Concerns over the lack of transparency and communication regarding Puerto Rico's electrical infrastructure took center stage at the recent public hearing held by the Camara de Representantes. Representatives expressed frustration over the absence of crucial data from Luma Energy, the company responsible for managing the island's power grid.

During the meeting, one representative highlighted the urgent need for information on the number of streetlights and utility poles that require replacement. "You don’t have the complete information for this public hearing, and that’s what the people are talking about when they mention Luma," they stated, emphasizing the disconnect between the utility company and the communities it serves. The representative pointed out that constituents are left in the dark about when repairs will occur, creating a sense of uncertainty and dissatisfaction among residents.

The discussion revealed that Luma has been allocated over $1 billion for infrastructure improvements, yet only a fraction of that amount has been reconciled officially. This lack of clarity on financial and operational progress has raised alarms among lawmakers, who are demanding better communication and accountability from the utility provider.

Another representative echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of providing the public with timely updates on infrastructure projects. "It’s basic communication," they said, urging Luma to adopt a more structured approach to inform communities about ongoing work and timelines for repairs.

As the meeting concluded, representatives left with a sense of urgency to address these communication failures. They called for immediate action to ensure that residents are kept informed about the state of their electrical services, highlighting that transparency is essential for rebuilding trust in the utility company. The next steps remain critical as lawmakers seek to hold Luma accountable and ensure that the needs of the community are met.