Since June 2021, LUMA has been focused on building a more reliable, more resilient, more customer-focused and cleaner energy system. As part of that commitment, we are making critical infrastructure repairs and upgrades, improving customer response and empowering solar adoption. While there is much more work to do, we are committed to being transparent with you about our progress, and the specific energy challenges that are completely beyond LUMA’s control, such as the impact on customer rates from the rising costs of fuel.
Across the globe, the price of fuel, such as natural gas, diesel and oil, has risen dramatically this year. Because these fuels are critical to PREPA’s and Puerto Rico’s generation, there is a direct impact on customer rates as determined by the Puerto Rico Energy Bureau (PREB) each quarter. It is important for you to know that LUMA does not set these fuel costs – they are set by global markets. LUMA also does not determine or have control on how rising fuel costs may impact our customers’ rates or bills – the PREB sets the rates. Furthermore, LUMA does not financially benefit or profit from any change or increase on generation fuel costs. LUMA’s responsibility is delivering energy, we do not generate energy, negotiate fuel costs or purchase fuel.
While we may not be able to stop or control the impact of rising fuel costs on customer rates, we are determined to help those who may face challenges stay up to date on their bills by offering payment plans and information on an array of government assistance programs available to those who qualify, including:
To help minimize the impact of future fuel costs, LUMA is determined to empower the growth of renewable energy and Puerto Rico’s path toward a modern electric system over the coming years. Since beginning operations, we have connected more than 12,000 customers that have installed rooftop solar (equivalent to about 50 MW). We are also carrying out additional studies to determine how to safely integrate 1,000 MW of utility-scale energy. Most importantly, LUMA’s multiyear effort to modernize the grid will be critical for the integration of more renewable energy, which will enable Puerto Rico to spend less and less on imported fuel.
In the face of current energy challenges, LUMA is determined to help our customers overcome the impact of rising global fuel prices. If you are concerned about paying your energy bills, now or in the future, we encourage you to call us at 1-844-888-5862 (LUMA) or visit lumapr.com to learn what programs we and others offer to our customers who are eligible.
Working together, we can confront the global rise in fuel prices and build a better more sustainable energy future for all of Puerto Rico.
Sincerely,
The LUMA Family