U.S. Department of Energy Renews Emergency Orders to Modernize Puerto Rico's Electrical Grid
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has renewed two emergency orders to reinforce Puerto Rico's electrical system as the island faces increased power demand and the 2026 hurricane season. These orders, initially issued in 2025, allow the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) to continue operating key generation units and expand vegetation management efforts to reduce outages and enhance long-term grid reliability. Energy Secretary Chris Wright emphasized that these directives are part of the federal government's broader initiative to modernize Puerto Rico's aging grid, aiming to build a more affordable, reliable, and secure energy system for American families and businesses. The orders address vulnerabilities such as limited generation capacity and vegetation encroachment near transmission lines, which have historically contributed to outages during storms. 
