Today, Explained Puerto Rico’s power crisis
Oct 4, 2022
Arelis Hernández, a reporter for The Washington Post, and Umair Irfan, a Vox science reporter, delve into Puerto Rico's ongoing power crisis, exacerbated by Hurricane Fiona. They discuss the frustrations of residents facing blackouts and the difficulties tied to the privatization of the power grid. Solutions like microgrids and the need for shifting towards renewable energy are explored, alongside the challenges posed by aging infrastructure and political hurdles, emphasizing the urgent call for reforms to ensure a reliable and affordable electricity supply.
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Maria's Story
- Arelis Hernández revisited Maria Ortiz Biruette in Puerto Rico, five years after Hurricane Maria.
- Maria, a former teacher, retired early due to unreliable electricity and smaller class sizes post-Maria.
Fiona's Impact
- Hurricane Fiona caused widespread damage in Puerto Rico, especially outside San Juan.
- Areas like Toa Baja, Salinas, and the west side experienced severe flooding and infrastructure destruction.
Luma's Performance
- Puerto Rico's power grid, managed by Luma Energy, has worsened since privatization.
- Frequent outages, voltage variations, and higher costs plague the system, impacting residents and businesses.