It's Time to Get in STEP

摘要

Now is the time for all electric utilities to get involved with the Spare Transformer Equipment Program (STEP). STEP continues to grow and represent the best of what the electric power industry can accomplish by working together for a common cause. STEP was conceived following the 9/11 terrorist attacks and formally launched in 2006 to address the specific threat of attacks on utility substations. Given the long lead times in manufacturing substation transformers - typically about two years - along with the reality that most transformers are manufactured offshore, STEP created an innovative sharing arrangement among electric utilities to make efficient use of the industry's existing spare transformers. Today, STEP comprises 49 transmission providers whose service territories cover approximately 70% of the U.S. transmission grid.