By The Star Staff
LUMA Energy asked Maunabo Mayor Ángel Omar Lafuente Amaro late last week to allow access to the Maunabo substation in order to remove a replacement transformer there and transfer it to Santa Isabel, alleging that a blockade in place at the site prevents critical electrical service from being provided to several communities.
“The transformer in Maunabo is not connected to the grid and is not essential for the continuity of service in the municipality. The electrical service of Maunabo subscribers will not be impacted,” LUMA said in a written statement issued Friday, without attributing the blocked access to any individual by name.
LUMA emphasized that blocking access to the transformer is unacceptable and makes it difficult for the private operator of the island electric power transmission and distribution system to fulfill its commitment to stabilize electrical service in Santa Isabel, Coamo and Aibonito.
“We ask the mayor of Maunabo to allow access to begin the work of moving the transformer,” the company said. “If this is not done, we will not be able to provide the necessary service to our customers.”
LUMA also stressed that electrical installations are critical infrastructure protected by Puerto Rican and federal laws, and that preventing access endangers the continuity of service and the safety of workers.
“Threatening our employees and compromising electrical service does not help the well-being of the people of Puerto Rico,” the operator stressed.
The situation remained deadlocked as of press time on Sunday.
People in Maunabo have expressed concern that the relocation of the transformer could cause power outages in their area. The controversy arises because a transformer that was moved by land and sea to Santa Isabel at a reported cost of $4 million for installation turned out to be damaged, and now the intention is to repurpose the Maunabo transformer, a plan that some consider “taking the clothes off one saint to dress another.”
Lafuente Amaro said on Thursday night that he will do everything in his power to prevent the removal of the transformer in his municipality to replace the failed equipment in Santa Isabel.
“We will be vigilant …” the mayor said in a written statement.
On Friday afternoon, a LUMA employee approached the Maunabo substation to take photos of the transformer to be moved to Santa Isabel, but was met by protesters. Commonwealth police officers intervened.
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