Energy Bureau denies LUMA request for extension on public lighting regulation comments.

By THE STAR STAFF

The Puerto Rico Energy Bureau (PREB) has denied requests by LUMA Energy to extend the deadline for submitting comments on proposed regulations governing municipal participation in public lighting connected to the electrical grid, ruling that the utility will have sufficient opportunity to weigh in during the formal regulatory process.

In a resolution and order issued March 26, the PREB informed stakeholders that it had completed a draft of the Regulation for the Authorization, Oversight, and Regulation of Municipal Participation in Public Lighting Connected to the Electrical Grid. The PREB attached both Spanish and English versions of the draft regulation and ordered LUMA to submit comments within 10 days.

LUMA sought additional time on April 1, filing a motion requesting a 20-day extension, citing the need for a more thorough review of the draft’s legal and contractual implications and additional time for internal coordination. The company asked that the deadline be moved to April 25. On April 6, LUMA followed up with a second filing that included preliminary comments while reiterating its request for more time to submit detailed feedback.

After reviewing both filings, the PREB denied the extension requests, stating that LUMA will have ample time to submit comments during the formal regulation process as provided under Act 8-2017, which governs rulemaking procedures before the regulator.

The draft regulation establishes the legal and technical framework under which municipalities may participate in the repair, maintenance, installation and modernization of public lighting connected to Puerto Rico’s electric system. The PREB said the measure is intended to create a unified structure for municipal involvement while maintaining regulatory oversight of grid-connected infrastructure.