New technology enhances system visibility, speeds up outage response, and strengthens the resilience of the electric grid
San Juan, Puerto Rico – December 18, 2025 – As part of its efforts to improve service reliability while modernizing the electric grid, LUMA has installed 40 high-precision optical sensors on transmission lines. These sensors will enable near-instant fault detection, reduce response times, and optimize system operations.
This technology, being used for the first time in Puerto Rico, captures and analyzes signals from the electric system at an unprecedented level of detail. The sensors are actively monitoring 58 transmission lines at the 230 kV and 115 kV levels, enabling faster and more effective crew mobilization and significantly reducing service restoration times.
“Our mission goes far beyond simply repairing outages. We are transforming the grid through advanced technologies that have never been used in Puerto Rico. These optical sensors allow us to see the system with unprecedented clarity and detect faults in milliseconds, which translates into greater reliability and resilience for our customers,” said Hamilton Lugo, LUMA’s Director of Transmission. “These sensors are really what we consider a “game-changer” for the system we have today: a low cost, but very high value tool for both the LUMA and the customers”, added.
Key benefits of the system include:
- Reduced restoration times through precise fault location
- Less need for aerial patrols, as sensors can pinpoint the affected area
- Increased safety for crews by eliminating the need to enter large areas without prior information
- Passive and safe technology, posing no risk to personnel or interference with other electrical system equipment
- Ability to detect hard-to-identify faults such as intermittent contacts, electrical arcs, or high-resistance events
- A key tool for identifying root causes and preventing recurring outages
The engineer explained that the sensors are installed near substations and at strategic points along transmission lines, providing a broad and simultaneous view of events across different areas of the system.
“The introduction of wide-spectrum optical sensors is an essential component of the grid modernization we are implementing. This technology not only improves fault detection and analysis—it also provides critical information for preventive maintenance, asset management, and long-term investment planning,” Lugo added.
LUMA will continue expanding this technology across the transmission system in the coming months, with plans to install 13 additional sensors on 38 kV lines. These will further enhance the electric system’s resilience, accelerate operational response, and support the construction of a more modern and reliable grid for Puerto Rico.
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.
