PR Chamber of Commerce denounces electric power situation is unsustainable for economic development

(San Juan, Puerto Rico – September 2,2021) The Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce (PRCC) requested an urgent meeting with the President of the Governing Board of the Electric Power Authority (PREPA), Eng. Ralph A. Kreil Rivera, to discuss the consequences of selective blackouts and the proposed energy increase for the commercial sector and economic development of the country, expressed the Luis A. Gierbolini-Rodríguez, Esq., president of the Camaristas, through a press release.

“We are very concerned about what is happening on the island with the selective blackouts and a request for an increase in electric power service, due to the instability that this represents to the environment of doing business in Puerto Rico. The high energy cost for merchants makes it unfeasible to maintain a solid operation and adversely affects the viability of our jurisdiction as an optimal place to do business,” said Gierbolini-Rodríguez.

The Chamber leader pointed out “these actions harm the industries, the medium and small merchant because it adds unexpected and unbudgeted costs to the business operation. There are no real alternatives to help trade in Puerto Rico, this means paying more for energy, investing in power plants with the associated costs and evaluating renewable energy alternatives,” said Gierbolini-Rodríguez.

“We are going to do everything in our power as a union to combat an unexpected rise in energy costs. It is clear that this makes services more expensive and in the end will cause the closure of workshops and an increase in consumer prices. Our call is to establish a coherent action plan that helps the country’s entrepreneurs and positions Puerto Rico as a point of economic development,” concluded  Luis A. Gierbolini-Rodriguez, Esq.

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Contacto: Sandra González
787.487.5486
sgonzalez@camarapr.net

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