Why no aid? Isle didn’t ask

Even as millions of Puerto Ricans go without power, the territory’s electric utility has not sought mainland companies’ help in restoring its grid.

Utilities routinely help each other in crises. But the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority has not sought mutual aid from other power companies, the E&E News site reported.

E&E’s report was attributed to the American Public Power Association, a Washington-based trade group.

Eduardo Bhatia, a member of the Puerto Rico Senate, tweeted Saturday that the utility company’s reported failure to seek mutual aid is “absolutely irresponsible.”

“If it is indeed true that tens of companies have offered help and the government of Puerto Rico has said ‘no’ it is criminal!” Bhatia told The Post.

Con Ed is among the companies ready to help out. “If we’re needed, then we’ll start coordinating Con Edison crews to fly out there,” said company spokesman Sidney Alvarez.

Gov. Ricardo Rosselló Nevares appeared Saturday to confirm the report that no mutual-aid request was made. “We need help and we will get help,” he said.

The government-controlled utility hired a Montana-based contractor to seek outside help.

That move is expected to bring 200 power-line workers to the ravaged territory.

The death toll from the Sept. 20 storm stands at 34.