The announcement follows an 18-month competitive bidding process
ATCO and Quanta form LUMA to transform Puerto Rico's electricity system. (Credit: David Reed from Pixabay)
LUMA Energy LLC (LUMA), a newly-formed company owned 50 per cent by Canadian Utilities Limited (Canadian Utilities), an ATCO company, and 50 per cent by Quanta Services (Quanta), announced today that LUMA has been selected by the Puerto Rico Public-Private Partnerships Authority (P3 Authority) to modernize and operate Puerto Rico’s electric transmission and distribution (T&D) system over a term of 15 years.
In an innovative arrangement that sees the local jurisdiction continue to own utility assets while benefiting from the expertise of a qualified operator, LUMA combines Canadian Utilities’ world-class utility operations and customer service expertise with Quanta’s superior utility services and project execution capabilities. LUMA has also engaged Innovative Emergency Management (IEM) to provide its extensive experience in the administration of US Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) funding.
“This is a watershed win for our company and further establishes Canadian Utilities on the global stage as a leader in energy infrastructure,” said Nancy Southern, Chair & Chief Executive Officer, ATCO. “We bring our deeply held values of integrity, caring, agility and collaboration to the island as we have long done for customers and communities around the world.”
The announcement follows an 18-month competitive bidding process. As the successful proponent, LUMA will transform, harden and rebuild Puerto Rico’s T&D system for the long-term benefit of all Puerto Ricans following the devastation of hurricanes Irma and Maria.
“This opportunity fits with Canadian Utilities’ growth strategy in the US and Latin America and allows us to bring our core competencies of operational excellence and exceptional customer service for the benefit of Puerto Rico,” said Siegfried Kiefer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Utilities. “We won against some of North America’s—and the world’s—largest utility providers. Now, we and Quanta, through LUMA, look forward to complementing our world-class energy solutions with the experience of Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority’s (PREPA) employees so that LUMA can provide Puerto Rico with a modern, resilient electricity system that will support broader economic development for the island.”
LUMA will be headquartered in San Juan, Puerto Rico and is in the process of relocating a team to the island, led by Wayne Stensby, President & Chief Executive Officer, LUMA. This team will oversee planning for the full transfer of the PREPA T&D operations to LUMA, which is expected to occur over the next 10 to 12 months.
“We are honoured to have been selected for this historic transformation and we are excited to begin a journey that we know will bring long-term value to the people of Puerto Rico,” said Mr. Stensby. “Through LUMA, we’ll not only provide safe, reliable and affordable electricity service, we’ll expedite this electricity transformation in a way that delivers lasting benefits to the people and communities on the island.”
PREPA currently provides electricity to more than 1.5 million residents in Puerto Rico and operates a network of over 30,000 km of transmission and distribution lines. LUMA will manage and operate the Puerto Rico electric system for PREPA, which will continue to maintain capital ownership and financing responsibility for the T&D system as well as continue to operate its power generation assets.
Source: Company Press Release