LUMA energizes three new power transformers in puerto rico. 14 Jul 2026 LUMA Energy has energized three new power transformers at substations in Carolina, Bayamón and Isabela, marking another step in efforts to modernize and strengthen Puerto Rico's electric grid. The new equipment was installed at the Sabana Llana, Crea and Mora substations and is expected to improve service reliability for approximately 782,500 customers across the island. The Sabana Llana Substation supports more than 700,000 customers, while the Crea and Mora substations serve approximately 12,000 and 70,500 customers, respectively. The utility said the transformers will improve voltage regulation, increase network capacity and help reduce risks associated with aging infrastructure and system limitations. "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 Energy. The installations were supported through different funding sources. The transformer at the Mora Substation in Isabela was financed through funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), while the Sabana Llana project is part of reconstruction efforts supported by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The Crea Substation transformer was financed through non-federal capital investments. "The energization of these transformers is a significant advance in the modernization of the electricity grid," Martinez said, adding that the projects required years of planning, coordination and execution. According to LUMA, large power transformer installations involve complex engineering, manufacturing and logistics processes due to the size and weight of the equipment and the extended lead times required for production and delivery.

Steel, wires, and megawatts: the hidden physical side of AI. IEEE's Diane Watkins joins us to discuss how the AI boom is stressing grids built for another era, and consumers may pay the price if action stalls. Host: Christopher McFadden Speakers: Diane Watkins Published: Apr 30, 2026 08:15 AM EDT In this episode, Diane Watkins, Vice President of New Initiatives & Outreach of the IEEE Power and Energy Society, joins us to unpack how AI-driven data centers are straining power grids, and what it will take to keep the lights on. Meet the host. Christopher McFadden. Christopher graduated from Cardiff University in 2004 with a Master's Degree in Geology. Since then, he has worked exclusively within the Built Environment, Occupational Health and Safety, and Environmental Consultancy industries. He is a qualified and accredited Energy Consultant, Green Deal Assessor, and Practitioner member of IEMA. Chris's main interests range from Science and engineering to military and ancient history, as well as politics and Philosophy. Meet the Speakers. Diane Watkins. Vice President of New Initiatives & Outreach of the IEEE Power and Energy Society Diane Watkins is an industry leader in the electric power industry. She serves as the Vice President of New Initiatives & Outreach of the IEEE Power and Energy Society. She is passionate about incorporating technology into decision-making to drive the energy transition. Watkins previously served as Vice President, Capital Programs at LUMA Energy, the power company responsible for electric service in Puerto Rico, where she was responsible for planning and executing large-scale projects to improve the safety and reliability of the electric grid. She was editor of the Substations chapter of the 17th edition of the McGraw-Hill Standard Handbook for Electrical Engineers. She is also a former Chair of the IEEE PES Technical Council and a former Chair of the Substations Committee, where she led the development of industry standards for the reliable construction and operation of electric power substations. Watkins holds a B.S.E. in electrical engineering and an M.B.A, both from Arizona State University. She is a registered Professional Engineer in both the State of Arizona and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico's energy landscape shifts: rooftop solar systems now represent 20% of capacity mix. April 2, 2026 As small business owners seek sustainable solutions to rising energy costs and reliability concerns, the surge in rooftop solar in Puerto Rico presents a compelling opportunity. With a notable increase in installations, rooftop solar has entered the spotlight as a viable energy source, transforming the landscape for local businesses. By the end of 2025, rooftop solar capacity reached 1,456 megawatts (MW), constituting 20% of Puerto Rico's total energy mix. This rapid growth isn't just a trend; between 2016 and 2025, rooftop solar installations accounted for a remarkable 81% of the new generating capacity in the region. It's now the second-largest source of power, following petroleum liquids. For small business owners, adopting rooftop solar can deliver significant benefits. Given the island's history of electricity outages, investing in solar not only helps secure energy independence but also provides potential cost savings. Businesses are increasingly installing rooftop solar systems - an average of 3,850 new systems were put in place monthly in 2025, bringing the total to nearly 192,000 systems across industries. Battery storage systems, which complement rooftop solar, have also seen substantial growth. By the end of 2025, 171,372 households and businesses were equipped with battery storage systems. These systems provide a collective energy capacity of 2,864 megawatthours, enhancing resilience against power disruptions. Puerto Rico offers favorable net metering policies established in 2007 that allow solar owners to sell excess electricity back to the grid. This program incentivizes investment in solar technologies by allowing businesses to recoup costs by turning idle energy into revenue. In addition, the recent expansion of LUMA's Customer Battery Energy Sharing program enables battery owners to contribute stored energy back to the grid, particularly during anticipated supply shortages. Discover more Business plan templates Business networking events Local marketing courses "These advancements position rooftop solar and battery storage as not only reliable solutions but also as potential revenue sources for small businesses," said Lindsay Aramayo, who contributed to the report detailing these developments. Moreover, thousands of distributed battery systems are becoming part of virtual power plants (VPPs), aggregating local resources to function as a singular energy source. Companies like Sunrun and Tesla partner with LUMA to manage these systems, providing financial compensation to participants for their contributions. This innovative model provides a dual benefit: business owners can leverage solar energy for their operations while contributing to grid stability and receiving financial incentives. However, small business owners must consider potential challenges before making the switch. The initial investment for rooftop solar and battery systems can be significant, requiring careful financial planning and assessment of return on investment. Moreover, ongoing maintenance and potential grid regulations are factors that need attention. It's crucial to evaluate individual business needs and consult with energy experts to tailor the best solution. Discover more Logistics network solutions Small business finance Handmade business toolkit The growing momentum of rooftop solar in Puerto Rico reflects broader trends in sustainable energy solutions, signaling a shift that small businesses should not overlook. With the right approach, adopting renewable energy technologies can not only enhance resilience but also provide a competitive edge in today's energy landscape. For more detailed information, the original report can be accessed here. Small business owners are encouraged to explore these energy solutions and assess how integrating renewable resources could benefit their operations in the long term. Sarah Lewis is a small business news journalist and writer dedicated to keeping entrepreneurs informed on the latest industry trends, policy changes, and economic developments. With over a decade of experience in business reporting, Sarah has covered breaking news, market insights, and success stories that impact small business owners. Her work has been featured in prominent business publications, delivering timely and actionable information to help entrepreneurs stay ahead. When she's not covering small business news, Sarah enjoys exploring new coffee shops and perfecting her homemade pasta recipes.