LUMA installs 135 reclosers to detect faults.

By THE STAR STAFF

LUMA Energy, the private operator of Puerto Rico’s electric power transmission and distribution system, is moving forward with a new phase of grid‑modernization efforts, installing advanced automated equipment across the system to reduce outage times and improve service reliability for tens of thousands of customers.

The initiative is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) as part of broader federal support for rebuilding and strengthening the island’s power infrastructure.

The latest upgrades include the installation of 135 automated devices known as reclosers -- smart sensors placed directly on power lines that can detect faults more quickly and, in many cases, restore service automatically without the need for field crews. The equipment is being deployed on both single-phase lines serving residential areas and three-phase lines supplying commercial and industrial customers.

According to LUMA, the new technology allows the utility to pinpoint the location of a failure faster, isolate the affected section of the grid, and restore power to unaffected areas within seconds. The company says the improvements reduce the number of customers impacted by outages and help crews arrive on site better prepared. With this latest deployment, Puerto Rico’s electrical system now has more than 1,300 automated devices in operation.

“We know how important it is to have a reliable electric service,” said Pedro Meléndez Meléndez, LUMA’s chief engineering and capital programs officer. “This technology allows us to respond more quickly when an interruption occurs and, in many cases, reduce the time our customers remain without service. Our focus is to continue modernizing the grid with solutions that have a direct impact on service and provide a better experience for our customers.”

The new reclosers were installed across 14 feeders serving communities in the regions of Ponce, Caguas, Arecibo, Mayagüez and San Juan, benefiting more than 32,000 customers. LUMA prioritized areas where automated technology can deliver the greatest impact, particularly during unexpected events or periods of high demand.

Next steps include activating the devices and integrating them into LUMA’s monitoring systems through wireless communication radios. Once connected, the equipment will provide real‑time visibility into grid performance and allow control centers to identify and respond to faults with greater precision.

The project is part of a larger modernization program that includes replacing critical infrastructure and digitizing the island’s electrical system. It also complements federally funded reconstruction initiatives aimed at transforming Puerto Rico’s long‑troubled grid into a more resilient and reliable network.