Puerto Rico is on the cusp of a potentially catastrophic island-wide blackout as New Fortress Energy, a key supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG), has halted shipments to the island. The move has sent shockwaves throughout the energy sector, with officials scrambling to find alternative sources of fuel to meet the island’s electricity demands. The situation is particularly dire, given that Puerto Rico relies heavily on LNG to power its generators, which in turn provide electricity to the island’s 3.2 million residents. New Fortress Energy’s decision to halt shipments is reportedly due to a dispute over payment terms, with the company claiming that the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) has failed to meet its contractual obligations. The PREPA, on the other hand, has countered that New Fortress Energy’s demands are unreasonable and that the company is attempting to strong-arm the authority into accepting unfavorable terms. As the standoff continues, the island’s energy security hangs in the balance, with many fearing that a prolonged blackout could have devastating consequences for the island’s economy and residents. The situation is a stark reminder of the island’s vulnerability to external shocks, particularly in the energy sector. Puerto Rico’s energy infrastructure is still reeling from the devastating effects of Hurricane Maria, which ravaged the island in 2017, leaving millions without power for months. The island’s power grid is still in the process of being rebuilt, and the current crisis has raised concerns about the long-term sustainability of the island’s energy sector. In response to the crisis, the PREPA has announced plans to activate its emergency protocols, which include the use of diesel generators to provide backup power. However, this solution is seen as a temporary fix, and officials are racing against the clock to find a more permanent solution to the crisis. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has also been alerted to the situation, and officials are working closely with the PREPA to find a way to resolve the dispute and restore LNG shipments to the island. As the situation continues to unfold, residents are bracing themselves for the worst, with many stocking up on supplies and preparing for the possibility of extended power outages. The crisis has also sparked renewed calls for the island to diversify its energy mix and reduce its dependence on imported fuels. In the short term, however, the focus is on finding a way to resolve the dispute and restore LNG shipments to the island, in order to prevent a catastrophic blackout that could have far-reaching consequences for the island’s economy and residents.