Energy Bureau: Towns’ participation in streetlight servicing is legally viable
- The San Juan Daily Star
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
Must follow uniform rules with clear technical parameters, coordination with system operator, & regulatory safeguards
By THE STAR STAFF
Puerto Rico Energy Bureau (PREB) Chairman Edison Avilés Deliz presented on Thursday the results of a study on the legal feasibility of municipal participation in the installation, repair and maintenance of streetlights, as well as the status of the Community Public Lighting Program.
The official noted that the analysis evaluated municipal participation in light of Law 57-2014, Law 17-2019, the Municipal Code, and the current contractual framework of the electrical system. The study concluded that such participation is legally viable, provided it operates under uniform regulations from the PREB with clear technical parameters, coordination with the system operator, and regulatory safeguards.
“The Energy Bureau reaffirms its role as regulator of the electrical system, promoting orderly and regulated municipal collaboration to accelerate implementation and strengthen the resilience of public lighting in Puerto Rico,” Avilés Deliz said in a written statement.
The presentation took place at a meeting with mayors held in the island House of Representatives and led by Speaker Carlos “Johnny” Méndez Núñez along with Rep. Víctor Parés Otero, who indicated they will work on legislation to establish the legal framework through law.
As of Sept. 30, 2025, the Community Public Lighting Program had 114 projects and an approximate allocation of $1.676 billion in federal funds.
The PREB also issued three resolutions to activate projects previously excluded from the implementation plan and reallocate $527 million in federal funds to begin Phase 1 in 35 municipalities that did not have active allocated funds.
In addition, it requested information from LUMA Energy regarding agreements signed with municipalities related to public lighting and the applicable technical criteria.
The determinations aim to reinstate excluded projects, expand the number of participating municipalities, accelerate implementation in pending municipalities, and maximize the use of available federal funds. Mayors must submit comments to the PREB on or before March 6 for the drafting of the regulations that will govern municipal participation.