The electric transformer shortage

The shortfall in grid equipment is a problem for just about any project that connects to the grid. What’s causing the crunch?

An episode of the Catalyst with Shayle Kann podcast, hosted by Latitude Media, titled "The electric transformer shortage" was published on February 22, 2024 and runs 34 minutes.

February 22, 2024 ·34m · Catalyst with Shayle Kann

Summary

The list of things that depend on transformers is long: new housing, EV chargers, renewable projects, and more. That’s why skyrocketing lead times and prices for grid equipment that raises or lowers voltage is a real problem. The wait for a new transformer has jumped to over two years, according to WoodMackenzie. Back in 2020 it took just a few months, according to Tim Mills, CEO at transformer manufacturer ERMCO. WoodMackenzie found that prices, meanwhile, have risen over 60% since 2020.  So what’s causing the shortage? In this episode, Shayle talks to Tim about how rising demand for transformers has pushed manufacturers to capacity – and why it’s been so hard for manufacturers to expand that capacity. They also cover topics like: The state of the shortage, including prices, lead times and types of transformers that are in especially short supply. The major drivers of demand growth, including renewables, storms, federal investment, and EV chargers. How the housing boom and bust of the 2000s left transformer manufacturers wary of bubbles in demand. Why the tight labor market makes it hard to expand manufacturing capacity. How new rules proposed by the Department of Energy are throwing uncertainty into what type of equipment manufacturers should invest in. Recommended resources: WoodMackenzie: Supply shortages and an inflexible market give rise to high power transformer lead times T&D World: No Easy Answers: Transformer Supply Crisis Deepens Catalyst is supported by Antenna Group. For 25 years, Antenna has partnered with leading clean-economy innovators to build their brands and accelerate business growth. If you’re a startup, investor, enterprise or innovation ecosystem that’s creating positive change, Antenna is ready to power your impact. Visit antennagroup.com to learn more. Catalyst is brought to you by Atmos Financial. Atmos is revolutionizing finance by leveraging your deposits to exclusively fund decarbonization solutions, like residential solar and electrification. FDIC-insured with market-leading savings rates, cash-back checking, and zero fees. Get an account in minutes at joinatmos.com.

Episode Description