New coalition Puerto Rico Con Luz aims to accelerate grid reconstruction
Puerto Rico Con Luz, a newly launched nongovernmental and nonpartisan initiative, is positioning itself as a collaborative platform aimed at advancing practical, evidence-based proposals for rebuilding Puerto Rico’s electrical grid.
The organization brings together civic leaders, professional associations, businesses and community representatives who share a common goal: accelerating measurable progress in the island’s long-delayed energy reconstruction.
Formed in response to concerns across multiple sectors about obstacles in the grid-rebuild process, the initiative seeks to create a structured space where stakeholders can develop realistic proposals and coordinate efforts.
“Puerto Rico Con Luz was founded with a simple conviction: progress comes from contributing solutions, not assigning blame,” said Maretzie Díaz, a member of the initiative and representative of Asplundh.
She said the group aims to “foster collaboration, create constructive dialogue and help align efforts toward measurable results,” noting that technical expertise exists across the island but is often siloed.
As its first major effort, Puerto Rico con luz will host a public forum in January with energy experts, engineers, business leaders and community groups. Organizers said the event will outline the initiative’s initial recommendations for addressing bottlenecks in the reconstruction process and will serve as its formal launch.
The group describes itself as a neutral civic platform focused on elevating pragmatic, forward-looking proposals rather than contributing to political gridlock. Its stated goals include convening stakeholders, strengthening partnerships and promoting innovation that supports a more reliable and affordable energy system for Puerto Rico.
“There’s no denying that progress has been made, but there’s still too much bureaucracy that we need to eliminate,” said Anthony Maceira, managing member of MZLS.
He said the group intends to support advocacy efforts in Washington and added that “Puerto Rico con luz is here to add value to the efforts already underway.”
The organization is inviting professionals, industry experts, community leaders, environmental groups and small businesses to submit proposals, data or initiatives through its website.
