PREPA, P3A seek lift of restraining order halting LNG deliveries

A temporary restraining order issued Sept. 26 requires NFEnergia LLC to use four 80-ton escort-rated tugboats for liquefied natural gas maneuvers in San Juan Bay. However, the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority and the island government argue that the vessels are unavailable due to high demand in the Jones Act market.

By THE STAR STAFF

The Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) and the Public-Private Partnerships Authority (P3A) have asked a federal court to lift a temporary restraining order (TRO) that has halted liquefied natural gas (LNG) deliveries to the island’s northern region, warning that continued restrictions could trigger widespread blackouts and endanger public safety.

The TRO, issued on Sept. 26, requires NFEnergia LLC (NFE) to use four 80-ton escort-rated tugboats for LNG maneuvers in San Juan Bay. However, PREPA and P3A argue that the vessels are unavailable due to high demand in the Jones Act market, effectively blocking all LNG shipments until at least Oct. 10, when the order expires.

In a court filing, the agencies said the TRO has turned from a temporary safety measure into a full embargo on LNG, threatening the operation of critical power plants in San Juan and Palo Seco. Those facilities rely on LNG to supply electricity to hospitals, water systems, airports and other essential infrastructure.

The agencies warned that the current LNG vessel docked at the San Juan terminal has already been depleted, and no replacement has been allowed to enter. Genera PR, the operator of the generation units, has switched to diesel fuel where possible, but some units have been shut down due to lack of dual-fuel capability.

Extended diesel use, they added, poses serious reliability risks, accelerates turbine wear, and increases emissions that could harm nearby communities. The situation is compounded by the fragility of Puerto Rico’s grid, which was underscored by a recent outage at the Aguirre power plant that left over 150,000 families without electricity.

PREPA and P3A emphasized that the blackout risk is not hypothetical.

“Every additional day without LNG increases the risk of catastrophic blackouts across the Island,” they said, noting that vulnerable populations, small businesses, and essential services could face life-threatening consequences.

The agencies also cited testimony from experienced harbor pilots who say the LNG maneuvers can be conducted safely without the restricted tugboats.

The court is scheduled to hold a hearing on the matter today.