Lawmakers, mayors add voices to growing bipartisan opposition to planned closure of several LUMA customer service centers

Sen. Rafael Santos Ortiz

By The Star Staff

Several Popular Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers from the island House of Representatives and Senate on Monday joined a growing chorus of opposition to a decision by LUMA Energy, the private operator of Puerto Rico’s electric power transmission and distribution system, to close some half a dozen of its customer service centers in several municipalities.

District 19 (Mayagüez-San Germán) Rep. Lilibeth “Lilly” Rosas Vargas, District 16 (Isabela, San Sebastián and the Guerrero neighborhood of Aguadilla) Rep. Rey Figueroa and District 27 (Aibonito, Coamo, Juana Diaz, Santa Isabel and Salinas) Rep. Estrella Martínez Soto, all of the PDP, joined with Ponce District Sen. Marially González Huertas to express their vigorous opposition to the move, a day after the Puerto Rico Mayors Federation, which groups municipal executives from the New Progressive Party (NPP), and at least two NPP senators did the same.

The decision to close the offices in the municipalities of Utuado, San Germán, Naranjito, Manatí, Santa Isabel and San Sebastián, announced Sunday and slated to take effect March 28, would negatively affect accessibility for families and seniors who do not have the technological skills or means of transportation to avail themselves of services in other distant locations, the lawmakers and mayors pointed out.

“This is one more example of LUMA’s lack of commitment to the people of Puerto Rico, and especially to our constituents in District 19,” Rosas Vargas said Monday. “The closure of these centers will not only reduce constituents’ direct access to customer service, but also highlights LUMA’s disconnection from the real needs of the people. This decision affects vulnerable communities that depend on close and direct access to the services offered in this town.”

Figueroa likewise expressed his strongest repudiation of the planned closure of the office in San Sebastián along with other centers on the island level.

“It is unacceptable that, at a time when we most need close and accessible attention, LUMA decides to close key offices in towns like San Sebastián, leaving many citizens without a nearby place to go to resolve their problems related to the electrical service,” he said.

The lawmaker asked LUMA to reconsider the measure in favor of seeking alternatives that ensure equal access to all citizens, especially the most vulnerable.

“The closure of this office not only affects San Sebastián, but reflects a lack of sensitivity on the part of LUMA toward the needs of our towns,” Figueroa said. “We demand that viable solutions be offered so that residents do not have to face additional difficulties to carry out such essential procedures,”

Earlier on Monday, Martínez Soto stated her “categorical” opposition to the move.

“I oppose LUMA Energy’s decision to eliminate the Customer Experience Center in the municipality of Santa Isabel,” she said. “Given the constant problems with the electric power service, it is vital that people with limited resources and our elderly have a physical place where they can go to report their situations.”

“As if the constant blackouts were not enough,” she added, “now our humble people will not even have anywhere to go to call for good service. I demand more empathy and sensitivity from LUMA with my constituents. Enough abuse!”

González Huertas said she firmly opposes the announced closure of the LUMA service office in Utuado.

“This closure represents a serious detriment to the residents of our Mountain region, who depend on direct and personal access to the services and support offered by the only energy distribution company in the country,” she said.

Rep. Lilibeth Rosas Vargas

“The LUMA office in Utuado has been an essential piece in customer service, providing a space where citizens can resolve their concerns, manage their accounts and receive information about this essential service,” she added. “The decision to close this office will disregard the needs of many people, especially those who lack access to digital technologies or who face difficulties communicating by phone.”

González Huertas also urged LUMA “to reconsider this decision and prioritize the well-being of the community” and called on local leaders to join in the effort to keep the LUMA service office open in La Montaña.

“Together, we can demand that our voice be heard and the impact that this decision will have on our community be taken into account,” the senator said.

On Sunday, after LUMA announced its decision to close the regional service offices, NPP Sens. Rafael “Rafy” Santos Ortiz and Wilmer Reyes Berríos, both of whom represent groupings of southern towns in the upper chamber, expressed their opposition to the closure of LUMA’s commercial offices in the municipalities of Naranjito, Cayey and Santa Isabel, warning that this decision would significantly weaken customer service and negatively affect the quality of life of thousands of families.

The LUMA offices “are essential facilities for citizens, especially in remote towns where access to these services is crucial,” Santos Ortiz said. “We will be vigilant and, from going forward, we express our total opposition to this action. This is an essential service that, in addition, already has a high cost for subscribers.”

“It is unacceptable that citizens now have to wait even longer to receive assistance due to the elimination of these centers,” he added. “I trust that LUMA will reconsider this action.”

Reyes Berríos sent a communique on Sunday to LUMA President & CEO Juan Saca with copies sent to Josué Colón Ortiz, the island’s energy czar, and Puerto Rico Energy Bureau Commissioner Edison Avilés Deliz.

“The closure of these offices imposes an additional burden on our residents, especially the elderly and those who do not have reliable access to digital platforms or adequate transportation to get to other municipalities,” Reyes Berríos said. “In addition, it limits access to in-person and personalized attention, making it difficult to resolve problems with billing, claims and other essential matters.”

The Mayors Federation wasted no time in rejecting LUMA’s decision on Sunday to close the centers.

Federation president and mayor of Camuy, Gabriel Hernández, described the company’s decision as a blow to the residents of these communities, especially the elderly population. The NPP mayors called on LUMA to reconsider the decision and explore other alternatives that do not harm citizens.

“While it is true that there are digital alternatives to make payments, it is also true that many people, especially our seniors, do not have the technological skills or internet access to use them,” Hernández said. “The closure of these offices leaves them in a vulnerable position and further limits their options.”

Hernández emphasized that the mayors will enforce their duty to ensure the well-being of the people.

“The Federation requested a meeting with LUMA to evaluate the real impact of this decision and look for solutions that address the needs of our people,” he said. “We await the response from LUMA’s directors and we trust that it will be affirmative and as soon as possible.”