A Puerto Rico Power Authority worker walks between downed power lines in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Earlier this month, Hurricane Irma sideswiped the island, knocking out power to about 70% of the customers of the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, or Prepa. Puerto Rico is contending with a decadelong recession, declining population and $73 billion in debt. Calls and emails to a spokesman for Prepa weren’t returned, though Puerto Rico’s telecommunications system was hobbled by Maria. Given that President Donald Trump declared a major disaster in Puerto Rico, the utility could receive federal disaster funds to help finance repairs.

Source: Wall Street Journal September 23, 2017 14:15 UTC