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Second Electrical Transformer Arrives from Puerto Rico

Oct. 30, 2007 — The second used transformer purchased recently by the V.I. Water and Power Authority (WAPA) has arrived from Puerto Rico.
A fire caused the south transformer on the unit No. 13 steam generator to blow in July. To improve service reliability, WAPA bought two used bus-tie transformers for a total of $39,250. The first transformer from the Monticello facility of the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) was installed in late August.
The second transformer, from PREPA's Mayaquez facility, will be transported from Crowley's shipping dock to St. Thomas' Randolph Harley Power Plant Tuesday evening, according to Gregory Rhymer, WAPA's system planning director. The 38.6kV transformer will be wrapped securely in a nitrogen blanket and stored as a backup in the event that either the plant's north or south transformers encounter a mechanical problem that would affect the reliable operation of generating units Nos. 13, 15, 18 or 22, Rhymer said.
The used transformers were an excellent acquisition, Rhymer said.
"These transformers are in very good condition and are electrically sound," he said. "We were lucky to purchase them, as they were only available because PREPA has upgraded its system from 34.5kV to 69kV to accommodate its growing customer base. The transformers will support our backup contingency plan for years to come."
At a Public Services Commission meeting in August, PSC members approved WAPA's request to use $1.5 million from the self-insurance hazard-mitigation fund to purchase the transformers and procure other equipment and services to help improve the stability of the Harley power plant.
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