Spare Transformer Company Files for FERC Declarations

Grid Assurance was formed in June 2015 as a private sector option for a federal spare transformer program, like the one Congress directed the Department of Energy to develop in the energy provisions enacted as part of the 2015 transportation bill, in response to concerns about the length of time it could take to replace critical large transformers damaged by a natural disaster or deliberate attack.

Grid Assurance plans to make available spare transformers on a subscription basis, to companies that suffer equipment losses from terrorism, geomagnetic storms, electro-magnetic pulse or other catastrophic events. The company seeks an order from the Commission declaring that the proposed cost-based fees will be considered prudent investments by FERC-jurisdictional utilities, ensuring their recovery from consumers.