The short version
- LUMA Energy warned Tuesday of a high risk of load shedding during peak evening hours due to limited generation capacity [Metro Puerto Rico reported]
- Primera Hora reported that LUMA cited a projected 311 MW deficit from operational failures at Genera PR units in San Juan and Aguirre
- The company is coordinating with generators to increase availability and reduce impact on about 100,000 customers [Metro Puerto Rico reported]
- LUMA reminded the public that it handles transmission and distribution while generation is the responsibility of other companies
Warning issued for Tuesday night
LUMA Energy warned on Tuesday, Oct. 27 that there is a high risk of rolling blackouts during peak consumption hours that night. Metro Puerto Rico reported. The company said available generation at Central San Juan and Aguirre could be insufficient to meet projected demand, which could force temporary service interruptions in some areas.
According to LUMA, coordination is under way with generating companies to increase energy availability and lessen the effect on approximately 100,000 customers. However, the measures do not guarantee that load shedding can be avoided, Metro Puerto Rico reported.
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Cause of the shortfall
Primera Hora reported that LUMA stated in writing that, according to the most recent system data, a deficiency of approximately 311 megawatts is projected. The shortfall is caused by operational failures in units of Genera PR located at the San Juan and Aguirre plants. Primera Hora reported.
LUMA, which is responsible for transmission and distribution, said it remains in communication with the generating companies to monitor the units. The company urged customers to follow its official channels for updates on the status of the electric system.
Where the sources differ
Both Metro Puerto Rico and Primera Hora report that LUMA Energy warned of possible load shedding or rolling blackouts on the night of Tuesday, Oct. 27 due to insufficient generation capacity at San Juan and Aguirre. Metro Puerto Rico attributes the warning to a company statement and notes possible impact on about 100,000 customers. Primera Hora adds that LUMA cited a projected 311 MW deficit caused by operational failures at Genera PR units. Metro Puerto Rico does not mention the 311 MW figure, Genera PR or the specific cause of operational failures.
What the reports do not say
The reports do not state whether any rolling blackouts have begun, which specific sectors or towns would be affected, the expected duration of any interruptions, or what steps the generating companies are taking to restore full capacity. They also do not indicate when the operational failures at the units started or whether they have been resolved.
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 Se complica la noche: LUMA advierte sobre posibles apagones
- Reporting LUMA advierte sobre posibles apagones por relevo de carga esta noche
How we checked this
Metro Puerto Rico and Primera Hora both based their articles on statements from LUMA Energy. The 311 MW deficit figure and its attribution to operational failures at Genera PR units appear only in Primera Hora.
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.
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