CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
title
Approve the award of Cooperative Procurement 25-120, 138kV Hitachi Circuit Breakers, to Wesco, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $2,627,166
body
body
DEPARTMENT: Electric Utility
SUBMITTED BY: Brian Groth, Director
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW:
N/A
BACKGROUND:
A major component of the Electric Utility (Utility) transmission system is 138kV circuit breakers. The City has 36 breakers that are large, complex devices located inside ten of the substations. Their main purpose is to trip/open under the control of a relay to interrupt power flow when there is a system problem, or when directed by a System Controller to isolate parts of the system to make it safe for crews to perform work.
The oldest circuit breakers in use are outdated models from ABB from the 1980s. Meadows Substation and Modaff Substation are equipped with these obsolete ABB-type HPL and HLR breakers. In addition, the City operates 18 obsolete Siemens breakers, specifically the Siemens TCP style. These 18 TCP breakers, which were installed in 1990, have surpassed their planned 30-year lifespan. Springbrook Substation and Route 59 Substation each have three of these Siemens TCP breakers.
Sourcing both qualified technicians and replacement parts for the maintenance of these circuit breakers has become increasingly difficult. In the event of a catastrophic failure, the Utility does not have a spare breaker available to restore the system, which could result in large portions of the service territory being on its last contingency. This increases the risk of prolonged power outages if a second issue arises while the breaker is out of service.
To maintain the reliability of the 138kV transmission system, modernization of both the ABB and Siemens breakers is essential.
DISCUSSION:
Utility Engineering, in collaboration with consultants Sargent and Lundy, developed technical specifications for a next-generation breaker to replace the Siemens TCP and ABB HPL and HLR breakers.
Leveraging Wesco’s extensive knowledge base, a cost-effective solution was identified to meet the unique technical requirements, selecting the Hitachi 145PM40-20SD breaker, which is considered a best-in-class solution. This breaker was presented to the Utility and Sargent and Lundy for technical approval and was confirmed to meet all specifications. It is also widely used by other utilities, including ComEd. This procurement will replace six of the 18 Siemens TCP breakers and six ABB HPL and HLR breakers.
Staff have identified an approved cooperative contract, Sourcewell Cooperative Contract 091422 through Wesco, Inc. for the procurement of the 138kV circuit breakers.
The term of the contract is from the date of award through December 31, 2027. Lead time is approximately two years and the Utility expects to receive staggered deliveries of the 12 units throughout 2027.
FISCAL IMPACT:
CIP #: EU047
138Kv Hitachi Circuit Breakers are expensed to the Infrastructure account listed below. These breakers are being purchased in coordination with EU047, 34kV and 138kV Relay Improvements. These breakers will not be received until 2027 due to extended lead times. However, 40% of this award will be due prior to delivery and as a result, it is anticipated that 2025 expenses associated with this award will total $1,050,866, with the remaining $1,576,300 being due at the time of delivery.
The Electric Utility did include $1,275,000 in the 2025 budget for expenses related to EU047, so the 2025 portion of this expense can be accommodated within the budget. Staff will ensure future budgets and accommodate the rest of this award due in 2027.
|
Account Number |
Fund Description |
Total Budget Amount |
|
40251300-551502 |
Electric Utility Fund |
$27,261,400 |