LUMA Energy reacted this afternoon to the signing of an Executive Order by Governor Pedro Pierluisi Urrutia for the creation of a Steering Committee to oversee the Public Private Alliance (PPP) contract for transmission and distribution of electricity granted to the company.
As they said in written communication, they welcome this mandate focused on the contract for the operation and maintenance of the electrical system of Puerto Rico.
“We are pleased that Governor Pierluisi has formed this working group to ensure that the main goal of the agreement is met, the transformation of Puerto Rico’s electricity system into a customer-focused, reliable, sustainable and economical one. Transparency It is a fundamental value for LUMA, especially because a better electrical system will improve the lives of all Puerto Ricans, and we must collaborate with the Committee in its task of ensuring the best interests of the people of Puerto Rico. ” said Wayne Stensby, president and chief executive officer of LUMA Energy.
Executive Order 2021-012 establishes the need to create a Steering Committee to oversee and ensure that the implementation and execution of the contract between the Authority for Public Private Alliances (AAPP), the Electricity Authority AEE) and LUMA do not represent an increase in the electricity tariff; that this contract is not used as a basis for the dismissal of any regular employee of the EEA and that its benefits are maintained; that the necessary contributions be made to the EEA Employee Retirement System for employees who transfer to LUMA and decide to continue contributing under this System; that there are measures that avoid conflicts of interest in the award of contracts and that clear and specific metrics of compliance and performance are established and complied with.
Stensby said LUMA is in the process of recruiting thousands of employees to achieve the embracing transformation of the island’s electrical system.
“To this end, EEA employees are receiving priority treatment for recruitment and can currently apply for employment at LUMA before other candidates. No EEA employee will lose their job as a result of this transaction. Those who do not join LUMA will have the option to remain in the EEA or transfer to other Puerto Rican government agencies.This framework is established by Law 120 and the agreement does not change or attempt to change this law. These employees will also maintain their rights and benefits in accordance with the law, ”he continued.
He also said that employees who move to LUMA will be able to choose to continue contributing to the AEE withdrawal plan or enroll in the 401K plan that LUMA offers to its employees.
With regard to the electricity tariff, LUMA clarified that, as established by the Puerto Rico Energy Transformation Act, it is the responsibility of the Puerto Rico Energy Negotiator to evaluate, set and approve the electricity service tariffs paid by the consumers in Puerto Rico.