San Juan mayor delivers more assistance to mitigate economic impact of power outages

The initiative was put into effect by executive order in May to offer immediate assistance to mitigate the economic and operational impacts suffered by San Juan businesses and residents as a result of extended power outages. It offers aid of up to $5,000 for each business that meets the established criteria, and $1,500 for residents.

By The Star Staff

San Juan Mayor Miguel Romero Lugo on Thursday made the fourth delivery of immediate assistance to mitigate the economic and operational impacts suffered by several businesses and residents as a result of extended power outages that have impacted the island capital in recent weeks.

The initiative, put into effect by executive order since May 7 of this year, offers aid of up to $5,000 for each business that meets the established criteria and $1,500 for residents.

“We are now making the fourth delivery of this type of assistance, and we do so from the heart, as a sign of our commitment to provide the support needed by our residents, merchants and business owners in the Capital City,” Romero Lugo said. “As in the other three previous occasions when we provided this aid, our priority continues to be that the businesses affected by the lack of electricity supply reestablish their operations and return to normal as soon as possible and that citizens can mitigate their losses.”

The situation with the extended blackouts has created significant losses for various sectors of San Juan in terms of the paralysis of their operations, unexpected expenses, damaged inventories and equipment, in addition to other costs. The initiative is therefore aimed at the beneficiary using the funds received to cover the purchase of a generator or battery, fuel, loss of inventory or the cost of purchasing new inventory, replacement of equipment and other resources necessary for the continuity of their operations or their daily routine. At the moment there are about 108 requests from businesses up for evaluation.

Likewise, San Juan residents have lost appliances, among other goods.

In the fourth delivery over $46,960 in aid was granted to 12 San Juan business owners who completed the application and qualified to receive the subsidy. Total assistance granted to business owners since July amounts to nearly $280,000 for 76 businesses in San Juan.

The mayor noted that “we are also delivering 22 checks to residents, which represents a contribution of: $14,332.95. With this new round of aid, a total of: $57,732.69 has been disbursed.”

Business owners affected by the energy emergency may request this assistance through the San Juan Municipality website www.sanjuan.pr , by calling 787-480-4444 or by visiting the Business Concierge on the 1st floor of Plaza Las Américas. Citizens, for their part, can stop by the Citizen Assistance Office at the City Hall in Old San Juan or call 787-480-4040.