Volume 17, Issue 2 - May 2024
THE SUPPLIER
Western United Update
ERMCO Transformer Update
As was reported in April, the Department of Energy released their final transformer efficiency standards. The new standards are an improvement over what was initially anticipated, with fewer transformer types required to convert to an amorphous core and an implementation schedule that increased from three to five years. A high-level view of the ruling mandates a 20% loss reduction for large single-phase transformers greater than 100kVa and thus a need to convert to amorphous cores, while smaller single-phase units, between 10kVa and 100kVa, can continue using traditional Grain Oriented Electrical Steel as the loss reduction was set at 5%. Concerning three-phase units, a 20% loss reduction will be required for smaller units between 15kVa and 500kVa and thus a need to convert to amorphous cores, while larger three-phase units, between 500kVa and 5000kVa, can continue using traditional Grain Oriented Electrical Steel as the loss reduction was set at 5%. The best news, however, may simply be that the long awaited decision was finally reached and manufacturers can begin investing in plant and equipment knowing what the rules are.
Transformer lead times remain long especially for single-phase pads which are 52-58 weeks and three-phase pads which are averaging just over 2 years. Western United, however, has made volume commitments to ERMCO and receives weekly production capacity to ensure our members have the product they need. In addition, Western United has committed to purchase unanticipated excess capacity from efficiency improvements at ERMCO, amounting to 1500 single-phase pads and potentially 30-40, three-phase’s.
RESAP
Western United is committed to ensuring a safe workplace environment and completed our second RESAP inspection on May 28-30th. Many safety improvements were suggested, however, no major safety concerns were identified.
Patronage Payout
At their April 25th meeting, the Western United Board of Directors approved the retirement of 100% of the company’s FY2017 Patronage. Checks totaling $3,758,423 will be distributed throughout 2024 with $2,818,817 being issued in June.
Greg Mordini
Chief Executive Officer
Western United Electric Supply
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
MEET LINDSEY POLLOCK
Lindsey is the latest addition to Western United, joining us in March as the Executive Team Assistant. She brings with her extensive experience in real estate and administrative work, making her detail-oriented, organized, and efficient. Lindsey works closely with our Executive Team and maintains the office in Brighton.
Originally from Nevada and having lived in Washington State, Lindsey has called Colorado home for the past seven years. She moved to Colorado with her boyfriend, now husband of five years, Ryan. They have two dogs, Tanto and Boone, and enjoy golfing, kayaking, and spending time with their friends and family.
OUR STORY
Grid Guardian was established by a seasoned team of survivability and ballistics experts, mechanical engineers and industrial security professionals pooling their collective knowledge and experience to address physical security needs within the industrial and commercial space.
With backgrounds in defense contracting and manufacturing, the team brings a wealth of expertise to the industry. Drawing on this experience, the team has honed their abilities to manufacture various survivability products crossing a multitude of industrial sectors.
On Saturday, December 3rd, 2022, Moore County, NC, multiple substations were attacked leaving more than 45,000 residents without power. Grid Guardian assets immediately begin development of the Field Shield suite of products. Recognizing that the needs of distributed power sites are complex due to the critical nature of the market being served, Grid Guardian worked directly with site engineers to best understand technical needs.
Upon completion of test articles; live fire demonstrations, exploitive, and environmental testing began. Researching the test data uncovered various small adjustments and modifications to deflector angles to enhance wind speed and add greater ballistic integrity.
After months of development and testing, the Field Shield family of products is the world's first rapidly deployable, modular, pre fabricated, ventilated ballistic barricade system.