By The Star Staff
LUMA Energy and the island Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTOP) on Tuesday approved the plan to move a transformer from Caguas to Santa Isabel.
DTOP Secretary Eileen Vélez Vega noted that the evaluation included a structural analysis of more than 42 bridges and the construction of a temporary bridge due to a drainage structure on the route.
“Since LUMA received the plan for the transfer of the transformer, a team of engineers from the DTOP and the Highway and Transportation Authority proceeded to responsibly evaluate its impact on the road infrastructure,” Vélez Vega said in a written statement.
The transfer is expected to begin tonight. The transformer will be transported to the San Juan dock, then by barge to the port of Ponce and finally to its destination in Santa Isabel.
“The spirit of collaboration has been constant and from the beginning to be able to support our clients in the south,” LUMA President Juan Saca said.
NMEAD Commissioner Nino Correa Filomeno stressed the importance of coordination between government agencies and mayors to ensure a safe transfer.
“Since we became aware of the need to transport this transformer to Santa Isabel, we have remained in constant communication between all agencies, the mayors and LUMA,” Correa Filomeno said.
Public Safety Secretary Alexis Torres Ríos offered assurances that the necessary resources are being allocated to implement the transfer plan with all security measures.
LUMA staff have been working to stabilize service in Santa Isabel, Coamo and Aibonito. As of Sunday, June 9, power has been restored to those areas, and additional steps are being taken to improve power supply. The installation of the transformer at the Santa Isabel substation will take some four weeks, including all the necessary tests to ensure its operation.
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