News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Sparta is moving forward to replace its spare transformer to secure its backup power plan.
The transformer is shared with Caney Fork Electric Cooperative. Utilities Manager Belva Bess said Sparta is responsible for 45 percent of the cost on the $795,000 equipment.
“We went ahead and contacted the low bidder, we had to send all that out for bids and the low bidder was awarded,” Bess said. “We sent that out and told them our board has approved it, Caney Fork’s board has approved it. So they’re in the process now of getting us a slot and getting it built.”
Bess said this project is not grant funded, but the city has full coverage insurance. She said an insurance claim was filed and approved.
“For insurance reasons we had to give the cost of repair and the cost of replacement,” Bess said. “The cost of replacement was quite a bit cheaper than the cost of repair.”
Bess said that the city has been in contact with TVA about a backup option in the meantime. She said both Sparta and Caney Fork have primary transformers at the West Sparta substation.
“They are transporting us a mobile transformer to be on site,” Bess said. “Just in case at the outside chance, which we hope it doesn’t, but at the outside chance that something were to happen to our transformer, we do have something to go to.”
Bess said the goal is to have the new transformer in by September or October to supply backup power for Sparta’s 3,000 electric customers.
