A Puerto Rico court recently upheld a decision dismissing a discrimination claim brought by Julia Feliz Barrera against Power Solar, LLC and Sunnova Energy Corporation. The court ruled that the DefensorÃa de las Personas con Impedimentos (DPI) did not have jurisdiction to hear the case, which centered on allegations of discrimination based on disability. This ruling affects individuals seeking accommodations for disabilities in contractual agreements.
The case, known as TA2026RA00117, was filed on May 12, 2026, in the Tribunal de Apelaciones de Puerto Rico. Barrera claimed that Power Solar installed an inadequate renewable energy system that did not meet the needs of her family, particularly her children diagnosed with autism. The court's decision is significant as it clarifies the jurisdictional limits of the DPI in cases involving alleged discrimination against individuals with disabilities.
Background
Julia Feliz Barrera filed her complaint against Power Solar and Sunnova Energy after experiencing issues with the solar energy system installed in her home. She alleged that the system was not suitable for her family's health needs, particularly for her children who require continuous energy due to their medical conditions. Barrera argued that the companies violated local and federal public policy by failing to provide reasonable accommodations for her family's disabilities.
Initially, Barrera submitted a formal complaint to the DPI on October 4, 2025, requesting reasonable accommodations and alleging discrimination. However, the DPI later determined that it lacked jurisdiction over the matter, citing that the core issue was contractual rather than discriminatory. This decision led Barrera to seek judicial review of the DPI's ruling, arguing that her claim was indeed based on discrimination due to her children's disabilities.
The Ruling
The Tribunal de Apelaciones, led by Judge Brignoni Mártir, confirmed the DPI's decision to dismiss Barrera's case. The court stated, "The DPI did not err in abstaining from addressing the merits of the complaint due to the nature of the claims being primarily contractual." The judges emphasized that the DPI's authority is limited to cases directly related to discrimination against individuals with disabilities.
The court found that Barrera's claims were fundamentally about the adequacy of the services provided by Power Solar and not about discrimination based on her children's disabilities. The ruling underscored that the DPI's jurisdiction is specifically tied to matters of discrimination, and since the allegations were rooted in a contractual dispute, the appropriate agency to address the complaint was the Department of Consumer Affairs (DACo).
Impact
This ruling has important implications for individuals with disabilities seeking legal recourse for discrimination. It clarifies that the DPI's jurisdiction does not extend to all claims involving disabilities but is specifically focused on issues of discrimination. This means that individuals must navigate their complaints through the appropriate channels, such as DACo, when their claims involve contractual disputes.
The decision also reinforces the legal framework surrounding the rights of individuals with disabilities in Puerto Rico. It highlights the need for clear distinctions between contractual issues and discrimination claims, ensuring that cases are handled by the appropriate agencies with the necessary expertise. As such, this ruling may influence how future cases involving similar claims are processed and adjudicated.
What's Next
Barrera can still pursue her claims regarding the alleged contractual violations against Power Solar and Sunnova Energy through DACo. The court's ruling does not preclude her from seeking remedies for her grievances in the appropriate forum, and she may continue to advocate for her family's needs in that context.