Puerto Rico Grapples with Power Outages as Hurricane Ernesto Intensifies

Hurricane Ernesto has left about half of Puerto Rico's homes and businesses without power as it moves north into the Atlantic. LUMA Energy reports significant outages affecting over 725,000 customers. The fragile power grid, previously compromised by hurricanes Fiona, Irma, and Maria, continues to face instability and widespread damage.

About half of all homes and businesses in Puerto Rico remain without power as Hurricane Ernesto churns northward into the Atlantic, drenching the U.S. territory. LUMA Energy, Puerto Rico's primary power supplier, reports more than 725,000 customers are affected out of 1.5 million total, losing electric service.

Juan Saca, president and CEO of LUMA, could not specify the extent of the damage or timeline for restoration but emphasized that over 1,500 employees are working to reestablish service. The island's power grid, already fragile from past hurricanes, is again under strain.

Ernesto, which has strengthened from a tropical storm to a Category 1 hurricane, currently packs winds of about 75 mph and is expected to intensify further. While there is no formal damage report, Puerto Rico's agriculture may have suffered considerable losses, according to Agriculture Secretary Ramón González Beiró.

(With inputs from agencies.)