Barceloneta, Puerto Rico – November 22, 2024 – As part of the substation modernization efforts, LUMA is undertaking a federal funded project to replace 8 breakers at the Barceloneta Transmission Center (Barceloneta TC). To date, four breakers have been installed to strengthen and improve the reliability of the electrical system that will benefit industrial, residential and commercial customers.
These recent upgrades involve replacing four outdated oil circuit breakers, originally installed 50 years ago, with modern gas circuit breakers. This modernization project will help improve transformer performance and enhance the reliability of connected transmission lines benefitting customers throughout the whole island. Furthermore, the newly installed breakers are designed to protect larger pieces of equipment and isolate specific sections of the transmission line during service interruptions, significantly reducing the impact of outages on customers. LUMA planned strategically this work, as some of the equipment was ordered two years ago due to long lead times across the supply chain
“These upgrades are critical to achieving our goal of providing a more reliable and resilient electric service for our customers. By replacing these components, we are not only strengthening the current infrastructure, but also enhancing our ability to respond to potential interruptions, ultimately delivering better service to all our customers,” said Eng. Juan Rodriguez, Vice President of Capital Programs at LUMA.
These system upgrades will help reduce service interruptions and improve the efficiency of network operations. Work at Barceloneta TC is ongoing, with the next breaker replacement scheduled for next December. Future phases will also include upgrades to disconnect switches, insulators, and lightning arresters to further improve reliability for over 150,000 customers across the Northern part of the island and beyond.
These investments in more modern and resilient equipment reflect LUMA’s commitment to continue modernizing the electrical infrastructure and delivering reliable service to its customers. These improvements are part of a long-term plan to ensure the electrical system meets the needs of both current and future customers.
Public Safety Message
Substations play a vital role in powering our communities, but they are not safe for public access. Remember to keep a safe distance, report any unusual activity, and leave maintenance to authorized professionals. High-voltage equipment demands caution. People first. Safety always.
Planned Improvements Portal
To keep customers informed and help them prepare for possible temporary service interruptions, LUMA offers a portal that includes the locations where work is being conducted, the approximate start and completion times, and the types of improvements being carried out. Additionally, the page features a map showing planned improvements underway across Puerto Rico.
For more information, visit: www.lumapr.com/mejorasplanificadas/
About LUMA
LUMA is a Puerto Rican company that, since June 1, 2021, has operated and managed Puerto Rico’s electric power transmission and distribution system. LUMA is driven by its mission to transform the transmission and distribution system to provide all Puerto Ricans with the reliable, resilient, clean, and affordable electric service they deserve. As a customer-focused company, LUMA’s entire workforce is dedicated to delivering exceptional and safe service to its 1.5 million customers.
