Dallas BA Brings Builders, Developers, Electrical Power Providers Together to Discuss the State of Transformer Supply
Dallas BA on April 5 hosted a meeting to discuss the current state of electrical transformer supply and get a better understanding of anticipated local impacts from the ongoing shortage faced nationwide.
A team from the National Association of Home Builders joined the meeting virtually to give an update on the Association’s advocacy on the issue in Washington. Then a panel with representatives from CoServ, Denton Municipal Electric, Farmers Electric Cooperative and Oncor gave summaries of how they have addressed inventory and delivery of transformers.
With the cost of transformers seeing a significant increase in price, due to supply and material strains, and demand high in the region, some are experiencing 60-week lead times, which is actually better than those in the eastern portion of the U.S. The range of inventory varies by provider and region. While one may be focused on delivering on a first come, first serve basis, and another managing delivery percentage to ensure there is inventory until manufacturer replenishment, a larger provider can already have enough for the current year and be working on 2024’s supply. All have agreements with manufacturers through their approved bid process and DME, via state authorization, can seek other avenues when the supply is seen to be in emergency status.
The panel all pointed to one key thing that builders and developers can do to avoid causing any further delays; communication. Stating the need to prioritize delivery, the providers strongly recommended that builders and developers reach out to their power provider’s project manager with the appropriate details of their project as early in the planning process as possible. Then, follow up as the process moves along.
Builders and developers offered input, as well asking questions regarding each provider’s prioritization of installation of the transformers. Looking down the road to a hopeful relief from the shortage of supply, panelists agreed that they will need developers to communicate their future plans, so the providers can better estimate inventory needs and better take advantage of any increased production of transformers.