The fallout from a transformer fire that knocked out power to the Meridian Community Centre on April 4 continues, as the Town has been forced to use an external generator to provide electricity to the facility—at a cost in the neighbourhood of some $12,000 per week, albeit largely covered by insurance.
Power will be cut tomorrow, April 26, between noon and 2 p.m.,to install a new transformer.
Town Communications Specialist Leah Letford tells PelhamToday that Town staff have been working closely with Hydro One, Sid Grabell Contracting, and the Town’s insurers to have the existing transformer removed and the new transformer installed.
“The cause of the transformer fire remains under investigation,” says Letford. “However, it has been determined that the transformer was damaged beyond repair.”
Letford says a new 1000 kVA transformer will be purchased through Hydro One and there will be a maintenance and operation agreement with Hydro One for the unit. The Town has signed the contract with Hydro One and the new transformer is in the process of being installed at the MCC.
“It is anticipated that by this time next week, all elements will be in place to ensure the MCC is connected.”
Letford says that Town staff are tracking all costs and expenses associated with the transformer fire and will ultimately submit an insurance claim to recover those amounts.
“The Town’s insurers are aware of the pending claim and are actively involved in investigating it.”
There will be additional power interruptions tomorrow, April 26.
First, power will be shut off for scheduled maintenance of the temporary generator from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.
Then, from noon until 2:00 p.m., power will be shut down for reconnection of the new transformer.
Letford says that a report on the transformer failure is going to council for its May 1 meeting.
