Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce Strengthens Private-Sector Participation in Response to Water and Energy Crises
PRCC to serve as a liaison with the business community in direct coordination with the Government and the Drought Committee, while continuing its efforts to address Puerto Rico’s energy situation locally and in Washington
San Juan, Puerto Rico, August 25, 2026 — The Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce (PRCC) announced that it has secured the active inclusion of the private sector in the coordination and communication processes related to Puerto Rico’s ongoing water emergency, thereby strengthening the business community’s participation in the development and implementation of solutions.
As part of this new collaborative framework, the PRCC will serve as a liaison with the private sector, maintaining close communication with the Water Czar, the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA), the Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DDEC), the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, and the other members of the Drought Committee. The objective is to facilitate the timely flow of reliable information to the various economic sectors while also channeling their needs, concerns, and recommendations to the entities responsible for managing the emergency.
This development is part of a working agenda led by PRCC President José “Che Julio” Aparicio Laspina, Esq., together with business organizations and the Chamber’s Federal Affairs Committee, FACES, to ensure that the realities faced by merchants, business owners, and industries are taken into consideration in decision-making processes related to both water and energy. “We have insisted from the outset that the private sector must be part of the solution. We appreciate that the Government has opened this avenue for collaboration and that we can serve as a liaison to keep the business community informed while, at the same time, bringing its needs and recommendations directly to the table. This crisis requires communication, coordination, and the ability to execute. The Chamber is prepared to contribute on all three fronts,” Aparicio Laspina said.
Private Sector Integrated into the Response to the Water Crisis
In response to disruptions in the water supply, on August 12 the PRCC convened an emergency special meeting of its Energy Committee and FACES, incorporating the perspectives of sectors directly affected by the situation, including restaurants and hospitals. This dialogue provided firsthand documentation of the operational and economic consequences of the crisis and helped develop concrete proposals to address the needs of the private sector. Subsequently, on August 22, the Chamber participated in the multisector meeting convened by the Governor of Puerto Rico, where it received updated information on the status of the water systems and the Government’s short-, medium-, and long-term plans.
As a result of these efforts, the PRCC will be integrated into the communication and coordination mechanism with the private sector, maintaining close contact with the Water Czar, PRASA, DDEC, the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, and the Drought Committee. From this position, the Chamber will be able to provide the business community with timely information on the evolving emergency, government measures, and other matters that may affect their operations.
This communication will also work in both directions, enabling the PRCC to continue gathering information directly from its members, affiliated associations, and various economic sectors in order to provide the Government with an up-to-date perspective on the operational challenges businesses are facing and the potential solutions the private sector can contribute.
“We do not want to limit ourselves to reacting to the emergency; we want to help manage it. Integrating the private sector into this process allows us to contribute information, experience, and execution capabilities, while also ensuring that our merchants and business owners receive reliable and timely information to make decisions about their operations,” Aparicio Laspina added.
Energy: Transparency, Urgency, and Coordination
As part of this agenda, on July 23 the PRCC met with LUMA Energy and its executive leadership to learn about the status of the electric grid reconstruction efforts and the use of allocated federal funds. Although the Chamber acknowledged the existence of an open channel of communication with LUMA, it expressed concern over the differences between the information presented and the experience businesses and consumers continue to face as a result of recurring power outages.
PRCC representatives also met with Puerto Rico’s Energy Czar to discuss the condition of the system and the current state of power generation. As a result of that dialogue, an extensive presentation to the Chamber’s leadership, committees, and affiliated associations was agreed upon to provide an overview of Puerto Rico’s energy landscape, incorporating the sector’s principal stakeholders. The meeting is scheduled for September 3 at San Juan Port Holdings.
The private sector has also expressed concern about the status of temporary power generation and the need for a clear plan to immediately address the system’s vulnerability while reconstruction efforts continue.
Washington: Puerto Rico Needs Coordinated Federal Action
At the same time, through its Federal Affairs Committee, FACES, the PRCC has taken the private sector’s perspective on Puerto Rico’s energy situation to Washington through meetings with the energy committees of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, as well as with the U.S. Department of Energy.
One of the central issues raised has been the urgent need to strengthen federal coordination to address both temporary power generation and reconstruction of the electric grid. This request includes the designation of a “Presidential Task Force” or, at a minimum, a federal coordinator or supervisor who can help integrate the various processes, resources, and entities involved in stabilizing and rebuilding the energy system.
“Nearly nine years have passed since Hurricane Maria, and Puerto Rico cannot resign itself to continuing to face the same energy vulnerability. We need to accelerate decision-making, establish clear responsibilities, and ensure that available resources translate into results. The Chamber will continue carrying this message to Washington because Puerto Rico’s energy stability is essential to our competitiveness and economic development,” Aparicio Laspina added.
The PRCC reiterated that it will continue promoting dialogue and collaboration between the Government and the private sector while fulfilling its responsibility to represent the needs of the business community.
“We thank the Governor for inviting us to the informational meeting and for designating us to coordinate alongside DDEC, the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, and the Energy Czar in communicating progress to the private sector and our affiliated organizations as we continue addressing preparations to mitigate the operational and cost impacts of the drought. We commend this openness and willingness to work hand in hand as a team,” concluded the PRCC President.
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