A key substation in Maricopa, Arizona, is back online after a lightning strike last summer destroyed its 230-kilovolt transformer, causing an intense chemical fire. The Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) and Electrical District No. 3 (ED3) completed repairs this week, just in time for peak summer demand.

The August 7, 2024, fire sent flames 20 feet high and produced thick black smoke, but no injuries were reported. Fire crews were unable to extinguish the blaze immediately due to the specialized solvent required for transformer fires. Temporary measures kept power flowing without customer disruptions.

ED3 also announced a $10 million expansion to add a second transformer by 2028, boosting capacity for Maricopa’s growing energy needs. WAPA emphasized the importance of preparedness, stating, “Our crews constantly train for all sorts of contingencies to keep the lights on.”

Source: Western Area Power Administration, Electrical District No. 3