Versant Power’s Oldest Transformer Is Replaced

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’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.

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

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.