Transformer shortage hits utilities in storm season

E&E News ^ | 08/22/2022 06:55 AM EDT | Peter Behr |

[Roman_War_Criminal]

There are only 2 or 3 manufacturers in the US that makes the big Commercial/Industrial sized ones.

We’re in for a dark winter with supply chains and long lead times.

[Roman_War_Criminal]

If a hurricane/tornado comes through we’re in for a world of hurt getting replacements.

I’m sure this particular shortage is just another coincidence.

[Roccus]

Who needs inventory when we have JIT supply chains?

[Chad C. Mulligan]

In New Jersey the old Westinghouse transformer plant stands empty, and hobbyists are flying model airplanes in the high bays.

[blam]

"Who needs inventory when we have JIT supply chains?"

When I was forced to implement JIT 30 years ago....I warned everyone.

[Organic Panic]

There are transformers all over the place just hanging from poles....

[metmom]

I never saw so many planned coincidences in my life.

[Paladin2]

As far as I can tell Utilities are still well paid by State
Commissions to employ and follow the recommendations of same.

[Cold Heart]

Save the electric grid, phase out EV’s

[NautiNurse]

The Saharan sands (aka Saharan Air Layer, SAL) is an annual phenomenon. The sands are notable this year because of a high pressure system in the mid-Atlantic with the easterly winds.

The dust is beginning to thin out, just in time for the peak of hurricane season.

[deport]

There are transformers all over the place just hanging from poles....

*********

Yep. But when it comes to generation and distribution
stations it can be a totally different game.

[Roccus]

Yeah, but you were prolly one of those stodgy dinosaurs that were holding back all those up-and-coming MBAs that were going to re-write how business was done.

[blam]

"Yeah, but you were prolly one of those stodgy dinosaurs that were holding back all those up-and-coming MBAs that were going to re-write how business was done."

I was.

I retired right after that at the end of 1994.

I was a chip-maker.

[Roccus]

So was I.
I was one of those 50+ year olds that was a drag on the company’s progress so those MBAs made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. Of curse it wouldn’t take effect for two years. By that time, the company had been sold, those MBAs were on the street and the new management was making very good offers to get us to stay for a few more years. If I could have, I would have stayed, but family obligations overruled.

At that time I was a Telco cable splicer.

[Roman_War_Criminal]

If anybody has ever worked DAT (Damage Assessment TEAM) for power outages, you’ll realize that a few days without power and folks will start dying.

Multiply that all over the world and this is what is possibly coming our way.

I’m so thankful I have Jesus.

[metmom]

You ever read “One Second After”?