Hartselle Utilities upgrades electric system

Hartselle Utilities electric distribution system was upgraded earlier this week with the installation of a new single-phase transformer at the district substation on Highway 36, West.
The 22,000-lb. transformer was built to specifications at a Virginia assembly plant and shipped to Hartselle by motor carrier last Thursday.  It replaces a 51-year-old transformer that will be kept in storage and used as a second spare.

Hartselle Utilities workers place a new transformer on a pad in the Highway 36, West, district substation with the help of a crane operator.

The old transformer, weighing 65,000 pounds, was disconnected a week ago Wednesday   and removed from its pad the following day with the assistance of a heavy duty crane and operator from Solley Construction Co. of Decatur. This meant the load the transformer was carrying had to be shifted temporarily to the primary substation at Cedar Creek.
“The temperature dropped lower than we expected last night,” said Jonathan Hampton, electric department superintendent, on Thursday morning.  “The demand went up and we came close to losing the load.”
“We decided to go ahead and change out the transformer because we were concerned that it could go down at any time,” said Ferrell Vest, general manager.  “The move is in keeping with our capital improvement plan   and will help us continue to operate the electric system at a high level of efficiency.
The new transformer, which cost $156,000, went on line Tuesday after it was outfitted and serviced.