Council awards transformer purchase to Wesco amid supply‑chain constraints, approves up to $860,000

Newton City Council on April 19 approved staff’s recommendation to procure electric distribution transformers through Wesco Distribution, Inc., via the Sourcewell purchasing cooperative in an amount not to exceed $860,000, after staff reported limited vendor responsiveness and long manufacturer lead times.

Public Works and Utilities Director Dusty Wentz told the council that growth and multiple residential development projects have increased demand for distribution transformers and that vendors reported manufacturers are reluctant to quote transformers at this time. Wentz said staff solicited quotes from three vendors; only Wesco responded, and three of Wesco’s manufacturers had stopped quoting. Wesco’s quote was good only through April 29, 2022. Wentz said the city expects actual costs to be determined after layout designs are finalized but does not expect the total to exceed $860,000.

Wentz cautioned that transformers and other critical materials face exceptionally long lead times—potentially more than a year after order date—and that staff is exploring temporary-power options for new sites. Council Member Ed Sain moved and Council Member Jerry Hodge seconded awarding the bid to Wesco; the motion carried unanimously. A companion budget ordinance amendment was adopted to fund the purchase.

The award is contingent on Wesco being the only responsive bidder when bids closed on April 20. Final unit types, quantities and delivery schedules will be set once development layout approvals are complete, and long lead times mean developers and city staff must plan procurement timelines well in advance.