Power Line Inspectors: A Necessity

In Cuba, these workers are more commonly known as «celadores» or «veladores» of power lines. They are essential for the «vitality» of the electrical system. Although this position fulfills different functions, on this occasion I will refer to those whose mission is to monitor and report the physical condition of power lines, including transformers, poles, and associated technical support.

They are responsible for supervision and reporting anomalies observed in transmission lines. Their main task is the constant inspection of electrical grids to anticipate any damage that could threaten service stability.

I met inspectors who were assigned to my neighborhood; they passed by frequently observing. They immediately reported the damage, and it was solved promptly.

Detecting a potential fault in time eliminates greater material damage. A few examples can illustrate the importance of these inspectors.

On 344th Street in the Armando Mestre neighborhood of Matanzas, the cables have so much intertwined vines that they are giving way, posing a danger to any passerby and possible material losses that could be avoided.

Likewise, on the grid that passes in front of the Victoria de Girón stadium, there is a pole where vines join the cables. Also on that stretch, tree foliage «flirts» with the cables. On the grid between the stadium and the Armando Mestre neighborhood, there is a line where, for a long time, one of the insulators on a pole hangs from the cable. This image is widespread in many places in the province.

Let’s remember that we are in hurricane season, and this is one of the points that must be resolved before a hurricane arrives. My question is: Are there or are there not power line inspectors in Matanzas?