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Vermont Public Utility Commission Grants Waiver for Emergency Transformer Replacement at Pownal Center Substation

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Vermont Public Utility Commission has issued a final order granting a waiver to Green Mountain Power Corporation (GMP) to install a 7.5/10.5 MVA transformer at the Pownal Center Substation in Pownal, Vermont. The waiver allows GMP to bypass the usual review process and expedite the replacement of the existing 5/7 MVA transformer, which was found to be failing due to high levels of acetylene. The emergency replacement is necessary to prevent customer outages and maintain service reliability.

Key Takeaways:

  • The waiver was granted pursuant to 30 V.S.A. § 248(k), which allows the Commission to waive certain regulations to ensure the stability or reliability of the electric system.
  • The replacement transformer is a spare unit that GMP already has available, and it will be installed on the existing substation pad without requiring any additional steel structures or land use.
  • The waiver will remain in effect until the Commission completes its examination of GMP's request for approval to permanently install the 7.5/10.5 MVA transformer or until GMP replaces the 7.5/10.5 MVA with a 5/7 MVA transformer, whichever is sooner.
  • The waiver includes conditions requiring GMP to file a petition for a certificate of public good within 10 months or to notify the Commission of a new 5/7 MVA transformer installation.
  • The waiver does not require GMP to post a bond or other security.
  • Green Mountain Power Corporation will pay all invoices from State agencies related to this proceeding that are not still under review by the Commission.

Statistics:

  • The Pownal Center Substation serves customers from Pownal, Vermont, and surrounding areas.
  • The replacement transformer will be a 7.5/10.5 MVA unit, compared to the current 5/7 MVA transformer.
  • The waiver will last until the Commission completes its examination of GMP's request for approval or until GMP replaces the 7.5/10.5 MVA transformer with a 5/7 MVA transformer, whichever is sooner.
  • The waiver includes conditions requiring GMP to file a petition for a certificate of public good within 10 months or to notify the Commission of a new 5/7 MVA transformer installation.

Sources:

  • Public Utility Commission of Vermont, Case No. 23-0300-PET, Order (January 27, 2023).
  • Green Mountain Power Corporation, Petition for Waiver (January 26, 2023).

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