Aug. 4, 2007 – Water and Power Authority technicians will run a transformer test Sunday, but no interruption in service is expected, according to a WAPA statement.
The technicians will test the integrity of Unit No.13's north transformer and perform routine maintenance from Saturday midnight through Sunday at 4 p.m.
The work includes cleaning switches and insulators and is necessary as WAPA continues to restore complete stability to the power plant after fire damaged the unit's south transformer on July 17, according to Coury Hodge, Randolph E. Harley Power Plant superintendent. "Until a replacement transformer is installed, the unit will be operating with only the north transformer so we want to do everything possible to maintain reliable service," Hodge said in a release from WAPA. (See "Explosion at Power Plant Injures Interns, Causes Widespread Outage")
The authority is negotiating with the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority for the acquisition of a used transformer. According to Gregory Rhymer, system planning director, once negotiations are completed, the transformer will be shipped to St. Thomas and immediately installed on Unit No. 13. The transformer has been tested and determined to be mechanically sound, Rhymer said.
The authority asks customers to continue practicing energy conservation measures in order to reduce demand on the power grid. While no service interruption is anticipated on Sunday, customers can contact WAPA at 774-1424 for more information.
