March 30 marked the official start of the tenure of the new CEO for LUMA Energy, Janisse Quiñones, who assumed the leadership of the company “with a clear focus on strengthening the reliability of the electric system, promoting multisector collaboration, and actively listening to communities and employees,” LUMA Energy noted.
Quiñones, an engineer by profession, “has a solid track record in the operation, modernization, and management of complex electric systems in the United States, as well as extensive experience in emergency management. This combination of technical and operational expertise will be key in addressing the challenges and opportunities facing Puerto Rico’s electric system,” LUMA Energy noted.
“Returning to Puerto Rico is something deeply personal for me. I was born here, I trained here as an engineer, and today I return with a commitment to put that experience at the service of the island. I take on this role with great respect for the work that has been done so far and with the responsibility of leading LUMA’s new phase, focused on continuing to advance toward a stronger and more reliable electric system for Puerto Rico,” said Quiñones.
As part of her leadership vision, she outlined three initial priorities that will guide her work:
Listening to act with purpose
She emphasized that her first step will be to actively listen to communities, employees, and all sectors that depend on the electric system.
“Promoting open dialogue and transparency is essential to understanding the real needs of the system and the concerns of our people. The best solutions are built by listening,” she noted.
Operational focus to stabilize the grid
Quiñones underscored the importance of maintaining a disciplined focus on system operations, prioritizing worker safety, the execution of infrastructure improvements, and the reduction of outages.
“Operating the system safely and continuing to stabilize the grid are fundamental to achieving the reliability that Puerto Rico needs and deserves,” she stated.
Collaboration to transform the electric system
“Recognizing the magnitude of the island’s energy challenge, she stressed that transforming the system requires a collective effort,” LUMA Energy said.
“This is a job that cannot be done by any single entity. Strengthening collaboration with the government, agencies, municipalities, the private sector, and communities is essential to move together toward a more resilient and modern system,” she affirmed.
Throughout her career, Quiñones has led initiatives in large-scale electric systems, driving modernization projects based on data, solid engineering, and effective execution.
Additionally, her experience in emergency management, including her service in the United States Coast Guard, has enabled her to develop a strategic approach to preparedness, coordination, and response to extreme events.
“Puerto Rico faces a reality in which system resilience is essential. Strengthening emergency preparedness and response capacity will be a key priority in this new phase,” added Quiñones.
“With this appointment, LUMA reaffirms its commitment to continuing the modernization of the electric system, relying on technical leadership, operational experience, and a vision centered on the needs of Puerto Rico,” the company said.
Prior to her new role at LUMA Energy, Quiñones served as CEO and Chief Engineer of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.
In June 2020, the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority and the Puerto Rico Public-Private Partnership Authority selected LUMA Energy to operate, maintain and modernize the electricity transmission and distribution system of PREPA for fifteen years through a public-private partnership.
