DPPD — Dawson Public Power District (DPPD) recently turned a potential total loss into a major win by repairing a lightning-damaged substation transformer rather than replacing it.
A DPPD release says by rebuilding instead of buying new, the not-for-profit utility saved $480,700, directly supporting its mission to keep electricity rates affordable.
DPPD says substations are the vital backbone of your local electrical grid. They act as “stepping stones” for electricity, taking high-voltage transmission power and stepping it down so it is safe to use in your home or business.
When lightning strikes, the damage to electrical equipment is typically catastrophic. However, thanks to this unit’s unique size and the substation’s specific design load, Dawson PPD crews spotted a rare opportunity to overhaul and restore the equipment rather than starting from scratch.
DPPD says choosing to rebuild proved to be a massive financial victory that prevents sudden rate hikes for consumers.
-New purchase price: $694,000
-Repair cost: $214,700
-Total savings: $480,700
