Nixa close to electric system fix with $620K project

The city of Nixa is close to finalizing a $620,000 fix for its electric system after an unexpected substation transformer failure in June 2017.

Nixa Utilities crews are scheduled to receive a delivery today of a new 30 megavolt amp transformer for its Espy substation — the largest of four stations citywide, according to a news release.

The transformer is expected to take a couple weeks to connect and test, with officials planning to have it online before peak electric demand hits with the summer months.

“The new transformer will mean that the city’s electric grid will be more robust than ever, helping us provide the exceptionally reliable power which our customers have come to expect from us,” said Brian Denney, electric superintendent for Nixa Utilities, in the release.

The transformer and installation costs $620,000. Of that, $415,000 will be paid for through the city’s insurance policy, while the rest will come from the electric department’s reserve fund.

Last summer, a former transformer at the Espy substation failed at the same time the city’s downtown substation was offline for a transformer upgrade that was delayed by a supplier. The new transformer at the Epsy substation will mean the city’s electric distribution loops will be restored, according to the release.