Energy Department Renews Two Emergency Orders to Support Puerto Rico's Grid Through February
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced on November 7 that it has 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. The department said the renewal builds 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 said the orders will help secure Puerto Rico's electricity supply and ensure uninterrupted power service in the face of unforeseen conditions, and also address vegetation management near power lines, noting that falling tree limbs and brush can damage transmission lines, cause widespread outages, and potentially cause wildfires.
"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."
Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González-Colón thanked President Trump and Secretary Wright. "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," she said. "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. The department said it 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. (Source: U.S. Department of Energy)
Source: U.S. Department of Energy
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：美国能源部总部大楼。美国能源部官方照片（公共领域，联邦固定图库）。 / Photo: U.S. Department of Energy headquarters. U.S. Department of Energy photo, public domain (federal fixed asset pack).
