Energy Bureau orders updates on PREPA’s LNG claim.

Schedules technical conference amid fuel market concerns

By THE STAR STAFF

The Puerto Rico Energy Bureau (PREB) has ordered the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) to provide an update within five days on the status of its contractual claim against New Fortress Energy (NFE) over interruptions in the supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) at the San Juan terminal during the summer of 2025.

During its quarterly reconciliations on Sept. 30 and Dec. 19, 2025, the PREB stated in a resolution that it deferred $55 million in costs — $2.5 million and $52.5 million respectively — associated with the preliminary estimated economic impact of vessel swaps and disruptions at the NFE-operated LNG terminal. The interruptions forced the utility to rely on more expensive substitute fuels during July and August 2025. 

At the time, the PREB emphasized that those costs would not be passed on to consumers until it received complete and verified information enabling a conclusive determination. The deferred amount remains “in suspense,” pending the conclusion of PREPA’s contractual claim process and the submission of the required documentation to the regulator.

With the next quarterly reconciliation approaching, the PREB stressed the need for updated information to properly adjudicate the outstanding amounts.

In addition to the request for the claim’s status, the PREB has summoned LUMA Energy, Genera PR and PREPA to a virtual technical conference scheduled for next Wednesday, March 25 at 10 a.m. The conference will focus on issues related to the LNG supply disruptions, as well as broader questions about how global events — including the conflict involving Iran — and the cabotage law waiver issued by President Trump may be affecting fuel markets and consumer costs in Puerto Rico.

Furthermore, both LUMA and Genera have been ordered to respond to certain information no later than this Friday.

The request for information is part of the ongoing case to modify the basic electricity rates for the first time in years.