Electric grid upgrade issues.

[loneryder]

Here is a problem I didn't know existed with regards to updating our electric system. Transformer shortages.

https://www.theepochtimes.com/artic...one-component-that-takes-years-to-get-6005467

 

[OilStained]

This article touches on transformers. All equipment along the supply chain are affected. Large devices such as circuit breakers. Other equipment, metering devices, CB relays.

With metal pricing where it is, copper is a premium, theft is on the rise. Rolls and rolls of copper wire walking away.

 

[4wd]

Nonstop around me - adding or upgrading big transmission lines - solar, wind, battery storage … already had GTG and nuclear …

 

[OilStained]

Nonstop around me - adding or upgrading big transmission lines - solar, wind, battery storage … already had GTG and nuclear …

Current projects had equipment procured years ago.

 

[4wd]

Current projects had equipment procured years ago.

You would not know that …

 

[SC Maintenance]

Epoch Times?

I won't click either but the shortage is real, and has been for several years. A huge amount of the same skill and material - like electrical insulation and ability to wind wire - has been going into EV chargers and such. If you want a transformer tomorrow you can get one - expect to pay 10X what you would have paid 5 years ago with expedite fees and such.

Current projects had equipment procured years ago.

And there still years out in some cases.

 

[OilStained]

You would not know that …

I work in utility, Southern California area.

 

[The_Jeff]

We've been short on transformers for a while. A modern-day Carrington Event could knock us back into the Dark Ages as there aren't enough transformers sitting idle. Every utility wants to be "six sigma" lean (or whatever) and buy replacements just-in-time.

 

[mk378]

There is a transformer factory near me (Hitachi Energy). They have commercials on the radio constantly to recruit workers.

The power grid is remarkably fragile, especially because there is no incentive for the capitalists that run the thing to put money into reliability.

 

[K-Man]

None of this is really new. I worked for an electrical-supplies wholesaler over 30 years ago and transformers and other equipment for substations had a 1+ year lead time after ordering even then.

 

[loneryder]

I won't click either but the shortage is real, and has been for several years. A huge amount of the same skill and material - like electrical insulation and ability to wind wire - has been going into EV chargers and such. If you want a transformer tomorrow you can get one - expect to pay 10X what you would have paid 5 years ago with expedite fees and such.


And there still years out in some cases.

You are afraid of the Epoch Times??

 

[loneryder]

Nonstop around me - adding or upgrading big transmission lines - solar, wind, battery storage … already had GTG and nuclear …

They continue to build large data centers in No. Va. even though there is no electricity to be had. I guess they are operating them with large diesel generators. I have read complaints from nearby neighborhoods about the noise. Also They are trying to build new power lines on new rights of way across WV. Communities are fighting them but I doubt they will win. Big money gets what it wants.

 

[E365]

I follow a lot of DC Fast Charger builds in my region. Some new sites get a transformer in a week or two, some wait close to 6 months.

 

[SC Maintenance]

You are afraid of the Epoch Times??

There highly biased and not a reliable source. So you never know what amount of any story your getting.

 

[97prizm]

Here is a problem I didn't know existed with regards to updating our electric system. Transformer shortages.

https://www.theepochtimes.com/article/americas-power-grid-is-hostage-to-one-component-that-takes-years-to-get-6005467?utm_source=Morningbrief&src_src=Morningbrief&utm_campaign=mb-2026-05-09&src_cmp=mb-2026-05-09&utm_medium=email&est=DPwy4XA49Rt5umNAgxFzx39HCXcgq2O/aaO+r7cTJimz1Sypmf0yyOIA6EmWbyt/Og==

I can remember Jeremy Clarkson talking about this way back on Top Gear. He said the UK uses 104% of the electricity that it produces, and that they had to import electricity to cover demand. Made me wonder how long term their infrastructure could handle it.

 

[OVERKILL]

There highly biased and not a reliable source. So you never know what amount of any story your getting.

I mean, that's the case for any media source at this juncture. I find Epoch pretty mild on the propaganda front compared to other outlets, like say the Toronto Star.

 

[Snagglefoot]

Don’t shoot the messenger. California and Texas continue to build grid scale battery storage. The first chart in growth of battery capacity in California. The second is an update of the California duck curve. Have a look at the purple section of the duck curve. They kick in the batteries as the sun goes down. Presently they can start at 12 GW and then decline. This will only grow. It will power about 10 Deloreans from Back to the Future. Mods, I did a few screen shots to describe the situation easily.

 

[loneryder]

There highly biased and not a reliable source. So you never know what amount of any story your getting.

They present both sides of a story. You are not used to getting that so it's foreign to you.

 

[4wd]

I mean, that's the case for any media source at this juncture. I find Epoch pretty mild on the propaganda front compared to other outlets, like say the Toronto Star.

TS? ️ gazers they are

 

[4wd]

Don’t shoot the messenger. California and Texas continue to build grid scale battery storage. The first chart in growth of battery capacity in California. The second is an update of the California duck curve. Have a look at the purple section of the duck curve. They kick in the batteries as the sun goes down. Presently they can start at 12 GW and then decline. This will only grow. It will power about 10 Deloreans from Back to the Future. Mods, I did a few screen shots to describe the situation easily.

View attachment 337021

View attachment 337022

Texas has had hydro for a long time - but with limited water flow and/or elevation - the others will outgrow hydroelectric …
(Stored water is more like a peaker?) …