Thanks to the Community Streetlight Initiative, LUMA announced that over 100,000 streetlights were upgraded in more than 55 municipalities as part of the transformation of the electrical system of Puerto Rico. This work is part of Phase I of the project.
This federally funded initiative aims to modernize traditional streetlights with more efficient and durable LED lights. These lights last longer and can withstand winds up to 165 miles per hour (mph). Also, as part of this project, amber or red lights are being installed in coastal areas to protect sea turtles and other endangered species. Our ongoing commitment will allow us to continue improving the quality of life, safety, and energy efficiency in communities across Puerto Rico in the coming months and years.
In September 2023, Juan Saca, president of LUMA, highlighted the efforts made to accelerate the work of Phase I of the project to make an impact in all 78 municipalities during 2024. "We know how important it is for Puerto Rican families to have street lighting that is not only functional and efficient but also resilient like our people. That is what we are working for," Saca said. "The work plan is based on what the communities need, on the current state of the infrastructure, and FEMA's strict requirements," he added.
LUMA teams and local contractors have completed 95% of field assessments and censuses to date to identify streetlights in the inventory managed by the company, the operator of the transmission and distribution system of Puerto Rico. "In the inventory we received from PREPA, we identified more than 350,000 streetlights for which we are responsible. We will not rest until the three phases of the project are completed for the benefit of our customers."
This project has three phases, and it is expected to be completed in three years:
- Phase 1 - Existing streetlight lamps, photocells, arms, and fittings replacements. This does not include pole replacements.
- Phase 2 - Pole replacements
- Phase 3 - Secondary and underground lines and other component replacements
It is important to keep in mind that we must comply with FEMA regulations and processes, and that includes receiving approvals before work begins. This process consists of approximately 20 steps that define the scope of the project, the benefits, and the applicable regulations, with LUMA being solely responsible for the completion of the street lighting work," concluded Saca.
"It is important to note that not all streetlights in Puerto Rico are owned by LUMA. The inventory of streetlights in Puerto Rico includes decorative lights, which may be owned by each municipality or private entity. There are also streetlights on road sections owned by the Department of Transportation and Public Works and other entities.
This modernization project is one of nearly 396 projects initiated by LUMA and FEMA. It has a cost of $12.3 billion, and 123 projects are under construction or have been completed. This is part of the company's efforts to transform the electrical grid of Puerto Rico2. As of June 1, 2021, among other things, LUMA has:
- replaced over 100,000 streetlights
- installed over 4,800 automation devices
- replaced over 10,400 poles
- started the modernization of 13 substations
- cleared hazardous vegetation from over 3,900 miles of power lines
- connected over 84,000 customers to net metering
At LUMA, we are committed to continuing to improve the quality of life for customers and communities by building the electrical grid the people of Puerto Rico deserve. For more information about what LUMA is doing to improve service, please visit www.progresodelumapr.com.
