Equipment failure is the most frequent cause of interruption experienced by Westar Energy customers. To help address this cause, Westar has increased visual and infrared inspections on the worst performing circuits. These inspections are followed with preventative maintenance.
Many times trees, animals/wildlife and weather related factors can contribute to equipment failing.
For instance, many times when lightning strikes, a transformer or switch may run fine for a couple days after the initial strike, but in a couple of days, when there is an increased load, the equipment will fail.
As part of the Reliability Strategic Plan, Westar is tackling the problem of aging infrastructure among our 660,000 distribution poles, 23,671 circuit miles of distribution lines and over 500 substations.
We estimate that over 33% of distribution poles are older than 40 years and many are approaching the end of their useful lives. Forty-five percent of substation transformers are over 40 years old.
In 2004, we began the process of inspecting 34 kV poles and lines. As a result of our having identified poles in need of replacement, trussing or above-ground repair, we have significantly improved the reliability of these lines.
These inspections and repairs have been focused on the aged 34 kV lines with the worst reliability history. By the end of 2009, Westar has completed the inspection of 50% of the entire 34 kV system. resulting in improved reliability for customers in mostly rural parts of our service area.
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