DAILY LUMA AERIAL PATROLS PERFORM ESSENTIAL ASSESSMENTS OF CRITICAL TRANSMISSION AND ELECTRICAL INFRASTRUCTURE
San Juan, Puerto Rico, September 23, 2022 – Today, LUMA aviation crews continue operations to support ongoing Hurricane Fiona restoration efforts across Puerto Rico. Using a fleet of four helicopters, LUMA crews have been patrolling critical electrical infrastructure assessing damage, performing repairs in areas with remote and difficult terrain and providing support to LUMA utility ground crews to expedite restoration efforts.
LUMA’s helicopter fleet has been performing operations every single day since Hurricane Fiona made landfall assisting with restoration and reenergization efforts. Even before the storm impacted Puerto Rico, helicopter crews were conducting initial patrols and assessments of the island’s electric system to inform response and restoration efforts.
“We have been in the air every single day supporting LUMA’s efforts to prepare for Hurricane Fiona and then to support the restoration efforts so that we can energize the system as quickly and safely as possible. Thanks to our aviation capabilities, we have also been able to support repairs in regions of the island that are inaccessible to vehicles and ground crews. We’re proud to be part of this important storm response and will continue every day until the job is done,” said LUMA’s Chief Pilot, Heriberto Garcia.
LUMA’s aviation operations have accomplished the following since before Hurricane Fiona impacted Puerto Rico:
LUMA Aviation Facts:
- Completed pre-storm patrols of 100% of the electric grid
- Inspected 100% the 230 kV transmission lines
- Inspected 100% the 115 kV transmission lines
- Inspected 57% of 38 kV distribution lines
LUMA has used helicopters to complete repairs on six transmission lines during restoration efforts including:
- Line 40100 Aguirre – Jobos
- Line 36300 Jobos – Maunabo
- Line 36300 Rio Blanco – Humacao
- Line 37400 Dos Bocas – Cambalache
- Line 500 Costa Sur – Canas
- Line 50100 Cambalache – Manatí
LUMA recently shared a video outlining our helicopter operations which can be viewed here: https://twitter.com/lumaenergypr/status/1573374585327714305?s=20&t=yJXTQO2SV8VOpUYn-u9_Fw
Photos of our helicopter fleet can be found attached.
Customer Safety Messages
LUMA continues to urge the public to stay away from any downed power lines as restoration and reenergization efforts continue. We urge the public to put their safety first. Call us immediately at 1-844-888-5862 (LUMA) to report any downed lines or electrical emergencies that require immediate attention.
Follow LUMA’s Hurricane Response
LUMA has been and will continue communicating about its restoration and reenergization efforts through the news media and its social media channels. Among the critical resources LUMA is providing include the following channels:
- LUMA website: lumapr.com
- Twitter: twitter.com/lumaenergypr
- Facebook: facebook.com/lumapuertorico
- Mi LUMA app notifications
- Radio public safety advertisements
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 grid they deserve. As a customer-centric company, LUMA’s entire workforce of more than 3,000 employees is focused on safely delivering an exceptional customer service experience to its 1.5 million customers.
