The True Cost of Switchgear Ownership

The cheapest asset to buy is not always the cheapest asset to own.

Across the utility industry, procurement decisions are increasingly being guided by whole-of-life value rather than upfront cost alone. As asset owners take a longer-term view of network investment, total cost of ownership (TCO) is becoming an important part of the switchgear selection process.

The Hidden Costs of Asset Ownership

Distribution assets are typically expected to operate reliably for 20, 30, or even 40 years. Over that period, the true cost of ownership extends far beyond the original capital expenditure. Routine inspections, specialist maintenance, replacement components, compliance requirements, operational disruptions, and eventual end-of-life management can all contribute significantly to the total cost of an asset.

This reality is encouraging many utilities to move beyond evaluating equipment solely on purchase price and toward a whole-of-life assessment approach.

Beyond the traditional costs of asset ownership, environmental factors are becoming an increasingly important consideration in switchgear selection. As utilities pursue long-term sustainability goals, environmental performance is now recognised as a factor that can influence maintenance requirements, operational complexity, asset management practices, and ultimately the total cost of ownership.

SF₆ Through a Whole-of-Life Lens

A clear example of this shift can be seen in how utilities are re-evaluating the lifecycle implications of SF₆-based technologies.

For decades, SF₆ has been widely used as an insulating medium in electrical equipment. It has also been viewed primarily through an environmental lens due to its greenhouse gas properties. Today, however, utilities are increasingly recognising the operational and financial implications associated with SF₆ management throughout an asset's lifecycle.

Activities such as gas leak inspections, emissions reporting, gas handling during maintenance, specialist servicing requirements, and end-of-life gas recovery can all add to the cost and complexity of asset ownership, prompting many utilities to explore alternatives that simplify long-term asset management.

These considerations are driving growing interest in SF₆-free technologies across the utility sector. By eliminating greenhouse gas insulation, SF₆-free switchgear can simplify asset management, reduce maintenance requirements, and support lower lifecycle costs. At the same time, it helps utilities advance sustainability objectives without compromising network reliability.

Built on a Long-Term Vision

More than two decades ago, NOJA Power recognised the advantages of eliminating SF₆ from distribution switchgear. Today, what began as a design philosophy has become increasingly aligned with the priorities of utilities around the world.

As a result, the NOJA Power OSM Recloser was developed using solid dielectric insulation technology, eliminating the need for SF₆ gas while delivering the reliability expected from modern distribution networks.

By eliminating SF₆ from the insulation system, utilities can benefit from:

• Reduced maintenance requirements
• Simplified asset management
• Lower environmental risk
• Proven long-term reliability
• Elimination of SF₆ greenhouse gas insulation

As utilities increasingly evaluate assets through a whole-of-life lens, the advantages of SF₆-free technologies are becoming more widely recognised across the industry.

For more than two decades, NOJA Power has championed SF₆-free recloser technology. With more than 140,000 OSM Reclosers now installed across 118 countries, the industry's growing focus on lifecycle cost, operational simplicity, and sustainability is reinforcing the value of that long-standing approach.

For more information about NOJA Power’s OSM Reclosers, visit www.nojapower.com