PREPA chief doesn’t rule out taking the reins at LUMA Energy
By The Star Staff
Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) Executive Director Josué Colón Ortiz on Tuesday did not dismiss becoming the next director of LUMA Energy.
The television program “Jugando Pelota Dura,” citing unnamed sources, said Monday that Colón Ortiz might direct LUMA Energy. Recently, Gov. Pedro Pierluisi Urrutia said LUMA Energy was on probation and that he wanted to see changes in LUMA’s top management positions. LUMA Energy is the private operator of PREPA’s transmission and distribution system.
In a radio interview (Radio Isla 1320), Colón Ortiz said time would determine his next steps without ruling out that he would direct LUMA Energy.
“I never close any door,” he said when asked about taking the helm at LUMA. “I have worked in the public sector with great pride. I have also worked in the private sector, and we did it with great pride and dedication. And one should never, ever close off the possibility of any change, especially if, with that change, one can contribute to improving the quality of life of Puerto Ricans. That should be the goal in anything one does.”
“In my particular case, we have dedicated over 30 years to the energy system,” Colón Ortiz said. “Where will we continue to do it? Time will determine whether it is in the public or private sector.”
Some media outlets have published rumors about the PREPA chief moving to LUMA Energy for some time.
Along with managerial changes, Pierluisi had said there had to be better communication with the public at LUMA Energy.
To date, LUMA has yet to report any management changes, although its president & CEO, Wayne Stensby, has made fewer public appearances of late.
Later on Tuesday, Pierluisi did not want to comment on whether Colón Ortiz should replace Stensby at LUMA Energy, but he did acknowledge that he is in negotiations on the terms and conditions for the permanence of the private consortium.
“Whoever decides who runs LUMA is LUMA,” the governor said when questioned by the press on the matter. “It is not my responsibility, nor is it the responsibility of the government. The responsibility lies with LUMA and its parent companies, which have to choose the management personnel.”
The governor, along with Colón Ortiz, was participating in the Puerto Rico General Contractors Association convention in San Juan.