Group seeks cancellation of LUMA Energy contract

By The Star Staff

The electric power consumer organization QUEREMOS LUZ (WE WANT LIGHT) on Monday described Gov, Jenniffer González Colón’s initiative to create two subcommittees within the so-called Energy Transformation Committee, established in December 2024, as misleading.

The group contended that the initiative aims to justify the governor’s failure to fulfill her promise to cancel the LUMA Energy contract. It follows the general blackout on Holy Wednesday (April 16) and attempts to give the false impression that something is being done to address the poor performance of private grid operators LUMA and Genera PR, the group said.

Cancelling the LUMA contract would require the government to pay a penalty and may result in litigation, critics of the move have said.

The governor’s press conference announcing the energy subcommittees was filled with inconsistencies, according to QUEREMOS LUZ. The first subcommittee is intended to identify a new operator to replace LUMA; however, it has been stated that this subcommittee lacks real powers, and the governor noted that “we may see something before the end of the year.” Additionally, the second subcommittee is tasked with overseeing LUMA, yet it has no legal authority to do so. Oversight responsibilities belong to the “Energy Czar,” who the group said similarly lacks real powers, and the Puerto Rico Energy Bureau, which answers to the current government.

The organization in a statement insisted that the Energy Transformation Committee “has accomplished little since its creation in December 2024.”

‘This committee acts as an advisory group without real power, aimed at justifying the continuation of LUMA and GENERA, ensuring the misappropriation of public funds, and facilitating the enrichment of a select few linked to the New Progressive Party’s leadership,” the group said.