San Juan, Puerto Rico, October 1, 2025 – As part of the plan to stabilization and strengthen the electric system in the metropolitan area, LUMA has completed the installation and energization of a new distribution transformer at the Monacillos substation, directly benefiting more than 10,000 customers.
“This improvement is a concrete step toward building a stronger, more reliable, and modern electric system for the metropolitan area. With this new transformer, more than 10,000 customers who, since 2021, had been transferred to other substations, which meant depending on more distant and heavily loaded facilities, will now once again receive service directly from Monacillos, in a more stable and reliable way. Its replacement is essential to ensuring service stability in this strategic area” said Pedro Meléndez, Chief, Capital Programs & Grid Transformation Officer.
In the coming months, two new transmission transformers will also be energized at this substation of Monacillos to power the metropolitan area. Both units have already been installed and are in the testing phase before being energized. Once operational, they will directly benefit more than 275,000 customers and reinforce service reliability in key substations in Caguas, Sabana Llana, Carolina, and Hato Rey.
The installation of these transformers is part of the broader effort to transform substations across the Island, a priority for improving system resilience against weather events and meeting the growing demand for energy. This project also reflects the complexity of modernization: these units come from countries like China, Turkey, and Brazil, and their manufacturing and transportation require long planning processes. After nearly three years, these units have begun arriving and will continue arriving on the Island through 2026.
More than half of the transformers currently in service at Puerto Rico substations have exceeded their useful life and maintenance cycle. For this reason, this project represents a significant step forward in the system’s modernization.
“The stabilization of the electric system is necessary and urgent. The system continues to degrade at an estimated rate of between 3% and 5% annually, due to the critical condition of certain transmission and distribution components, as supported by industry data. With these initiatives, LUMA continues to drive the progress of the grid and reaffirms its commitment to providing a safer, more modern, and resilient service for all customers in Puerto Rico,” concluded Meléndez.
This essential work directly depends on the availability of funds in the operating accounts, which are currently not being deposited by PREPA. This threatens to further delay the progress that Puerto Rico urgently needs.
About LUMA
LUMA is a Puerto Rican company that, since June 1, 2021, operates and manages the electric power transmission and distribution system in Puerto Rico. LUMA is a company driven by a mission to transform the electrical transmission and distribution system to provide all Puerto Ricans with the reliable, resilient, cleaner, and affordable electrical service they deserve. As a customer-centric company, LUMA’s entire workforce of over 4,500 employees is focused on safely delivering an exceptional customer service experience to its 1.5 million customers.
