The Department of Energy (DOE) has announced an extension of emergency orders aimed at strengthening Puerto Rico’s electric grid. The original orders, issued in May, have allowed the Puerto Rican government to make necessary repairs and upgrades to address long-standing issues with grid reliability. The extension is set to cover the peak summer demand season.
“A reliable and secure power grid is essential for modern life, and the residents of Puerto Rico deserve solutions now. Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, we are able to take action, moving from years of instability toward measurable, lasting progress,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. “By extending these orders, DOE is ensuring critical work continues, urgent energy reliability needs are addressed, and the grid is more prepared to withstand the most demanding stretch of hurricane season for the 3.2 million Americans who call Puerto Rico home.”
Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González-Colón expressed support for the move: “I thank Secretary Wright and strongly support the Department of Energy’s extension of the 202(c) emergency orders for Puerto Rico, which have provided needed flexibilities to maintain sufficient power generation capacity and conduct vegetation control activities along critical transmission lines. The Trump Administration’s close collaboration and commitment to stabilize and rebuild our power grid has been unprecedented and is already yielding results,” she said. “I look forward to building on this momentum and continue partnering with President Trump and Secretary Wright as we strengthen Puerto Rico’s electrical system and ensure an affordable, reliable, and secure supply of energy for the island’s 3.2 million Americans.”
Puerto Rico’s electric grid has suffered from decades of insufficient maintenance and investment, as well as damage from natural disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes. The bankruptcy of PREPA—the public utility responsible for electricity—has also contributed to ongoing challenges in restoring reliable service.
With hurricane season approaching its historically most intense period, DOE will extend two emergency orders under section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act beginning August 15 through November 12, 2025. One order instructs PREPA to continue operating certain generation units needed for maintaining grid stability; another order directs continued vegetation management along key transmission lines.
The initial emergency directives were issued on May 16, 2025: one authorized PREPA to operate specified generation units during a 90-day window; another required vegetation control measures to keep important transmission routes operational.
DOE officials say they will keep working with local leaders and stakeholders on efforts to stabilize Puerto Rico’s electric infrastructure.
