This equipment will help modernize the electrical grid and strengthen the protection system, reducing the service interruptions for customers in the area.
Vega Baja, PR – December 22, 2025 – For the first time at LUMA, fiber optic replacement work is being carried out at the transmission level to interconnect critical equipment to the system, optimize communication between substations, and improve control and monitoring of the telecommunications system. This modernization will help reduce the time customers remain without service and will benefit more than 100,000 customers in the northern region of the island.
The work is being carried out on transmission line 37400, which extends from Bayamón to Vega Baja. The project will begin with a first phase on the segment from the Candelaria Arena substation in Toa Baja to the Hato Tejas Transmission Center (TC) in Bayamón. In the second phase, the section between the Candelaria Arena substation and Dorado TC will be replaced, and later crews will work on the segment that connects the Crea substation in Bayamón with Bayamón TC.
“These works are part of a major project to modernize this transmission line. A few months ago, we began by replacing hardware and insulators, which are critical components of the structures. Then, using a thermal imaging camera, we identified and corrected several critical points. Now, we are installing this new fiber optic cable, which will result in improved communication between substations and ultimately translate into better service for our customers,” said Engineer Hamilton Lugo, Director of Transmission Lines, who has over 22 years of experience in the electrical system.
On the other hand, José Bonilla, Telecommunications Supervisor at LUMA, who has over 26 years of experience in the development and operation of the electrical system, stated: “The plan includes the integration of approximately 40,000 feet of cable across more than 70 transmission line structures. This initiative will restore the operational capacity of the fiber optic cable, which had been in use for over 20 years.” This installation will strengthen the protection system, allowing devices to operate more efficiently to minimize electrical service interruptions in the municipalities of Corozal, Manatí, Vega Baja, Vega Alta, Toa Baja, Toa Alta, Dorado, and Bayamón.
“We remain focused on working to rebuild the electrical system,” Lugo emphasized.
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.
