Josué Colón Ortiz, the island's energy czar, has denied claims that a recent decision by the Puerto Rico Energy Bureau (Preb) constitutes a hidden electricity rate increase. Instead, he argues that the measure represents a redistribution of costs across the system. The decision was made to address inequitable distribution of costs under the previous rate structure. The Puerto Rico Solar Energy and Storage Association (SESA) has criticised the decision, arguing that increasing fixed charges while lowering consumption-based charges is regressive and harms consumers, particularly those with lower incomes. The debate continues over how to fairly allocate the costs of maintaining Puerto Rico's aging electrical grid while encouraging the adoption of renewable energy.