Pueblo Supermarkets continues to operate its two stores with the aid of emergency generators as power disruptions persist more than ten days after Tropical Storm Ernesto struck.
Despite the challenges, the supermarket chain has maintained business operations, thanks to its contingency plans. The recent outages have affected various businesses, including Pueblo’s Trujillo Alto Plaza store, which experienced prolonged power loss last week. Customers reported to New Day that although the store remained open, it was intermittently running on backup generators due to the unstable electrical supply. This issue even impacted traffic lights at the busy intersection on PR-181 Street, leading to the shopping center.
Consuelo Abril, Pueblo’s Vice President of Marketing and Community Relations, initially claimed she was unaware of the power issues at the Trujillo Alto location. She clarified that, as of Friday, August 23, only the Monte Mall store in Hato Rey was operating on a generator. Abril explained that a cable failure on August 21 had left the Monte Mall building without power, necessitating repairs between Luma Energy and the mall’s management.
“The repair work involves collaboration between Luma Energy and the property owner,” Abril stated. “Since last Wednesday, our Monte Mall store has been running on a generator.”
However, by Friday, the Monte Mall Supermarket had to temporarily halt operations for maintenance on its generator. Abril noted that the store closed for approximately two and a half hours for essential servicing but has since reopened.
A Pueblo spokesperson confirmed that all supermarkets are equipped with generators, with most having multiple units and ample diesel supplies. The duration of the power outage at Monte Mall remains uncertain, but Las Brisas Property Management, the mall’s management company, is addressing the situation.
In response to the widespread outages impacting daily life and business operations, the Puerto Rico Industrialists Association (AIPR) has urged Governor Pedro Pierluisi to declare a state of electrical emergency. This declaration would address the disruptions affecting citizens and the local economy.
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