The works, financed by the DOE, address a condition that represented a real risk to the daily operation of the system
Trujillo Alto, PR – March 17, 2026 – As part of projects funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), LUMA completed the installation of five new 115 kV transmission structures in the Quebrada Negrito area of Trujillo Alto. This improvement strengthens an essential energy corridor between substations Villa Betina and Quebrada Negrito, increasing the reliability and redundancy of the service.
A detailed inspection confirmed conditions that made it necessary to replace the structures to continue strengthening the reliability of the system. Among the factors observed were damage caused by fauna, natural structural wear and tear due to environmental exposure and other elements that could affect the safe operation of the infrastructure.
“This intervention addresses a condition that represented a real risk for the daily operation of the system. Replacing these poles reduces the possibility of outages, strengthens the stability of an essential transmission corridor, and improves the system’s ability to respond to unforeseen events,” said Hector Cedeño, supervisor of Line Maintenance and Construction.
The work required careful logistics due to the complexity of the terrain. During the process, area residents provided support by facilitating the coordination and access necessary for the crews to mobilize specialized equipment and complete the installation safely and efficiently.
With the new structures in service, this segment adds greater strength to a critical link for the flow of energy between the north and east of the country. Modernization reduces vulnerabilities, limits risks due to wildlife interaction or environmental exposure, and directly contributes to a more stable system in the face of high-consumption events, atmospheric phenomena, or operational fluctuations.
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 4,000 employees is focused on safely delivering an exceptional customer service experience to its nearly 1.5 million customers.
