Committee Conducts Oversight of Puerto Rico's Energy Struggle

Today, the Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs held an oversight hearing on Puerto Rico's electric grid and access to reliable and affordable energy. Subcommittee Chair Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.) issued the following statement in response:

"It has been seven years since hurricanes Irma and Maria, and yet Puerto Rico continues to suffer major power outage incidents with no clear end in sight. I am deeply disappointed that our witnesses from the Biden-Harris administration declined to testify today, especially since the administration is exacerbating the power issues on the island by forcing its political agenda of unreliable power sources on Puerto Rico, such as solar and wind, which cannot support baseload power. Moreover, these witnesses traveled from Puerto Rico to engage on this important topic, but Biden-Harris officials couldn't be bothered to come down the street to participate.

"All stakeholders involved in rebuilding Puerto Rico's electrical grid must understand the importance of committing to addressing the issues raised here. The residents of Puerto Rico deserve access to reliable, affordable and resilient energy."

Background

Puerto Rico residents pay among the highest utility costs of anywhere in the United States. Puerto Rico's electrical grid is still undergoing major rebuilding after natural disasters in 2017 and 2022. The government of Puerto Rico is also in the midst of an extensive debt restructuring process that has transferred management of the electrical power grid from government control to private firms. Unfortunately, the island continues to face major electrical blackouts and service disruptions with no clear end in sight.

The Biden-Harris administration's prioritization of renewables and electric vehicles (EVs) has been a barrier to rebuilding Puerto Rico's electrical grid and ensuring the island has access to reliable and resilient energy. The push for solar panels and EVs has caused major supply chain issues as EVs increase demand on the electrical grid and local utilities compete with federal agencies to acquire necessary equipment. This has delayed efforts by Puerto Rico's private utilities to replace outdated transformers across Puerto Rico. Often, it takes one to three years for orders from LUMA for new transformers to be fulfilled and transferred.

According to Genera representatives, the increased number of EVs on the island has driven up electrical usage when electricity is already in peak demand, while residents are at home in the evening. Solar power is insufficient to keep up with demand as it takes place during sunset. The Biden-Harris administration has ignored this reality and continues to champion rooftop solar projects as the solution for stabilizing power on the island.

House Republicans continue to support an all-of-the-above energy future that gives Puerto Rico the freedom to construct their grid and energy mix to meet their needs.

Today's hearing allowed members to question LUMA Energy and Genera PR officials about the issues they are facing. Members hoped to have the opportunity to question Biden-Harris administration officials about the issues in Puerto Rico, however, all three invited administration officials declined to testify.

To learn more, click here.