LUMA distances itself from electric bill increases
The operator of Puerto Rico's transmission and distribution system says it does not buy fuel, generate power or approve rate hikes as customers face the highest residential tariff since at least 2020.
File photoThe short version
- Metro Puerto Rico reported that LUMA issued a written statement ahead of a protest on Saturday, Oct. 24, saying it respects the right to demonstrate
- LUMA President Janisse Quiñones said in a video that the company does not purchase fuel, generate electricity or decide on increases, according to Primera Hora
- The residential rate stands at 33.86 cents per kWh since Oct. 1, the highest in years, Primera Hora reported
- Quiñones pointed to Genera PR, the Puerto Rico Energy Bureau and the government as the entities responsible for generation costs
Company statement
LUMA Energy released written statements acknowledging concern among families and businesses over rising electricity bills. The company said it knows high fuel costs and deficiencies in the generation system directly affect Puerto Ricans' pockets. Metro Puerto Rico reported that LUMA joins customers in calling for solutions addressing the root of the problem to reduce generation costs.
The statements were issued ahead of a demonstration called for Saturday, Oct. 24. LUMA reiterated that it does not buy fuel, does not generate electricity and does not approve tariff increases. The company said it respects citizens' right to protest and recognizes the urgency of having a reliable electric service at a reasonable cost.
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What the sources posted
Posts and statements below are the sources' own words, quoted as published. They are not independently verified.
Sabemos que los altos costos del combustible y las deficiencias en el sistema de generación afectan directamente el bolsillo de los puertorriqueños.
Our translation: We know that the high costs of fuel and the deficiencies in the generation system directly affect the pockets of Puerto Ricans.
The source's own statement, as quoted by Metro Puerto Rico. Not verified by PuertoRico.com.
Executive's message
LUMA President and CEO Janisse Quiñones addressed residents and merchants in a video posted to the company's social media. She said the company understands that every increase weighs heavily, forcing families and businesses to make difficult decisions. Primera Hora reported that Quiñones expressed solidarity with those impacted by the drastic rise in electricity costs.
Quiñones stated that the price of fuel used to generate electricity is at extremely high levels and that generators must use more expensive fuels due to the lack of reliable and efficient generation. She repeated that LUMA does not buy the fuel, does not generate electricity and does not decide these increases. The executive directed complaints to the Government of Puerto Rico, the Puerto Rico Energy Bureau (NEPR) and Genera PR.
Where the sources differ
Both Metro Puerto Rico and Primera Hora report that LUMA and its CEO Janisse Quiñones state the company does not purchase fuel, generate electricity or approve rate increases, directing responsibility toward Genera PR, the NEPR and the government. Metro Puerto Rico focuses on the company's written statement issued before the Oct. 24 protest and its recognition of the need for reliable service. Primera Hora provides more detail on the current rates (33.86 cents per kWh residential since Oct. 1), the impact on small businesses and notes that LUMA's own operational and contractual costs rose by about $180 million this fiscal year after a base rate review.
What the reports do not say
The reports do not state the exact size of the latest fuel-related adjustment, the previous tariff levels for comparison, what specific actions the NEPR or Genera PR plan to take, or whether the government will intervene to address the high costs. They also do not mention the duration the current high rates are expected to remain in effect.
Sources
Every link below was opened and checked when this story was published. Official means a government body, agency or the organization itself; Reporting means a news outlet.
- Reporting LUMA se desliga de los aumentos en la factura eléctrica
- Reporting Jefa de LUMA se desvincula del alza en la factura: “LUMA no decide estos aumentos”
How we checked this
Metro Puerto Rico and Primera Hora both covered LUMA's response to public concern over electricity bills. The rate figures and details on LUMA's own cost increase rest on Primera Hora's reporting.
Compiled by the PuertoRico.com News Desk from the reports and statements listed above, and checked against them before publishing. It does not include original interviews. Spot an error? Email support@puertorico.com with a link to this story.