Caribbean

This is the first upgrade of bonds supported by assets currently or formerly in the Puerto Rico government's hands since the passage of PROMESA in 2016.

Fortress Investment Group bought the property in 2021 after it was largely destroyed by Hurricanes Irma and Maria and financed a major renovation that featured reinforcement standards designed to protect against a category 5 hurricane.

The utility responded that it is not eligible to declare bankruptcy.

92% of the holders or insurers of Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority bonds reportedly now oppose the Oversight Board's proposed restructuring deal.

Bondholders say the insurers reneged on the bond insurance terms, which both firms deny in filings for the case, filed six years after the COFINA restucturing.

The three Puerto Rico Oversight Board members can resume their positions immidiately, District Court Judge Maria Antongiorgi-Jordan ruled.

"A lawsuit like this is probably critical for any future settlements or agreements, because it will (maybe) determine up front if the incoming [board] members, and thus whatever agreements they sign, are valid or not," said Matt Fabian, a partner at Municipal Market Analytics.

The Puerto Rico Energy Bureau has about 150 days to set new rates for consumers.

PREPA bondholders who back the Oversight Board's proposed deal say it will lose their support if not confirmed by Oct. 1.

Analysts unsure about the impact of the firings on bondholders.