LUMA announces 16-hour power outage in Old San Juan
By THE STAR STAFF
Grid operator LUMA Energy announced on Thursday that on Monday, Oct. 26, it will carry out work at the Covadonga substation, which will require a power outage between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. in parts of Old San Juan.
“This project represents a significant investment to improve electrical service in one of the country’s most iconic and important areas,” stated Doriel Pagán, LUMA’s senior vice president of programs and federal funds, in a written statement. “We know that this work requires planning and coordination, but it is essential for achieving a safer, more modern, and more resilient system for our customers.”
The work was originally scheduled for last Saturday, but was postponed until next Monday at the request of local business owners, who asked LUMA to minimize the impact on economic activity in the historic district.
During the operation, technical personnel will temporarily relocate a portable unit to facilitate work on the substation, the underground electrical system, and distribution protection equipment.
Areas that may be affected include residential and commercial sectors of Old San Juan, as well as hotels and establishments located in areas of tourist and cultural interest.
The project includes the installation of new metal structures and supports for electrical equipment, upgrades to the cable tray system, and engineering and fabrication work for various components.
According to LUMA, the interventions will allow for the modernization of infrastructure that has been in service for decades and will prepare the substation for future expansions of the electrical distribution system.
The improvements also include work related to the modernization of the GIS (geographic information system), which is used to operate and protect electrical equipment within complex infrastructure environments.
The private operator of the island’s electric power transmission and distribution system stated that it will notify affected customers via its social media channels and will maintain coordination with business owners, government agencies and local communities throughout the execution of the project.
