90 percent of people in Puerto Rico entered the new year without electricity
Puerto Rico, the smallest island of the Greater Antilles, is facing a major electricity crisis due to malfunctions in its power plants. The outage is also negatively affecting transportation and healthcare services.
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Major malfunctions in power plants in Puerto Rico have brought life to a standstill across the country. According to national media, 90% of the population was left without electricity, and the crisis is seriously affecting daily life.
PRIORITY ON CRITICAL SERVICES
Jose Perez, Director of External Affairs at LUMA Energy, the company responsible for electricity transmission, stated that work began with critical service points first. Perez said, "Hospitals, airports, police stations, and fire stations are the priority. Our work is ongoing, but it will take time for the entire country to regain power."
STAFF SHORTAGE PROLONGS THE PROCESS
Electrician Javier Corea stated that the lack of sufficient personnel at the power plants is slowing down the process. Corea said, "Due to employees being on holiday, it is likely that the outage will continue until January 2."
LIFE HAS COME TO A STANDSTILL
While Luis Munoz Marin International Airport is trying to operate with generators, train services have been suspended and many shopping centers have closed.
The increasing frequency of power outages has triggered public anger. Hundreds of people have criticized the government and called for protests to be organized.