Why Neighborhood Transformers Are Getting Bigger

A suburban home with an eco-friendly design features solar panels on its roof, surrounded by a well-maintained lawn and neatly trimmed bushes under a clear blue sky.

Ever notice the green metal boxes on the corner of your street, or the big cylindrical transformers up on power poles? If they’re looking a little bigger lately, that’s no accident. Quietly, across neighborhoods like yours, the electrical grid is growing up and, out.

Homes are pulling more power than ever, and utility companies are racing to keep up. So, what’s driving all this change? And what does a larger transformer mean for you?

Let’s break it down.

We’re Plugging In More Than Ever

An electric vehicle is connected to a home charging station outside a modern, well-illuminated house, showcasing the ease of home EV charging solutions

You might be charging your EV in the garage, using a smart thermostat, or heating your home with a high-efficiency heat pump. If not, chances are your neighbor is. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), energy use in homes—especially from electric vehicles—is rising fast.

That’s great news for the environment. But it also puts more strain on transformers that were installed 20, 30, or even 50 years ago.

What about costs? While upgrading infrastructure requires investment, utilities often phase in changes over time, minimizing sudden rate hikes. Plus, modern transformers are more efficient, which can help stabilize long-term energy costs.

The Grid is Feeling the Pressure

Transformers are the quiet workhorses of the electrical grid, but many of them were built for a very different era. As homes electrify everything from cars to cooktops, the Department of Energy says it’s time for a major upgrade (DOE Grid Modernization).

Studies have shown that even a small cluster of EVs charging simultaneously in a neighborhood can strain local transformers, leading to potential overloads. For example, research analyzing thousands of residential transformers found that increased EV charging demand could necessitate upgrades to prevent failures.

See study: here

Will this cause disruptions? Most upgrades happen seamlessly—utility crews work efficiently, often completing installations with minimal downtime. Some projects may require brief power interruptions, but these are usually scheduled in advance to avoid inconvenience.

Bigger Transformers = Smarter Service

So why are transformers getting bigger? Simple: we need more capacity, more reliability, and more safety.

With a properly sized transformer, neighborhoods benefit from:

·         Fewer outages during hot or cold snaps

·         Safer, more efficient power delivery

·         Room to grow - more EVs, more solar, more smart homes

What about aesthetics? While newer transformers are bulkier, utilities often use landscaping or strategic placement to maintain neighborhood appeal.

What This Means for You

A charming suburban home is warmly lit against the backdrop of a clear evening sky, showcasing its inviting porch and manicured lawn.

That new transformer at the end of your street? It’s not just an upgrade—it’s an investment

in reliability, safety, and a brighter future.

We’re proud to help power that shift. And if you're part of a utility team or community planning committee, let’s talk about how we can support your next upgrade with safety, sustainability, and service at the core. Transformer Technologies ensures responsible removal, recycling, and disposal of end-of-life transformers—giving customers peace of mind and the freedom to focus on what matters most.

Reach out to Transformer Technologies and see how we can help power what’s next.