Why Utility Transformer Failure is a U.S. Security Risk
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A transformer failure can result in more than just a localized power outage – it can open the door to a national security threat! Therefore, reducing these failures is a critical aspect of not only emergency preparedness within the industry, but also national security.
There are currently up to an estimated 80 million active transformers in the U.S. but replacing them has become an incredible challenge. Simply put, the transformer supply chain issue and shortage that started during the early part of the pandemic remains a problem, so much so that to this day it can still take up to 4 years to get a replacement.
The Security Risk of a Transformer Failure
The backdrop of this issue is that the fleet of transformers across the country is aging, and in fact many are already operating beyond their typical life expectancy. Approximately 35% of U.S. transformers are at least 40 years old, and many of them are operating at overcapacity, feeding a grid supercharged by EV charging infrastructure, data centers, and renewable energy sources.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has warned that coordinated attacks taking out a wide swath of transformers could create a blackout lasting weeks or even months. In other words, a targeted transformer attack would certainly qualify as a top national security concern.
The solution is to reduce the risk of transformer failure by moving away from reactive monitoring to more proactive, AI-driven monitoring practices. In other words, smart sensors or similar devices that can detect and address an anomaly before it causes a malfunction. Not only would the technology of this ilk reduce failures, but it would also serve to extend the average lifespan of transformers.
So, as you can see, nipping the security threat in the bud requires being on top of things. Proactive monitoring and rapid mitigation would clearly reduce the security risk associated with transformer failure and is something that all utilities should be striving for at this point.
