Versant Power Turns To Virginia Transformer To Help Replace The Oldest Transformer In Their Fleet

Virginia Transformer ensures there is reliable power for all users of electricity across the U.S.A. and they also enable job creation and manufacturing in the U.S.A. through their supply of transformers to customers.

Without transformers, there are no new plants to make cars, batteries, steel, data centers, hydrogen fuel replacements, and thousands of other products.

Versant Power

Versant Power, based in Bangor, Maine, is the state’s 2nd largest utility

Versant Power, based in Bangor, Maine, is the state’s 2nd largest utility, covering more than 10,000 square miles in northern and eastern Maine, is a recent example.  

Last month, they powered-up a new transformer for the University of Maine, in order to help the university manage their growth, including the addition of a new on-campus, indoor athletic facility that will host concerts, events and university athletic programs.

Virginia Transformer replaces Versant’s oldest transformer

Versant Power also turned to Virginia Transformer to help replace the oldest transformer in their fleet – 73 years old – last week. Versant’s not alone in looking to upgrade aging infrastructure. Approximately 70 percent of all transformers on the U.S. electrical grid are older than 25 and the average transformer is approximately 40 years old.

Virginia Transformer can be proud of the work they do to ensure the country has reliable power and as they do that, they are also playing an important role in creating jobs across the country. This is highlighted through the two stories covered below on the work they’ve done with Versant Power.

Versant crews upgrade the Ellsworth Falls substation

Over the past few months, Versant crews have been upgrading the Ellsworth Falls substation with new equipment. Work involved replacing the oldest transformer in Versant Power’s fleet, a 73-year-old transformer that was removed this spring and replaced with a modern one. The new transformer went into commission last week.

Customers receiving power from this substation are now also connected to the Boggy Brook substation"

“The upgrade ensures more reliable service to over 9,000 customers through Ellsworth, Deer Isle, Brooklin, Blue Hill, Surry and Brooksville,” said Paul Miller, Versant’s Chief Operating Officer (COO).

He adds, “Customers receiving power from this substation are now also connected to the Boggy Brook substation in Ellsworth, which can serve as a back-up power source in the event that service is interrupted.”

Aged transformer removed and replaced

After the aged transformer was removed, the existing concrete below it was repurposed, and the surrounding area was prepped for a new device. Work included digging and installing two identical series of conduits for protection, an ‘A’ option and ‘B’ contingency option for increased reliability.

Later this year, further improvements are planned for the Ellsworth Falls substation. A circuit switch will be replaced with a more modern circuit breaker for advanced protection. Both projects allow for upgraded technology that will help the Versant team monitor equipment and controls and respond to outages sooner. Work at the substation is expected to be completed by spring 2024.