Klickitat PUD says it is starting to experience critical electric system equipment shortages due to the global shortage of materials and longer delivery delays from many vendors.  Klickitat PUD General Manager Jim Smith says with material delivery delays and increased construction volumes, the utility is short on stock for their standard pad mounted transformers, which take high voltage power from distribution lines and convert it to voltages delivered to residences and businesses when underground power lines are used.  Transformers are on order and the PUD expects deliveries throughout the year.  Compounding the supply chain problem is a large increase in new construction in Klickitat County. The PUD would normally see about $1.4 million in new electric construction activity each year, but in 2021 it was up to $2.8 million and the same is expected for 2022.  At this time, KPUD and the electric industry are seeing the supply chain shortages limited to transformers.