As a member-owned cooperative, West Kentucky Rural Electric works to keep you informed of factors that may affect your electric service, such as a planned maintenance outage, severe weather forecasts or government policies that could affect reliability and cost.

We want to make our members aware of another developing challenge WKRECC is facing. Like other electric utilities across the country, WKRECC is managing an industry-wide parts shortage that is driving up operating costs and creating logistical challenges.

Of particular concern is the availability of electric transformers for both residential and commercial use. We want to make sure that anyone planning a project that will require new electric service is aware of this supply chain crunch so we can work with them to provide a realistic timeframe. According to the Electric Utility Distributors Association, the lead times for transformers and electric wires have unexpectedly doubled or tripled in the last six months.

Many utilities across the country faced shortages last year, yet thanks to our electric cooperative family and Kentucky-based United Utility Supply Cooperative, WKRECC has so far been able to limit the impact on our members.

However, as manufacturers continue to struggle, we are making strategic decisions in the best interests of our members. For example, WKRECC is reconditioning used equipment, like meters and transformers, and repurposing equipment previously installed but not currently in use.  We are also working closely with several vendors to secure as much essential equipment as possible.

With supply chain concerns forecast to continue through 2022, WKRECC will continue to identify solutions and keep our members and businesses aware so all can plan accordingly.

We encourage anyone with questions to contact Kevin Inglish at 270-251-6926 or call customer service at 877-495-7322.

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