BROCTON — For 60 years, residents in the village of Brocton have been enjoying low cost electricity because of a transformer that has been in operation. Now, however, that transformer is on borrowed time and replacing it will cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

According to a report by Brocton officials, its electric transformer was installed in 1962. Today it serves 800 residential customers and 100 small and large commercial/industrial customers including the Brocton Central School District, Jamestown Plastics, Carbon Graphite, and the Brocton sewer plant which is vital to the local community as well as the Lakeview Shock Prison.

When the transformer was installed it had a life expectancy of 40 years. A second transformer was installed in 2010 and cost over $700,000. The village still owes about $200,000 on the loan for it.

In 2017, a maintenance study was done by the village board about replacing the older transformer with an estimated cost of $750,000. “This cost will be significantly higher at this time due to ever growing costs and indoor breakers and structure needing to be replaced,” said Mayor Craig Miller in the report, which was provided to the Chautauqua County Legislature’s Planning and Economic Development Committee.

Brocton officials said they’re concerned that only having one transformer will put too much strain on it, with the push by the state to move away from fossil fuel. Things like electric buses, cars, homes constructed using electric heat, and all electric appliances will increase the need for electricity.

Even though it’s a local issue, county committee members said they would see what kind of assistance is available through the state or federal governments.

Nate Aldrich, Economic Development Coordinator with the county Department of Planning, said he can help research grant opportunities but said electric grants are not as common as water or sewer grants.

Miller thanked the committee for listening and said he appreciates any help the county can offer.