U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awards additional contract for Puerto Rico power restoration efforts

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico—The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), in coordination with the Jacksonville District, awarded a $40-million contract to PowerSecure Inc. Wednesday for additional support to repair the power grid in Puerto Rico.

“The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers continues to take all necessary steps to support FEMA’s response in Puerto Rico following Hurricanes Irma and Maria,” said Brig. Gen. Diana Holland, South Atlantic Division commander. “We are one hundred percent committed, along with our partners, to restoring electricity to the citizens of the Island.”

Personnel from PowerSecure, Inc., headquartered in Wake Forest, North Carolina, will start arriving in Puerto Rico Friday. They will supplement efforts taking place by more than 400 crews to repair the distribution and transmission lines. The crews include members of Delta Company, 249th Engineer Battalion (Prime Power) along with Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority’s employees and contractors.

Repairing the power grid is a process that includes four main efforts: provide temporary emergency power and spot generation for critical facilities; ensure adequate generation at power plants; reinstall and repair transmission lines; and restore and repair distribution lines.

USACE looks forward to the continuing partnership with the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, the Department of Energy and FEMA on this important endeavor.