LUMA Replaces Equipment on Transmission Towers After More Than 30 Years of Operation
As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen and modernize Puerto Rico’s electric system, LUMA has begun replacing critical equipment, such as insulators and hardware, on more than 10 transmission towers along Line 37,700, which connects the Palo Seco generation plant with the Bayamón Transmission Center substation.
“These components, which have been in service for more than 30 years without being replaced, are part of one of the main lines that transports energy directly from the Palo Seco plant. Their replacement will increase the resilience and reliability of the electric system in Bayamón and surrounding towns,” said Ing. Hamilton Lugo, LUMA’s director of transmission, who has more than 28 years of experience in the electric system.
The work is being carried out with the support of LUMA’s aviation team, as the transmission towers are located in hard-to-access areas.
“This is why it’s necessary to move personnel using external load operations: the helicopter transports each field worker directly to the towers — ranging from 100 to 200 ft tall — to carry out the equipment replacements. This operation enables the work to be completed safely and efficiently,” added Lugo.
This project is also being coordinated with Metropistas and the Federal Aviation Administration, as the work area borders Plaza Río Hondo shopping center and Expressway 22.
“These upgrades are vital to ensuring a more reliable service for our customers. Modernizing this critical infrastructure is part of LUMA’s commitment to Puerto Rico’s energy transformation,” stated Lugo.
This effort is just one example of the type of strategic investment needed across Puerto Rico. For this reason, a call has been made to review the base rate in order to secure the necessary funding to continue modernizing the electric system and to provide a more robust and resilient service to all sectors and regions of the island.
"We thank the community for their support as we carry out this essential work for Puerto Rico’s energy future," LUMA stated.