Analysis of official statements and policy actions from Puerto Rico's government

Jenniffer González Sworn In as Puerto Rico's Governor Amid Blackout Affecting 1.3 Million

Jan 2, 2025, 04:49 PM

Jenniffer González Colón was sworn in as the new governor of Puerto Rico on Thursday, amid widespread public anger over a recent major blackout that left 1.3 million customers without power. The blackout, which occurred days before her inauguration, cast a shadow over the normally celebratory ceremony. González, a Republican and a member of the pro-statehood New Progressive Party, secured a historic third consecutive term for her party after winning the November election. She has pledged to stabilize Puerto Rico's crumbling power grid, promising to appoint an energy 'czar' to review potential contractual breaches and possibly replace Luma Energy, the private company overseeing the island's power transmission and distribution. However, any contract cancellations require approval from Puerto Rico's Energy Bureau and a federal control board that oversees the island's finances. As of Thursday, electricity had been restored to 98.9% of the 1.47 million total customers, but more than 600,000 were temporarily without power on New Year's Day due to another system collapse. González also faces challenges in addressing Puerto Rico's fragile economy, which has been struggling since the government declared bankruptcy in 2017, and other issues including affordable housing, high power bills, violent crime, and a limping health care system.