearly 1,600 megawatts of generation capacity since May 2025. During the same period, federally approved vegetation‑management projects increased from five to 33, giving Puerto Rico access to resources needed to reopen rights‑of‑way along transmission and distribution corridors.

“Renewing these emergency orders is critical to build on this progress and deliver an affordable, reliable, and secure electric grid for families and businesses on the island,” González Colón said.

The renewed orders took effect Monday and remain in place through Nov. 7.