From The Rio Times · Valentina Gómez · · 2m
Puerto Rico New Fortress Claim Hits US$100M
Puerto Rico's energy regulator says New Fortress Energy owes US$100 million in diesel costs after failing to deliver gas.
In brief
Puerto Rico's energy regulator says New Fortress Energy owes US$100 million in diesel costs after failing to deliver gas. Puerto Rico's government claims New Fortress Energy owes US$100 million in diesel costs after failing to deliver liquefied natural gas. Originally reported by The Rio Times.
Puerto Rico New Fortress Claim Hits US$100M
Puerto Rico raised its New Fortress claim to about US$100 million for diesel burned when the company did not deliver liquefied natural gas.
“Puerto Rico says New Fortress owes it about US$100 million for diesel burned when gas was not delivered.”
Why It Matters
The court fight determines who pays US$100 million in diesel costs for US citizens on the island.
“For US readers the case tests who pays when a private fuel supplier fails a US territory.”
When It Happened
On Monday 19 October 2026 the head of the contract administrator told a House committee the claim now stands near US$100 million.
“On Monday 19 October 2026 the head of the contract administrator told a House committee that the claim now stands near US$100 million.”
What Happened
The government amended its federal lawsuit against New Fortress Energy over diesel burned when the company did not deliver liquefied natural gas.
“The government amended its federal lawsuit against NFEnergia LLC, a subsidiary of New Fortress Energy, over diesel burned when the company did not deliver liquefied natural gas.”
Why Now
On Tuesday 20 October the energy regulator said customers have paid none of the US$100 million claim.
“On Tuesday 20 October the energy regulator said customers have paid none of it.”
How the Claim Grew
The earlier claim stood at US$55.3 million in El Vocero's account and about US$58 million in NotiCel's report.
“The earlier claim was filed in June and stood at US$55.3 million in El Vocero's account.”
Why Customers Haven't Paid
Energy Bureau president Edison Avilés Deliz said consumers have not paid a single cent of the claim so far.
“Energy Bureau president Edison Avilés Deliz said on Tuesday 20 October that consumers to date have not paid a single cent.”
Power Rates Impact
Power now costs about 33.86 cents per kilowatt-hour after a rise of roughly five cents in October.
“Power now costs about 33.86 cents per kilowatt-hour after a rise of roughly five cents in October.”
Fuel Shortfall
A September fuel shortfall of US$48 million to US$54.3 million awaits the regulator.
“LUMA Energy told the Bureau in a recent filing that September fuel costs ran above what rates collected, a gap Primera Hora put at US$48 million.”
What It Means for You
Hotels, restaurants and shops on the island pay the new rate this quarter, and the regulator has not said when it will rule on the shortfall.
“Hotels, restaurants and shops on the island pay the new rate this quarter, and the regulator has not said when it will rule on the shortfall.”
Still Open Questions
Whether a federal judge holds New Fortress responsible and whether the regulator adds any fuel shortfall to bills from November or January.
“Still open whether a federal judge holds New Fortress responsible, and whether the regulator adds any fuel shortfall to bills from November or from January.”
New Fortress Response
New Fortress says it has acted in line with contractual obligations and blames ship access to San Juan Bay for problems.
“The company says it has acted in line with its contractual obligations and wants a reliable supply.”
What Happens Next
The government may ask the federal court to seize New Fortress equipment at the Puerto Nuevo terminal worth up to US$500 million.
“Carlo Linares said that if the government wins it could ask the federal court to seize New Fortress equipment at the Puerto Nuevo terminal, some of it worth up to US$500 million.”
Why It Matters to US Readers
Puerto Rico is a US territory so the outcome shapes power costs for US citizens, businesses and visitors.
“Why does this matter to US readers? Puerto Rico is a US territory and the case is in a US federal court, with a referral to federal prosecutors reported.”
Here's the gist
Puerto Rico's government claims New Fortress Energy owes US$100 million in diesel costs after failing to deliver liquefied natural gas.
