The document discusses CSU's underground electric distribution asset management program. It notes that over 50% of CSU's system is underground, which can increase reliability but also cause lengthy outages if equipment fails. The objectives of the asset management program are to inspect, refurbish, and replace padmount transformers and switchgear on a systematic schedule to maximize reliability and minimize costs. The process involves dividing the system into zones, inspecting equipment for issues like corrosion each year, then refurbishing or replacing based on condition. Annual inspections have identified needed design improvements. The goal is to inspect all assets on a 10-year cycle to manage the over 4,000 underground components reliably and cost-effectively.

1. Underground(URD) Asset Management
Underground Electric Distribution System Layout

3. Underground(URD) Asset Management
Need for an Underground Asset Management Program:
• CSU’s electric system is approximately 56% underground.
(Austin: 52%)
• Underground assets can increase the service reliability of
the electric system but can also cause more lengthy
outages.
• Underground equipment (padmount transformers and
switchgear) are also expensive, so the premature failure
of these devices due to corrosion can be costly.
• Installed cost of 75kVa padmount transformer is
approx. $3,500.
• Installed cost of a Switchgear is approx.$40,000.
• In order to avoid these outages and expenditures, CSU
started an URD asset management program in FY 2012.

4. Underground(URD) Asset Management
Program Objective:
Ensure that the padmount transformers and switchgear are
inspected, refurbished, and replaced (as required) through
a systematic, multi-year program so as to maximize
reliability and minimize outages and replacement costs.
Annual Budget: $102,000 (inspection/refurbishment only)
Relationship to Strategic Goals: Core Services and
Infrastructure – Maintain and rehabilitate equipment,
facilities, and infrastructure on a strategic schedule.

5. URD Asset Management - Process
• CSU has approx. 4,500 URD assets (mostly
padmount transformers)
• CSU electric system is divided into 9
maintenance zones.
• The maintenance zones with the older /risky
URD assets are addressed first.

6. URD Maintenance –Yearly Schedule*
Fiscal Year
Maintenance
Zones
2011-2012 7 (Pilot)
2012-2013 1
2014 – 2015 2
2015 – 2016 2,3
2016 – 2017 3
Maintenance
Zones
URD Transformers
1 419
2 376
3 494
4 548
5 676
6 1240
7 618
8 88
9 19
Total 4478
Annual average number of transformers:
• Inspected and Refurbished - 250
• Replaced after inspection : 8 – 10 %
The projected schedule may change based on factors such as the transformers to
be replaced, refurbished etc.

7. URD Asset Management - Process
• Asset inspection identifies the following issues:
• Corrosion
• Oil leaks
• Erosion affecting pad strength
• Swollen elbows
• Insect and /or wildlife infestation
• Missing transformer ID numbers and cable tags
• Missing fault indicators
• Costs associated with inspection are
considered O&M expenses.

8. URD Asset Management – Process contd.
What happens after inspection?
• Based on the condition assessment one of the following
actions are taken:
– Action 1 : Refurbish the transformer by re-
painting/re-tagging/clearing the infestation etc.
– Action 2: Replace the transformer.
• Costs associated with Action 1 and Action 2 are
considered capital expenses.

9. URD System Maintenance : 2015 - 16

10. Maintenance in 2015-2016

12. URD Asset Inspections

17. URD Assets: Before and After

18. CSU Assets – Before and After
Single Phase Transformer
(Before)
CSU 1 Phase Transformer
(After)

20. CSU Switchgear - Before and After

21. CSU Assets – Before and After
3 Phase Transformer (Before) 3 Phase Transformer (After)

22. URD Asset Management – Improvements
Impact on design/equipment standards:
• Based on the inspection data feedback CSU adopted the
usage of thicker transformer pads.
• Use of padmount transformers that use better quality
stainless steel .
• Increase the number of assets to be inspected from 250
to 500.
– This would enable us to complete the entire system in
10 years.

23. Questions??