This project will benefit over 11,000 customers.
Canóvanas, Puerto Rico – November 11, 2024 – LUMA crews continue to make progress on a project involving insulation replacement, hardware upgrades, standards updates, and vegetation management around utility poles. So far, more than 60% of the improvements have been completed. These efforts aim to reduce service interruptions caused by animals interacting with the system, following LUMA’s construction standards, benefiting over 11,000 customers in Canóvanas and Carolina.
This project, which began on September 26, 2024, aims to enhance the region’s electrical infrastructure and reliability.
“The first two phases included replacing pole hardware to increase the distance between energized lines and the pole, minimizing the risk of outages caused by contact with animals. We also changed line construction standards to meet LUMA’s new requirements. Additionally, vegetation maintenance and insulation replacements were conducted to strengthen the electrical system,” said Efren Laboy, Canóvanas District Manager for Distribution Lines at LUMA.
These improvements are part of LUMA’s commitment to strengthening the electrical grid and ensuring reliable and safe service for customers.
“The third phase of the project is scheduled for December and will continue to focus on additional improvements that will ensure greater efficiency in transforming the electrical system,” added Laboy, who has 30 years of experience in the electrical system.
Streetlight Modernization
Additionally, in Canóvanas, we have made progress by modernizing 2,260 streetlights in the first phase of the Community Streetlight Initiative. An additional 2,004 points have been identified for upcoming phases, for a total of 4,264 streetlights.
In Carolina, 2,940 streetlights have been modernized in the first phase, with 11,084 additional points to be addressed in future phases, totaling 14,024 streetlights.
For more information on the progress of the Community Streetlight Initiative, visit: https://progresodelumapr.com/nuestro-progreso/iniciativa-de-alumbrado-publico-comunitario
Planned Upgrade Portal
Additionally, to keep customers informed and help them prepare for potential temporary service interruptions, LUMA offers a portal that includes the locations of ongoing work, estimated start and completion times, and the types of improvements being made. The page also features a map showing planned upgrades across Puerto Rico.
To learn more, visit: www.lumapr.com/mejorasplanificadas/
Public Safety Message
LUMA emphasizes the importance of community collaboration in protecting the electrical infrastructure. We urge all residents to respect areas near power lines and to immediately report any incidents that could pose a safety risk to the electrical system by calling 1-844-888-5862 (LUMA). Remember to stay at least 10 feet away from downed power lines or 35 feet if the line is on the ground. People first, safety always.
About LUMA LUMA is a Puerto Rican company that has operated and managed Puerto Rico’s electric transmission and distribution system since June 1, 2021. LUMA is driven by the mission to transform the electric transmission and distribution system to provide all Puerto Ricans with the reliable, resilient, clean, and affordable electric service they deserve. As a customer-centric company, LUMA’s entire workforce is focused on delivering exceptional and safe service to its 1.5 million customers.
