Lawmakers investigate LUMA’s rejection of 1,800+ damage claims
A House committee probes the Puerto Rico utility’s liability rules and consumer protections.
The Puerto Rico House Consumer Affairs Committee is investigating LUMA Energy’s rejection of 1,828 claims for household appliance damages, raising concerns about the utility’s liability policies and consumer protections.
At a May 27 hearing, Rebecca Maldonado, LUMA’s director of Stakeholder and Intervenor Affairs, confirmed no claims had been approved.
“The complaints we received cannot be paid according to the release of liability,” she said, explaining that compensation is only possible through insurance and for losses tied to physical injury or property damage caused by voltage fluctuations or service interruptions.
Rep. Pedro “Pellé” Santiago-Guzmán, who authored the resolution that launched the probe, criticized LUMA’s stance.
“This is something we could resolve administratively. We’re talking about pennies compared to millions,” he said.
Committee Chair Rep. Edgar Robles-Rivera questioned the company’s spending priorities, pointing to LUMA’s $4.5 million public relations budget.
“Do you think Juan Saca [LUMA’s president] could be empathetic enough to use part of that money to help the people?” he asked.
Independent Office for Consumer Protection (OIPC, in Spanish) Director Henna Rivera explained that the current liability language follows the framework of the former Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA), which paid under $500,000 in similar claims over a decade. She added that the OIPC is barred from representing consumers filing damage claims.
Electricians’ College President Frances Berríos called for more transparency and reform, citing poor communication with claimants and the lack of a public complaint registry. She urged legislators to strengthen the OIPC’s regulatory authority.
Both the Department of Consumer Affairs (DACO, in Spanish) and the Ombudsman’s Office said they lack jurisdiction over such claims. DACO’s role is limited to matters involving solar panel installations, according to Secretary Valerie Rodríguez-Erazo.
