Ex-Manufacturers Assn. president proposes alternative energy model
- The San Juan Daily Star
- 9 hours ago
- 2 min read
By THE STAR STAFF
As the New Progressive Party filed legal action against private grid operator LUMA Energy and demanded the annulment of its contract, citing errors by previous administrations, former Manufacturers Association president Rodrigo Masses suggested Monday that Puerto Rico could adopt an efficient public energy model supported by a committee representing all sectors.
Speaking in a radio interview, Masses emphasized that a professionalized governance structure could transform the island’s energy system.
“Back in 2014 and 2016, Puerto Rico and its Legislature had the right laws to give us an Electric Power Authority [PREPA] with a much more professional approach,” he said. “The goal is a professional board capable of attracting world-class experts so the organization can benefit from global knowledge and ensure representation from all sectors.”
Meanwhile, Gov. Jenniffer González Colón stopped short of specifying which company or model would replace LUMA if the contract is voided. In a special statement, she asserted, “I will not go back,” signaling her opposition to reinstating the previous public model.
The government is negotiating with two private companies, whose names have not been revealed.
Before 2014, the authority was managed by a board of directors appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. After 2015, PREPA continued to be managed by the board, but under the oversight of the Puerto Rico Energy Bureau, a government agency whose own board of directors was appointed by the governor.
In 2014, as PREPA was in financial difficulties, Lisa Donahue was appointed as the chief restructuring officer. Her appointment was a critical requirement under a forbearance agreement reached between PREPA and its creditors in August 2014 to address the utility’s approximately $9 billion in debt.