The Puerto Rico House of Representatives canceled its work on Monday, October 26, because of a power interruption LUMA Energy is carrying out in sectors of Old San Juan, Metro Puerto Rico learned. The Senate, by contrast, will hold sessions that day. The interruption will run from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM for work at the Covadonga substation, as LUMA announced the previous Thursday.
The work was originally scheduled for Saturday, October 17, but was postponed to Monday at the request of merchants who asked to reduce the impact on economic activity in the historic district. During the day, technical crews will temporarily move a portable unit to allow work on the substation, the underground electrical system and distribution protection equipment.
LUMA senior vice president of Federal Programs and Funds Doriel Pagán said in written statements: "This project represents an important investment to improve electric service in one of the most emblematic and important areas of the country." Affected areas could include residential and commercial sectors of Old San Juan, as well as hotels and establishments in areas of tourist and cultural interest.
The project includes new metal structures, supports for electrical equipment, improvements to the cable tray system and modernization of the GIS system used to operate and protect electrical equipment. LUMA says the work will modernize decades-old infrastructure and prepare the substation for future expansion of the distribution system. The company will notify affected customers through social media and coordinate with merchants, government agencies and communities.