Working for You

Transformer inspections underway

OPPD is inspecting transformers around its service territory to replace those at the end of their operational life and address those that are in need of repairs.

For customers, this may mean inspectors will be in your backyard if you have a transformer on your property. Inspectors are typically looking for damaged or faulty transformers and evaluating whether they are leaking mineral oil. Inspectors are also analyzing the oil content in the transformers.

About transformer inspections

The oil insulates the inner workings of a transformer. Since January 2020, OPPD has replaced 282 transformers or scheduled them for replacement thanks to this project, said Deena Silke, Regulatory Affairs specialist at OPPD. So far, 7,600 transformers have been inspected.

The JACO company is doing the inspections. JACO specializes in inspecting transformers that are “hot,” so that the customer doesn’t lose power during the inspection.

Silke said there are 91,000 transformers in OPPD’s service territory. The utility will inspect about 21,000 as part of this project. Customers may notice a door hanger from JACO letting them know their transformer was inspected, Silke said.

The utility will prioritize oil spills according to the findings. Contractors contact the homeowner to schedule a time to come and clean up the spill, she said.

“The program will reduce environmental impact and help with power reliability for OPPD customers,” Silke said.

The utility expects to complete the inspections sometime in 2022.