Overhead Transformers

What is a Transformer?

A transformer is a piece of equipment that helps move electricity from one place to another. It adjusts the voltage so power can safely travel to homes and businesses.

How We Maintain Our Transformers

Inspecting overhead equipment every 6 years
Preventing overloads by finding transformers that may be carrying more power than they are designed for

How We Prevent Overloads

We work to stop problems before they happen.

Sometimes, a transformer serves too many customers or has too much electricity demand at once. When that happens, it can become overloaded. If an overload lasts too long, the transformer can fail and cause a power outage.

Each month, we review data from smart meters and computer models to find transformers that may be working too hard. This helps us catch early warning signs and take action before outages occur.

What Do We Do?

If we believe a transformer may be overloaded, we take these steps:

Send field technicians. Our engineering and design teams plan a field visit to check the transformer's condition and location.
Plan improvements. We document any needed upgrades and schedule the work.

Based on what we find, we may:

Install an additional transformer to share the load
Replace the transformer with a larger one that can handle more usage

Old transformers are taken to our facility, where they are either repaired or recycled. This helps reduce waste and make the most of our equipment.

What This Means for You

Our proactive inspection program helps provide:

Fewer power outages caused by overloaded equipment
More stable service, especially during peak usage times
Safer and more reliable electricity for your home or business
Better use of equipment and resources