As Puerto Rico faces rising electricity demand and energy reliability challenges, the Energy Department continues its efforts to strengthen the island’s electric grid.
November 7, 2026
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WASHINGTON—The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) renewed two emergency orders to support continued improvements to Puerto Rico’s electric grid as the island faces rising energy demand and energy reliability challenges. Building on previous actions in 2025 and 2026, the emergency orders authorize the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) to dispatch generation units essential for maintaining critical generation capacity, while continuing vegetation management to reduce outages, strengthen long-term grid reliability, and minimize the risk of blackouts.
“The Department of Energy remains committed to modernizing Puerto Rico’s electric grid to provide American families and businesses with more affordable, reliable, and secure energy,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. “These orders ensure critical work moves forward, pressing reliability challenges are addressed, and the island’s electric grid is equipped to meet growing energy demands. Thanks to President Trump, these efforts are driving meaningful and long-term improvements to Puerto Rico’s energy infrastructure.”
The emergency orders will help secure Puerto Rico’s electricity supply and ensure uninterrupted power service in the face of unforeseen conditions. The orders also address vegetation management issues near power lines. Falling tree limbs and brush can damage transmission lines, cause widespread outages, and potentially cause wildfires.
“I thank President Trump and Secretary Wright for once again demonstrating their commitment to strengthening Puerto Rico’s electric system,” Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González-Colón. “The Department of Energy’s Section 202(c) orders have provided essential flexibilities to increase generation capacity, strengthen grid stability, and advance critical maintenance activities. More work remains to be done, and these emergency authorities will be vital as we continue our joint efforts to deliver the reliable and affordable electric service that Puerto Rico’s families and businesses deserve.”
The renewed orders are in effect beginning on November 8, 2026, through February 5, 2027. DOE will continue working closely with Governor González-Colón and local authorities to ensure Puerto Rico’s 3.2 million Americans have access to a reliable and secure electric grid.