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Transformers Seminar: Challenging Lead Times, Rising Capital Costs, and What to Do About It

CLEAN CURRENTS 2026

Time: 10:15 AM - 12:15 PM

Day: 9/22/2026

Room Number: 104 A

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This 2-hour seminar begins with a robust discussion around industry-wide trends and challenges. Then, participants will delve into specific real-life experiences with existing transformers and what lessons can be learned from these case studies.

Part 1: Industry-Wide Trends

Discussion topics include how transformer lead times and capital costs have evolved industry-wide; operational and financial impacts on hydropower owners; and strategies for planning, budgeting, and managing critical equipment through long procurement cycles.

In addition, the U.S. Department of Energy's Hydropower and Hydrokinetic Office (H2O) will share details of a new report that has been published. Large hydropower transformers are complex, custom-built, and infrequently procured, which makes them exceptionally challenging to analyze in a traditional supply-chain study. To ensure hydropower needs were fully captured, the H2O office sponsored a dedicated report that digs into this crucial equipment. Report contributors will share fresh insights on transformer production trends, manufacturing capabilities, and the factors shaping reliability for hydropower operations today.

Part 2: Case Studies: Real-Life Experiences with Existing Transformers

-- Hoover Dam On-Site Transformer Repair, presented by Mark Cook, Bureau of Reclamation, and Bradley Nickell, Nexus Power

-- Hydropower Plant Transformer Rehabilitation at the O'Neil Pumping and Generating Plant - Avoiding the High Costs and Long Lead-Times of New Units and Improving Fire and Environmental Safety while Extending the Useful Life of Existing Assets, presented by Gerard Puleo, Shell MIDEL

-- When the Unexpected Happens: Integrating Contingency Planning into Hydropower Asset Management, presented by J. Francois Corbeil, Entrust Solutions Group

Hosted by:

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Image of Transformers Seminar: Challenging Lead Times, Rising Capital Costs, and What to Do About It
Craig Bourassa

Faculty

Senior Asset Management and Compliance Engineer at Avista Utilities

Image of Transformers Seminar: Challenging Lead Times, Rising Capital Costs, and What to Do About It
Eddie Duncan

Faculty

General Manager, Regional Services at Duke Energy Corporation

Image of Transformers Seminar: Challenging Lead Times, Rising Capital Costs, and What to Do About It
Kyle DeSomber

Faculty

Mechanical Engineer/Hydropower Advisor, Sustainable Systems Team Lead at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), U.S. Department of Energy

Image of Transformers Seminar: Challenging Lead Times, Rising Capital Costs, and What to Do About It
Margaux Seward

Faculty

Project Manager at National Laboratory of the Rockies (formerly named NREL), U.S. Department of Energy

Image of Transformers Seminar: Challenging Lead Times, Rising Capital Costs, and What to Do About It
Mark Cook

Faculty

Power Manager, Lower Colorado Basin at Bureau of Reclamation

Image of Transformers Seminar: Challenging Lead Times, Rising Capital Costs, and What to Do About It
Bradley Nickell

Faculty

Chief Engineer at Nexus Power

Image of Transformers Seminar: Challenging Lead Times, Rising Capital Costs, and What to Do About It
Gerard Puleo

Faculty

Business Development Manager, Western Region, USA at Shell MIDEL Americas

Image of Transformers Seminar: Challenging Lead Times, Rising Capital Costs, and What to Do About It
Jean-Francois Corbeil

Faculty

Principal Consultant, Power Generation at Entrust Solutions Group, A Leidos Company

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