The installation of a portable substation will allow the service to be maintained while a new metal clad with modern technology and greater protection is built
San Juan, PR – September 1, 2026 – LUMA began a special project at the Llorens Torres substation in San Juan, aimed at replacing critical equipment that has reached the end of its useful life and cannot be repaired. This effort, financed with funds allocated by the United States Department of Energy (DOE), will strengthen the resilience of the electrical system in a densely populated area and prepare the infrastructure for the installation of a new metal-clad, a modern metal cabinet containing switches, disconnects, and protection systems essential for the stability of the system.
As part of the project, a portable substation was installed to maintain service while the temporary structures that will support the system during the installation of the new equipment are built. This connection required a scheduled outage in the area for the safety of employees and customers. Once the temporary structures are up and running and energizing customers, the portable substation will be removed.
Subsequently, the demolition of the existing metal-clad and the preparation of the land to receive the new equipment will begin. The new equipment will have a lifting platform designed to reduce risks of flood damage, in addition to updated protections and modern technology that will allow operating a more stable, safe, and reliable system for the communities of Llorens Torres and surrounding areas.
“Replacing this critical equipment is imperative to limit customer impact from unexpected outages and strengthen the resilience of the electric system in this area of San Juan,” said Kevin Peña, LUMA Project Manager. “The portable substation and temporary structures allow us to maintain service while we prepare for the installation of the new metal-clad, ensuring that the community has a more modern, safe and resilient infrastructure.”
The works will benefit residents, businesses, and essential facilities in a wide segment of San Juan, including sectors such as Bo. Obrero, Villa Palmera, Degetau Street, Tapia Street, Monte Flores Sector, Alturas de San Juan, Eduardo Conde Avenue, Haydi Rexach Street, Las Casas Residential, Victoria Park, Las Casas Viewpoint, Las Margaritas 1 and 2 Residential, Loíza Sector, Ocean Park, Mclear Street, Carrión Street, Pacific Street, Atlantic Street, Yardley Street, Gertrud Street, Ismael Rivera Street, Monsita Street, King’s Court, San Jorge Street, Taft Street, McLeary Avenue and León Acuña Street, among others.
Likewise, critical loads such as the Gautier Benítez School, Jesús M. Quiñones School, Fray Bartolomé de las Casas School, USPS, BQN Laboratory, Ramón Power & Gerald School, Republic of Peru School, Luis Rodríguez Cabrera School and the San Jorge Academy will be served, ensuring that the priority needs of these facilities are considered as part of the operational planning.
LUMA anticipated that the new equipment will be able to be energized later this year. This project is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to modernize electrical infrastructure in areas of high consumption and vulnerable to severe environmental conditions.
LUMA reiterated its commitment to completing these tasks safely and efficiently and will continue to communicate to customers the progress of the project and any necessary operational updates.
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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.
