Transformers take electricity from the power lines and transforms it to a lower voltage, safe for a home. 

Jeremy Walden, the Director of Electric at LCUB said took around 12 weeks to get a transformer before the COVID-19 pandemic. He said that it now takes around 52 weeks.

"We needed to get creative," Walden said. 

Brian Solsbee, the Executive Director of the Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association, said power companies across Tennessee and across the U.S. are dealing with these shortages. 

Solsbee said manufacturers are struggling because of the steel supply. He said it may take between 3 and 5 years to resolve that issue. 

Walden said the transformer shortage is worse for LCUB because they service areas like Hardin Valley, one of the fastest-growing parts of Knox County. 

That's why, Walden said, he wants to prioritize people who live in homes rather than those trying to construct them. 

"If they could work with us in supplying generators for temp service, we can ensure that our customers that are going permanent service would always have transformers available," Walden said. 

The Knoxville Utility Board said in a statement they are monitoring the supply chain issues. A statement from them is below.