OIG: FEMA must provide additional technical assistance to support the timely rebuilding of Puerto Rico’s electrical grid

Leaders from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, FEMA, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency conduct a site visit at the San Juan Power Plant, Dec. 1, 2022. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Grace Geiger)

By OIG DHS • Sep 16, 2025

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) did not ensure the timely rebuilding of Puerto Rico’s electrical grid in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, the Office of Inspector General at the Department of Homeland Security has found. FEMA officials missed opportunities to provide more assistance to Puerto Rico to manage its Hurricane Maria Public Assistance grant funds in accordance with Federal regulations and FEMA guidelines.

Specifically, FEMA did not provide enough technical assistance and guidance to the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) to generate detailed statements of work and comprehensive work plans.

Over seven years after Hurricane Maria, FEMA does not know when Puerto Rico’s electrical grid will be completely rebuilt. The grid remains unstable, inadequate, and vulnerable to interruptions, as evidenced by another complete loss of power on December 31, 2024.