U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)-funded project enables faster fault detection and accelerates service restoration, benefiting more than 32,000 customers across the island
San Juan, Puerto Rico – April 21, 2026 – As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen electric service reliability, and with funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), LUMA continues to deploy new technologies that allow the grid to operate with greater speed, precision, and visibility. These improvements translate into faster response times during outages and less time without service for customers.
The project includes the integration of 135 automated devices known as reclosers, installed directly on the electric grid and functioning as smart sensors. These devices operate across different types of power lines, from those serving homes (single-phase) to those supporting commercial and industrial customers (three-phase), helping protect multiple parts of the system. Reclosers enable faster identification of fault locations and, in many cases, can automatically restore service without manual intervention. This reduces the number of customers affected by outages, enables crews to respond more effectively, and accelerates restoration, often to seconds. With this project, the electric system now has more than 1,300 automated devices in operation across the island.
“Reliable electric service is critical. This technology allows us to respond more quickly when outages occur and, in many cases, reduce the time our customers are without service,” said Pedro Meléndez Meléndez, Chief Engineering and Capital Programs Officer. “Our focus is to continue modernizing the grid with solutions that have a direct impact on service and improve the customer experience.”
These automated devices were installed on 14 feeders serving communities in the Ponce, Caguas, Arecibo, Mayagüez, and San Juan regions, benefiting more than 32,000 customers. Installations were prioritized in areas where these technologies can have the greatest impact, particularly during unexpected events or periods of high demand. This investment is part of a broader program that includes replacing critical infrastructure and advancing grid digitalization.
Next steps include activating these devices and integrating them into the monitoring system by installing wireless communication radios. This system enables real-time visibility into grid performance and more precise fault identification from control centers.
This progress adds to other ongoing projects aimed at transforming Puerto Rico’s electric system, including federally funded initiatives to rebuild and strengthen the grid.
About LUMA
LUMA is a Puerto Rican company that, since June 1, 2021, operates and maintains 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.
