USA, Puerto Rico: LUMA Energy has energised three new power transformers at substations in Carolina, Bayamón and Isabela, supporting ongoing work to modernise Puerto Rico’s electricity grid.
The transformers were installed at the Sabana Llana Substation in Carolina, the Crea Substation in Bayamón and the Mora Substation in Isabela. Together, the projects support service for nearly 782,500 customers across the island.
The Sabana Llana upgrade benefits more than 700,000 customers, while the Crea and Mora projects support around 12,000 and 70,500 customers, respectively. LUMA said the installations will improve grid resilience, support voltage regulation and increase the system’s ability to respond to changing electricity demand.
“Each transformer we install strengthens the system’s ability to operate more reliably, improves voltage regulation, and increases our ability to respond to the electrical demand of the communities we serve,” said Hendzon Martinez, vice president of Transmission and Substations at LUMA.
The projects were funded through different sources. The Mora Substation transformer was supported by the US Department of Energy, while the Sabana Llana transformer is part of reconstruction work backed by FEMA. The Crea transformer was financed through non-federal capital funds.
Installing large power transformers is a complex process involving planning, engineering, manufacturing and specialised transport. With global transformer demand rising, utilities often need to plan purchases years in advance due to long lead times and logistics challenges.
Source: T&D World
