Transformer lead times reach four years: what it means for outages

pv magazine USA reports that PwC analysts say lead times for high-capacity transformers have reached as long as four years.

What happened

According to one summary cited by pv magazine USA, imports supply about 80% of all U.S. power transformer supply. Power Magazine reports that some market participants argue procurement practices, not manufacturing capacity, are the bottleneck. Foley & Lardner's September 2026 analysis says the grid's bottleneck is materials as well as funding.

What it means for your home

Foley & Lardner's point is that materials as well as funding limit the grid. A household cannot speed up repairs, so it makes sense to plan for outages lasting days rather than hours. Stocking basics now, while stores are open, is a simple step.

What to do this week

• Store at least three days of drinking water for each person.
• Keep shelf-stable food that needs no cooking or refrigeration.
• Keep a charged power station or power bank for phones and lights.
• Put a flashlight and spare batteries by each exit.
• If anyone relies on medicine or a medical device, ask your doctor or pharmacist about a backup plan.

For a full checklist, see the 72-hour blackout plan.