Maricopa, AZ – May 6, 2025 – Electrical District No. 3 (ED3), today announced that the WAPA Test Track Substation is back in service feeding the ED3 system with the installation of a new transformer. In the early hours of August 7, 2024, the WAPA Test Track transformer was struck by lightning at about 2:30 am from a seasonal monsoon thunderstorm. The transformer was a total loss and reduced the import capacity into ED3’s distribution system.

WAPA coordinated with ED3’s team over the course of eight months to get the Test Track substation rebuilt. General Manager Brian Yerges stated that “ED3 appreciates the partnership we have with WAPA and the overall effort by WAPA to get this critical substation back in-service. I cannot thank the WAPA Desert Southwest Region enough for all the time and effort to coordinate getting this in-service. Our target date was early May 2025 and we achieved that schedule. The transformer is important for ED3 as summer loads ramp up over the coming months.”

ED3 is also working with WAPA on a Test Track Substation expansion with the addition of a second large transformer. The study work has been completed and the specifications for the second transformer are under final review by WAPA. The approximate $10 million-dollar project is part of ED3’s capital improvement plan and will provide additional import capacity into ED3’s distribution system. ED3 plans to order the transformer in the coming months pending the approval of the transformer specifications by WAPA. The project is anticipated to be in-service in 2028 based on preliminary schedules.

Reference:

Arizona transformer fire spurs WAPA emergency response, containment