Puerto Rico faces a dire situation as widespread power outages plunge the island into darkness, affecting over 1.3 million customers—about 80% of its population. The chaos follows a series of failures in a crumbling power grid, a legacy of Hurricane Maria's devastation. The latest blackout struck on New Year’s Eve, leaving residents in eerie silence as they prepared for celebrations. Authorities struggle to restore power, with estimates suggesting a 24 to 48-hour wait for most areas.

Key points include:

• 1.3 million customers affected in widespread outages
• Chronic issues with the power grid exacerbated by Hurricane Maria
• Massive blackouts reported across the island, prompting emergency responses
• Power restoration efforts underway, but challenges remain

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