New LUMA CEO outlines her priorities.

LUMA Energy CEO Janisse Quiñones

By THE STAR STAFF

LUMA Energy President & CEO Janisse Quiñones, a native of Caguas, detailed her priorities on Monday as she begins her tenure.

“Returning to Puerto Rico is something deeply personal for me. I was born here, I trained as an engineer here, and today I return with a commitment to put all that experience at the service of the country,” Quiñones stated in written remarks. “I assume this role with great respect for the work that has been accomplished thus far, and with the responsibility to lead this new phase for LUMA -- focused on continuing to advance toward a stronger and more reliable electric system for Puerto Rico.”

Quiñones listed the following priorities:

Listening to act with purpose

The executive emphasized that her first step will be to actively listen to communities, employees, and all sectors that depend on the electric system.

“Promoting open dialogue and transparency is essential to understanding the real needs of the system and the concerns of our people,” she said. “The best solutions are built through listening.”

An operational focus to stabilize the grid

The CEO underscored the importance of maintaining a disciplined approach to system operations, prioritizing worker safety, the execution of infrastructure improvements, and the reduction of service interruptions.

“Operating the system safely and continuing to stabilize the grid are fundamental to achieving the reliability that Puerto Rico needs and deserves,” she said.

Collaboration to transform the electrical system

Acknowledging the magnitude of the island’s energy challenge, Quiñones emphasized that transforming the system requires a joint effort.

“This is a task that cannot be accomplished by a single entity alone,” she said. “It is indispensable to strengthen collaboration with the government, agencies, municipalities, the private sector, and communities so that we may advance together toward a more resilient and modern system.”

Throughout her career, Quiñones has led initiatives involving large-scale electricity systems, driving modernization projects grounded in data, sound engineering, and effective execution. Furthermore, her experience in emergency management -- including her service in the United States Coast Guard -- has enabled her to develop a strategic approach to preparedness, coordination, and response regarding extreme events.

“Puerto Rico faces a reality in which system resilience is essential,” Quiñones said. “Strengthening emergency preparedness and response capabilities will be a key priority in this new phase.”