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Transformer Installation Timelapse at Fort Randall Dam

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District

Nov. 6, 2023 | 0:35

October 11, 2023, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District's contract partner Koontz Electric Company, Inc. installed the last of four new three-phase generator step-up transformers at the Fort Randall Dam Project in Pickstown, South Dakota.

This modernization and necessary upgrade is expected to increase the energy capacity at the dam from 320 megawatts to 400 megawatts, or a power increase from approximately 167,000 homes to 209,000 annually.
GSU transformers serve as the vital connection between the power plant and the transmission network, at times operating at maximum capacity around the clock. They must be constructed to endure intense thermal stress while operating with the upmost reliability.

This project replaces the original GSU transformers due to age and the need for increased transformer ratings to support the upcoming enhancements to the turbines/generators at the Fort Randall Project. This immense undertaking includes not only placing the new transformers, but also positioning them, connecting them to the power and control systems of the power plant, and setting up oil containment.

Koontz Electric was awarded the installation contract for $10.3 million, and they are on track to finish the work by November 2023. PAF Electrical Inc. secured the $7.9 million supply contract for the three-phase packaged GSU transformers. These transformers were manufactured in Germany, shipped to Galveston, Texas, transported by rail to Parkston, South Dakota, and finally delivered for installation at Fort Randall.