The City of Gardner, Kansas, is making important investments in its electric system through infrastructure maintenance and system expansion projects designed to improve reliability and support future growth, the Kansas Municipal Agency and the Kansas Municipal Gas Agency reported in their fourth quarter 2026 Power Factor Newsletter.
At Substation 1 in Gardner, crews are completing a major maintenance project on the transformer load tap changer (LTC) after routine dissolved gas analysis testing revealed elevated gas levels in the transformer oil.
Further inspection by Midwest Transformer identified arcing contacts and a significant accumulation of metal shavings inside the LTC, confirming the need for repairs.
The project includes realigning the tap changer mechanism and replacing worn contacts and oil, helping restore the transformer’s condition and ensuring reliable operation for years to come.
“By proactively addressing these issues, the City is reducing the risk of future equipment failures and strengthening the overall reliability of its electric system,” the newsletter article noted.
Designed by Olsson and constructed by Capital Electric, the new substation will provide additional capacity needed to serve continued residential, commercial, and industrial growth throughout the community.
The facility will be equipped with a 15 MVA transformer and has been designed to accommodate a second transformer in the future as demand increases.
“Scheduled to be energized in late spring or early summer 2027, Substation 4 will play a critical role in supporting new development and enhancing system resiliency,” the newsletter article said.
Once operational, Gardner’s total substation capacity will increase to 132 MW across four substations, “ensuring the City is well positioned to meet both current and future energy needs while continuing to provide reliable electric service to its customers.”
