Para ordenar a LUMA Energy y a la Autoridad de Acueductos y Alcantarillados a conceder a todo abonado beneficiario de ayudas federales, así como a empleados del Gobierno Federal, una extensión de plazo o prórroga para el pago de los servicios de un término no menor de noventa (90) días; para que dicho término sea igualmente aplicable en los casos de suspensión de servicio como tiempo adicional a lo ya establecido por disposición de la Ley Núm. 33 de 27 de junio de 1985, según enmendada, mejor conocida como “Ley para Establecer los Requisitos Procesales Mínimos para la Suspensión de Servicios Públicos Esenciales”; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Puerto Rico bill requires utilities to grant 90+ day payment extensions to federal aid recipients and federal employees, delaying service suspension timelines beyond current law protections.

Referido a Comisión(es)

Legislative bill overview

Bill RCC 239 mandates that LUMA Energy (Puerto Rico's electric utility) and the Water and Sewer Authority (AAA) grant a minimum 90-day payment extension to all customers receiving federal assistance and federal government employees. The bill also requires that this 90-day period apply as additional time before service suspension, beyond protections already established under Law 33 of 1985.

Why is this important

This bill directly affects utility payment enforcement and financial relief for vulnerable populations during Puerto Rico's ongoing economic recovery. Given Puerto Rico's high poverty rates and significant federal aid dependency, this policy could meaningfully delay service shutoffs for a substantial portion of the customer base while potentially impacting utility revenue collection during a period when both utilities face operational challenges.

Potential points of contention

Revenue impact: Extending payment timelines by 90+ days reduces immediate cash flow for utilities already struggling with financial stability and infrastructure investments in post-hurricane recovery

Scope ambiguity: "All recipients of federal assistance" is broad—unclear whether this includes minor federal programs or only major assistance categories, potentially affecting the majority of Puerto Rico's population

Implementation burden: Utilities must identify and verify federal assistance recipients, creating administrative costs and complexity in billing systems

Equity concerns: The bill treats federal employees (typically higher-income) the same as low-income assistance recipients, raising questions about targeting efficiency