AGP Executive Report

Water Enforcement: Puerto Rico’s consumer watchdog DACO is urging residents to report alleged price hikes on bottled water and other water-related essentials after Administrative Order 2026-006 activated a drought-linked price freeze; inspectors are visiting businesses and consumers are asked to submit photos to DACO confidentially. Water Rationing Impact: The island has started rotating 48-hour water shutoffs affecting about 180,000 properties as the Carraízo reservoir nears depletion, with residents lining up for tanker deliveries while officials say they’re still assessing when rationing ends. Agriculture Labor Shift: Farmers in Puerto Rico say tougher immigration rules plus local hiring challenges are pushing more use of foreign agricultural workers via the H-2A visa program, with growers planning additional recruitment for next season. Food & Processing Business Moves: Pilgrim’s Europe agreed to acquire Walkers Deli & Sausage Company, expanding its premium pork footprint in the UK. Energy & Grid Reliability: A separate report highlights Puerto Rico’s ongoing power and grid strain context, while broader coverage shows how utilities are struggling with long restoration timelines after major outages.

Water Crisis: Puerto Rico has started rotating 48-hour water shutoffs affecting about 180,000 properties as the Carraízo reservoir nears depletion, with residents lining up for tanker deliveries while officials cite drought and forecast reviews. Agribusiness & Education: AgCentric won a $129,579 NSF supplement to expand agricultural robotics and automation training, including a food-processing field test planned for summer 2027. Energy & Courts: A federal appeals ruling dismissed LUMA’s bid to challenge a Puerto Rico consumer agency lawsuit over a key PREPA power-transfer term, citing lack of statutory standing. Consumer Finance: TransUnion reports Puerto Rico’s credit profile stayed strong in the first half of 2026, with an average score of 712 and delinquency rates generally easing. Industry & Infrastructure: Tesla enabled vehicle-to-load on the Model Y Premium in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, letting owners draw up to 2.4 kW via an $80 adapter. Workforce & Community: The Teamsters Scholarship Fund named new 2026 recipients tied to Puerto Rico-area Teamsters families, supporting students entering college or trade programs.

Water Crisis: Puerto Rico has started rotating 48-hour water shutoffs affecting about 180,000 properties as the Carraízo reservoir nears depletion, with residents lining up for tanker deliveries while officials cite drought and forecast reviews. Agriculture & Workforce: AgCentric won a $129,579 NSF supplement to expand agricultural robotics and automation education, including a food-processing field test planned for summer 2027. Food Safety & Health: A nationwide Cyclospora outbreak has reached 740 hospitalizations and two deaths, with most confirmed infections traced to recalled iceberg lettuce; Puerto Rico is among reporting areas. Energy & Tech: Tesla enabled vehicle-to-load on the Model Y Premium in the US and Puerto Rico, letting owners draw 2.4 kW via an $80 adapter. Local Economy: TransUnion reports Puerto Rico consumers’ credit profile remains strong in H1 2026, with an average score of 712 and lower delinquency rates in key loan categories. Industry & Compliance: ISSA published its 2026 State Pesticide Registration Survey, covering Puerto Rico and other territories to help cleaning and facility firms meet local pesticide rules.

Puerto Rico Water Crisis: Puerto Rico is rationing water with rotating 48-hour shutoffs for about 180,000 households in San Juan and nearby cities, as the island faces its driest July on record and worsening drought conditions—while residents and businesses report major losses and daily disruption. Local Governance & Accountability: Commentaries and reporting frame the crisis as a man-made failure tied to aging infrastructure and mismanagement, not just climate. Energy Reliability: New federal data shows Puerto Rico customers saw about 36 hours of power interruptions in 2025 (not tied to major storms), and a separate funding shift has redirected $365M away from planned solar and battery storage. Food Safety & Services: Carolina Catering Corp. (Sky Caterers) earned Safe Quality Food (SQF) certification, a rare international credential in Puerto Rico’s food service category. Consumer Finance: TransUnion reports Puerto Ricans’ credit scores stayed strong in 1H 2026 (avg 712), with delinquency rates generally low despite financial strain. Industry & Compliance: ISSA released its 2026 pesticide registration survey covering Puerto Rico, helping cleaning and facility firms track fees, renewals, and penalties. Entertainment & Tourism: DISTRITO T-Mobile and Coca-Cola Music Hall marked its fifth anniversary with free events, highlighting Puerto Rico’s growing entertainment ecosystem.

Water Crisis & Governance: Puerto Rico is rationing water in rotating 48-hour shutoffs for about 180,000 households in San Juan and nearby cities as the island faces its driest July on record, with residents and businesses losing millions daily and experts pointing to mismanagement as the core problem. Rainwater Opportunity: A ready-made fix is being underused—catchment systems that harvest rainfall—while drought worsens damage from aging pipes and infrastructure. Energy Reliability: New federal data highlights how Puerto Rico’s power interruptions keep running far longer than the mainland, and a separate funding shift has redirected money away from solar and battery storage plans. Food Industry Compliance: Carolina Catering (Sky Caterers) in Puerto Rico earned Safe Quality Food (SQF) certification, a major step for international food-safety and quality standards. Local Credit Snapshot: TransUnion reports Puerto Rico consumers’ credit profiles remain strong (average score 712 in H1 2026) even as financial pressures persist. Workforce/Training: University of San Juan begins a new phase with $2.4M in upgrades and new programs, including paramedic-firefighter training and criminal justice options.

Disaster Relief: A 7.4 earthquake hit Colombia’s Pacific coast on Aug. 10, killing hundreds and leaving thousands displaced; in Tampa, local foundations and volunteers formed the “Tampa Solidarity for Colombia” committee, using a Casa 21 collection hub to ship boxes of food, medicines, and essentials. Consumer Finance: Despite financial strain, Puerto Rico consumers kept a strong credit profile, with TransUnion reporting an average score of 712 in the first half of 2026 and lower delinquency rates in key loan categories. Public Health & Water: Puerto Rico’s drought-driven water rationing continues, with taps shut off on a rotating 48-hour basis as reservoirs hit critical lows; separate reporting also flags grid reliability issues tied to shifting battery storage plans. Energy & Infrastructure: New federal data shows Puerto Rico customers faced about 36 hours of power interruptions in 2025 (not tied to major events), while a $365M funding shift changes the pace of solar and battery storage. Local Business & Food Safety: Carolina Catering (Sky Caterers) earned Safe Quality Food (SQF) certification, positioning the Puerto Rican food service firm as the only SQF holder in its category locally. Education: University of San Juan begins a new academic stage Aug. 17 with $2.4M in upgrades, new programs, and lab and student-center improvements. Industry & Compliance: ISSA released its 2026 pesticide registration survey, covering Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories with fees, deadlines, and regulator contacts.

Resort Development: Puerto Rico authorized the $2.5B Esencia masterplan on the southwest coast, a solar-powered, largely self-sufficient community near Boquerón Bay with luxury hotel brands (Mandarin Oriental, Aman, Rosewood) plus homes, a golf course, school and medical facilities, with the first phase targeted for 2028. Water Crisis & Business Impact: A man-made governance failure is worsening Puerto Rico’s drought-driven water rationing, with 180,000+ households and businesses in San Juan and six other municipalities facing rotating 48-hour outages, while hotels and restaurants lose an estimated $20M a day and FEMA water trailers fall short. Energy Storage Trend: A U.S. report highlights 57.6 gigawatt-hours of new grid battery storage installed in 2025, showing how fast the market is scaling—relevant as Puerto Rico weighs reliability and resilience investments. Hospitality & Travel Demand: Hotel Dive notes Radisson’s new B2B extended-stay platform aimed at corporate clients, as the broader lodging market chases higher-conviction deals. Food Safety Watch: The FDA/CDC-linked cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce keeps expanding across states, underscoring ongoing supply-chain and produce risk management. Local Economy Signal: Puerto Rico’s Economic Activity Index fell for three straight quarters, pointing to a slowdown that economists say is already hitting consumption and employment. Entertainment Growth: Afro Nation’s co-founder says the brand wants to scale to 6–8 global events a year, with Puerto Rico among recent stops.

Puerto Rico Water Crisis: Puerto Rico’s drought-driven rationing is forcing residents to wait for water trucks and cutting services to rotating 48-hour cycles, with PRASA dividing affected metro areas supplied by the Carraízo reservoir and Sergio Cuevas plant; laundromats say they’ve had to spend thousands on water, run fewer machines, and limit loads per customer to stay open. Local Governance & Infrastructure: The governor says the island is working with federal agencies on the water emergency, while Puerto Rico’s Planning Board is measuring the drought’s economic impact. Agriculture Finance: The Department of Agriculture says it owes farmers about $10M tied to frozen imported coffee prices, with wage subsidies and regional incentives awaiting release after Fiscal Control Board conditions. Climate Litigation: Oil companies are asking an appeals court to dismiss a Puerto Rico climate case, arguing Bayamón municipalities missed deadlines after Hurricane Maria. Construction Compliance: EPA proposed changes to its 2027 Construction General Permit, targeting stormwater plan access, sediment basin design, corrective action triggers, and dewatering monitoring. Public Health: Cyclosporiasis cases are rising in Florida, with the CDC reporting more than 13,000 confirmed cases nationwide.

Puerto Rico Water Crisis: PRASA began 48-hour water rationing in the San Juan metro, forcing residents to cut laundry and pushing laundromats to buy water, extend hours, and run fewer machines. Food & Agriculture: The Department of Agriculture said it owes farmers about $10M after imported coffee was sold at frozen prices during a global price surge. Meat Industry Compliance: Federal prosecutors unsealed charges against a Naguabo slaughterhouse operator, alleging Clean Water Act violations tied to wastewater discharges into waters near a public beach. Climate Litigation: Oil companies urged a First Circuit panel not to revive a Puerto Rico climate “climate RICO” suit, arguing towns missed deadlines. Construction Materials: Cement shipments in the US and Puerto Rico rose in February, with Puerto Rico included in the uptick. Retail & Home Improvement: Home Depot announced leadership realignments aimed at faster innovation and a stronger Pro customer push. Business Growth: Earth Science Tech said it expanded nationwide pharmacy authorization after acquiring Meduvo, including Puerto Rico. Infrastructure & Utilities: Tetrad Enterprises filed for Chapter 11 again in Puerto Rico amid disputes tied to flood control pump contracts.

Clean Water Act Case: Federal prosecutors unsealed an indictment against a Naguabo slaughterhouse operator, Ganaderos Borges Inc., and four people, alleging illegal wastewater discharges from a waste-retention lagoon into waters near a creek and public beach—without required permits. Drought & Water Crisis: Puerto Rico is facing days of limited fresh water as drought deepens and a rotating rationing plan triggers up to 48-hour shutoffs in parts of the San Juan metro; the Puerto Rico Planning Board will survey agencies, municipalities, and businesses to quantify sector-by-sector economic losses. Consumer Protection: DACO warned restaurants and businesses that they cannot charge consumers a “water fee” or any water-service charge tied to cistern-filling during interruptions, citing potential fines up to $10,000 per violation. Local Business & Jobs: Utility project developer Tetrad Enterprises LLC filed for Chapter 11 again in Puerto Rico amid disputes over flood-control pump contracts. Startup/Innovation Funding: U.S. Sens. Chris Coons and Todd Young introduced the Build to Scale Reauthorization Act of 2026 to extend the Economic Development Administration program through 2030, including support that has reached Puerto Rico since 2014. Tax Tech Launch: TaxPulse rolled out an all-in-one tax and business operating system for tax professionals, including Puerto Rico coverage among its 34 jurisdictions.

Water Crisis Watch: Puerto Rico’s consumer affairs agency (DACO) says restaurants and other businesses can’t add a “water fee” or any charge tied to filling cisterns during drought-related interruptions, warning fines up to $10,000 per violation. Planning & Recovery: The Puerto Rico Planning Board will survey agencies, municipalities, and businesses to measure the drought’s economic impact by sector, using the results to support assistance and recovery decisions. Agriculture Under Strain: Farmers report forage shortages and sharply higher feed costs, with production down and some producers importing hay from the U.S. at steep prices. Food Safety: A nationwide cyclosporiasis outbreak has reached Puerto Rico, though experts say the specific recalled lettuce is likely no longer on shelves. Business Leadership: B&G Foods appoints Robert “Rob” D. Mills as president and CEO as the company reshapes its portfolio, with operations serving Puerto Rico. Energy Reliability: The island continues working with federal agencies on the water crisis as drought deepens.

Water Crisis & Retail Impact: Puerto Rico’s drought-driven water rationing is pushing bottled water sales up 80%–90% in affected areas, with supermarkets reporting delivery delays as product moves from processing plants straight to shelves. Tourism Support: The Puerto Rico Tourism Company set aside $2 million for the “Mano Amiga” incentive plan, offering up to $10,000 to tourism businesses hit by scheduled water interruptions. Agriculture Under Strain: Farmers say forage shortages are driving feed prices sharply higher and cutting hay production, with some producers importing from the U.S. at “exorbitant” costs. Energy & Grid Reliability: The U.S. Department of Energy closed a $489 million loan for Puerto Rico battery storage projects, aimed at strengthening energy reliability. Business Leadership: B&G Foods named Robert “Rob” D. Mills president and CEO as the company continues portfolio and margin improvements. Design & Growth: Muuaaa Design Agency appointed Erika Van O’ordt as general manager to scale its “Growth by Design” model. Policy Watch: Trump extended a narrowed Jones Act waiver for 90 days, a move analysts say has only pennies-per-gallon impact on fuel prices.

Water Crisis Response: FEMA will provide water trailers to Puerto Rico for up to 30 days as rotating 48-hour shutoffs leave more than 180,000 households affected, while the government coordinates municipal support. Tourism Relief: The Puerto Rico Tourism Company approved a $2 million “Mano Amiga” incentive plan offering up to $10,000 to tourism businesses hit by scheduled water interruptions. Retail Impact: Supermarkets report bottled water sales jumping 80%–90% in affected areas, with delivery delays as demand strains distribution. Cost-of-Living Pressure: A new analysis says Puerto Rico’s minimum wage increases haven’t kept up with living costs, squeezing disposable income—especially for housing, food, energy, and transport. Consumer Protection: DACO warns restaurants they can’t charge a separate “water fee” for water-related costs during the drought emergency. Infrastructure Recovery: Gov. González-Colón announced FEMA obligations totaling $513M for recovery projects, including more than $509M for permanent repairs to the Guajataca Dam. Workforce & Training: A hospitality mentorship initiative in San Juan is launching free workshops and career guidance for people entering tourism and hospitality. Agriculture Education: Puerto Rico and 40 other FFA members named national officer candidates ahead of the 99th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis.

Water Crisis Response: FEMA says it will provide water trailers to Puerto Rico for up to 30 days as drought forces rotating 48-hour water shutoffs affecting 180,000+ households, while the governor coordinates an interagency plan with municipalities. Infrastructure Funding: Gov. Jenniffer González-Colón announced FEMA obligations totaling $513M for nine recovery projects, including $509.5M for permanent repairs to the Guajataca Dam. Consumer Protection: DACO warns restaurants they can’t charge a separate “water fee” or related charges during the drought emergency, citing an Aug. 1 order freezing prices on essential water-related items and services. Energy Reliability: The U.S. DOE renewed emergency orders to support PREPA grid reliability, including dispatching critical generation units and vegetation management to reduce outages. Maritime Policy: A Jones Act waiver extension for 90 days is renewed but narrowed to case-by-case voyage review, deepening the divide over U.S. maritime industrial policy. Drug Pricing Enforcement: AG Ford announced a $400M settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic drug conspiracy to inflate prices and limit competition. Local Tech & Security: Mojave Research says it found serious vulnerabilities in Dominion voting systems used in Puerto Rico’s 2024 elections, but reported no evidence of vote changes before the follow-on work was abruptly shut down.

Water Crisis & Infrastructure: Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González-Colón says authorities are coordinating with federal agencies as drought worsens, with more than 180,000 households facing rotating 48-hour water shutoffs in San Juan and parts of Carolina, Juncos, Gurabo, Trujillo Alto, Canóvanas and Loíza, while the Public Housing Administration installs community cisterns. Water Risk for Industry: Marshall & Stevens is convening a Sept. 9 virtual forum, “Navigating Water Risk Across Agriculture, Infrastructure, and Capital,” tying Puerto Rico’s rationing to broader impacts on agriculture, infrastructure resilience and investment decisions. Local Business & Capital Markets: La Rosa Holdings Corp. announced a review of strategic alternatives and said it regained Nasdaq compliance after filing its 10-Q. Food Manufacturing Leadership: B&G Foods appointed Robert “Rob” D. Mills as CEO, replacing retiring Casey Keller, as the company focuses on reshaping its portfolio and improving margins. Cybersecurity & Elections: A cybersecurity firm working on Puerto Rico’s 2024 election systems says it found serious software vulnerabilities but no proof of vote tampering—then says the follow-on work was abruptly shut down.

Power Procurement Watch: Puerto Rico’s federally appointed financial regulator says it may revoke a 400-megawatt emergency power contract worth up to $5.9B after a purported bidder claimed its name and signature were used without authorization, with the Oversight Board weighing revocation and referrals. Water & Infrastructure Crisis: PRASA began mandatory 48-hour rotating water shutoffs in San Juan and nearby municipalities as Puerto Rico’s drought deepened, highlighting that the utility routinely loses about 60% of treated water to leaks and aging systems. Energy Storage Policy: Tigo expanded virtual power plant incentives across the Mid-Atlantic, extending a footprint that already includes Puerto Rico—aiming to let homeowners use battery storage for grid support and bill savings. Tourism & Regional Context: The Dominican Republic reported a record 7.7M visitors in the first seven months of 2026, a reminder of how regional travel demand is shaping Caribbean competition for hotel and cruise capacity. Maritime Policy Debate: A new push argues the U.S. should end or reform the Jones Act, citing higher shipping costs that also hit Puerto Rico and other non-continental ports. Local Culture: The Puerto Rican Festival of New Haven drew thousands with music, food, and community traditions, including the Puerto Rican flag and festival staples like vejigante masks and dominoes.