1、 Puerto Rico and Electric Power Restoration from Hurricane Maria name redacted Specialist in Energy Policy October 3, 2017 Hurricane Maria made landfall in Puerto Rico as a Category 4 storm with sustained wind speeds of 155 miles per hour on September 20, 2017. The hurricane also brought torrential
2、rainfall with over 20 inches of rain resulting in widespread flooding across the island. Puerto Ricos office of emergency management reported that the storm had incapacitated the central electric power system, leaving the entire island without power. Many wooden electric distribution poles have been
3、 knocked down, while some steel transmission system towers stand stripped of power lines. Recovery efforts from Hurricane Maria have focued on restoring electricity to hospitals, water plants, and some industries. The U.S. territory was already in recovery mode following Hurricane Irma, which struck
4、 the island on September 6, 2017, leaving 70% of electricity customers without power. Officials are estimating that many of Puerto Ricos 3.5 million people could be without electricity for up to six months. The Commonwealth is beginning the process of evaluating the damage, as helicopters are now ab
