LUMA Targets Aging Transformer in Puerto Rico Grid Upgrade
LUMA Energy is preparing a major maintenance project on the main transformer at its urban-area substation in Juana Díaz, Puerto Rico, as part of ongoing efforts to improve grid reliability.
The transformer has been in service for more than 30 years. LUMA plans to install a portable substation to maintain customer service while crews carry out specialized maintenance over the next month.
The work includes repairing an existing oil leak, processing the transformer’s insulation oil, replacing components and installing protective equipment. Crews will also perform maintenance on the load tap changer (LTC), which regulates customer voltage.
The project is expected to benefit more than 6,000 customers. LUMA said proactive maintenance has also been completed recently on breakers connected to the substation.
The work comes as Puerto Rico’s electric grid faces broader reliability efforts. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has separately finalized a $489.4 million loan supporting 220 MW of battery energy storage projects in Arecibo and Santa Isabel.
