Replacing Grid Equipment Key for Faster Power Outage Restoration

One of the most challenging aspects of outage restoration is replacing grid equipment that is damaged, especially large transformers.  Simply put, there is no easy way to procure these items on the fly, which can slow down the overall restoration process.

A Better Approach to Replacing Grid Equipment

Because this type of equipment cannot be bought off the shelf, and because it is typically not in close proximity to where it is needed, replacement scenarios can be logistical nightmares.  Therefore, like everything associated with emergency preparedness, pre-planning is the key.  And the creation of something akin to a ‘spare parts cooperative’ seems like the best way to accomplish this type of pre-planning.

The idea is that critical grid equipment should be purchased and staged in advance.  At its most basic level, this could involve a single electric utility auditing its existing equipment to determine at-risk components or areas, and then purchasing and storing whatever critical equipment is deemed to be most at risk of suffering severe storm damage.

However, a better way is the notion of electric utilities partnering to create a pool or reserve of critical grid equipment that can be utilized by any member utility that needs it.  This is not a new idea – a report was published in 2017 by Congress and the U.S. Department of Energy which encouraged the creation of a “strategic transformer reserve,” and multiple such reserves have been in place regionally for some time, including one called Grid Assurance.

The benefits of this approach include:

• It is cost effective because the initial costs are shared, and it prevents a utility from having to pay a premium to source a piece of hard-to-find equipment during an emergency situation.
• Participating utilities can access the grid equipment they need quickly.
• Customers should experience shorter outages.

Clearly, a pooled approach to replacing grid equipment is a win-win for everyone affected by storm damage that causes outages.