Energy Department renews two emergency orders for Puerto Rico's electric grid

The U.S. Department of Energy said it has renewed two emergency orders aimed at supporting Puerto Rico's electric grid as the island faces rising electricity demand and reliability challenges.

According to the department, the orders authorize the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) to dispatch generation units needed to maintain critical generation capacity. They also allow continued vegetation management near power lines. The department said falling tree limbs and brush can damage transmission lines, cause widespread outages and potentially start wildfires.

The renewed orders take effect on November 8, 2026, and run through February 5, 2027, the department said. They build on similar actions taken in 2025 and 2026.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the orders ensure critical work moves forward and help equip the grid to meet growing demand. Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González-Colón said in the release that the department's Section 202(c) orders have provided flexibilities to increase generation capacity, strengthen grid stability and advance maintenance work. She added that more work remains to be done.

The department said it will continue working with the governor and local authorities on the electric grid serving Puerto Rico's 3.2 million residents.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy.

Originally published by True News: https://truenews.bagleyenterprises.net/stories/849