NASHVILLE, TN — On May 10, a power outage at the Belcourt Nursing Home created a monumental challenge for NES employees dispatched to restore electric service. The 4600 lb. transformer causing the outage, located 25 feet under the building in the basement, could not be repaired and needed to be replaced. Newer models of the transformer would not fit through the opening that the original transformer passed through, causing NES crews to find an alternative to restore power. Increasing the urgency of the restoration process was the fact that there were 53 patients in residence at the facility, several of whom were on life support equipment. The facility would have to be evacuated if service could not be restored in short order.
NASHVILLE, TN — On May 10, a power outage at the Belcourt Nursing Home created a monumental challenge for NES employees dispatched to restore electric service. The 4600 lb. transformer causing the outage, located 25 feet under the building in the basement, could not be repaired and needed to be replaced. Newer models of the transformer would not fit through the opening that the original transformer passed through, causing NES crews to find an alternative to restore power. Increasing the urgency of the restoration process was the fact that there were 53 patients in residence at the facility, several of whom were on life support equipment. The facility would have to be evacuated if service could not be restored in short order.
NES crews, lead by Field Superintendent Frank Spickler, consulted with Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) personnel and developed a temporary solution to restore power by installing a pad mounted transformer in the parking lot next to the building. They ran primary cables from the temporary transformer using a pole and a tree allowing power to be turned back on in the building within four hours. “It is employees like these, and work of this nature, that demonstrates our skill and ability to find alternative solutions to difficult problems,” stated Eddie Andrews, Vice President of Construction and Maintenance Operations.
NES is currently working with the nursing home to install a permanent new transformer on the outside of the building. Cindy Bruton, nursing home administrator stated, “The quick response and innovative thinking by the work crew proved to be an absolute lifesaver for us. The men worked through the rain and wind and their attitudes never changed, they helped us out of a critical situation and I don’t know what we would have done without their assistance.” The new installation at the nursing home should be complete within two weeks.
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