Governor accuses Energy Bureau of hindering power generation

“If the Energy Bureau is going to impede our generation and our ability to lower costs, then we need to evaluate that situation,” Gov. Jenniffer González Colón said.

By The Star Staff

Gov. Jenniffer González Colón accused the Puerto Rico Energy Bureau (PREB) on Wednesday of hindering power generation after the regulator rejected amendments to the contract with Genera, the private operator of the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority’s legacy power plants.

“I believe that the Energy Bureau still faces a delicate situation regarding energy generation,” the governor said at a press conference. “We have pending projects and amendments that have not been addressed, which would give the Government of Puerto Rico more flexibility for increased generation. Thankfully, we haven’t experienced as many widespread blackouts due to a lack of available generation. We added 700 megawatts in the last five months because the contract allowed for 800 megawatts for seasonal generation, and units are currently being repaired. However, I will assess the need to reconvene the Energy Committee to make recommendations, potentially for legislation.”

Her comments were in response to the PREB’s decision not to approve the amendments to Genera PR’s contract, which includes a payment of $110 million. According to the PREB, the Public-Private Partnerships Authority has not submitted the revised contract for review; therefore, Genera PR cannot access the negotiated funds. Genera PR has filed a lawsuit to compel the regulator to validate the amendments to the operating contract for the electric power plants.

The governor said she will evaluate amending the PREB’s charter law.

“If the Energy Bureau is going to impede our generation and our ability to lower costs, then we need to evaluate that situation,” she said. “I want to start by acknowledging that they are taking their time to assess everything. I appreciate that they haven’t increased electricity rates despite requests from LUMA or Genera, as that would have resulted in unnecessarily higher rates.”

González Colón said she agrees with the role of the regulator, but emphasized the need for it to operate more swiftly, especially in times of emergency.

“I will convene the Energy Committee to evaluate these issues, and I do not have a concrete proposal at this time,” she said.