Various Locations, Puerto Rico
The electrical grid of Puerto Rico was severely impacted by Hurricane Maria in September 2017, resulting in the longest power outage in US history. Parts of Puerto Rico suffered from an electricity shortage for 328 days. To address this, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) allocated funds to Puerto Rico for permanent improvements to strengthen and harden the transmission, distribution, and substations systems.
CSA is providing design and construction support services for transmission and distribution lines, substations, and underground infrastructure for critical loads like hospitals, emergency response facilities, water service facilities, police and fire stations, among others across the island.
The project also included an assessment phase to evaluate damages and define the scope of work. Following this, the project will continue with design, permitting, the bid phase, construction services, and close-out services that will be carried out simultaneously across multiple lines and substations.
Subsequently, on September 18, 2022, another hurricane named Fiona struck Puerto Rico as a Category 1 hurricane, bringing 85 mph winds and over 20 inches of rainfall to many areas. The entire island experienced power loss due to the storm’s impact.
In response, CSA has been contracted to support in assessing and identifying damaged electrical distribution lines. The primary objectives of this effort are to gather information for future FEMA fund claims and to provide information, so personnel can restore the power for the assessed electrical feeders. Several CSA teams worked on the assessments in different areas of the island.
Overall, CSA’s role in supporting this effort is an important contribution for the restoration of the electrical grid and the improved resilience of Puerto Rico’s electrical infrastructure in the face of future natural disasters.