CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
title
Approve the award of Cooperative Procurement 26-195, 138kV Hitachi Circuit Breakers, to Wesco, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $1,693,102.00
body
body
DEPARTMENT: Electric Utility
SUBMITTED BY: Raheel Arshed, Deputy Director
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW:
N/A
BACKGROUND:
A critical component of the Electric Utility’s (Utility) 138kV transmission system is its circuit breakers. The Utility operates 36 transmission-class circuit breakers located within ten substations throughout the system. These breakers are essential for maintaining safe and reliable electric service by interrupting power flow during system disturbances and allowing portions of the transmission system to be isolated when required for operational needs or maintenance activities.
The Utility currently operates 18 obsolete Siemens TCP-style circuit breakers that were installed in 1990 and have exceeded their original 30-year service life. These breakers are located throughout the transmission system, including three units each at the Fort Hill and Royce Substations.
As these breakers continue to age, obtaining qualified technicians with experience servicing this equipment and sourcing replacement parts has become increasingly challenging. The limited availability of technical support and obsolete components creates additional challenges in maintaining these critical transmission assets.
To ensure the continued reliability, safety, and resiliency of the Utility’s 138kV transmission system, modernization of the obsolete Siemens TCP circuit breakers is necessary.
DISCUSSION:
Utility staff, in collaboration with its consultant, Sargent & Lundy, developed technical specifications for replacement circuit breakers that meet the operational, reliability, and compatibility requirements of the Utility’s 138kV transmission system.
Through review of available equipment options and coordination with Wesco, Inc., a solution was identified that meets the technical requirements while providing a cost-effective replacement option. The selected replacement equipment is the Hitachi 145PM40-20SD circuit breaker, which was reviewed by city staff and Sargent & Lundy and confirmed to meet the established specifications. This breaker model is currently utilized by other electric utilities, including ComEd, providing additional confidence in its application and industry acceptance. This procurement will replace six of the 18 existing Siemens TCP circuit breakers.
Staff has 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 October 6, 2028. Lead time is approximately two years, and the Utility expects to receive staggered deliveries of the 6 units throughout 2028.
FISCAL IMPACT:
CIP #: EU022
138kV Hitachi Circuit Breakers are expensed to the Infrastructure account listed below. The purchase of these circuit breakers is being done under EU022, the Substation Emergency Repairs and Parts program. The Electric Utility included $1,224,000 in the 2026 budget for expenses related to EU022. Although the lead time on these circuit breakers is approximately two years, the City will have to make milestone payments between the time of the award and the delivery of the circuit breakers. As a result, the City may realize nearly $508,000 worth of expenses related to this award in 2026. This portion of the award is within the 2026 budget amount. Staff will ensure sufficient funding remains in future budgets to support the out-year expenses associated with this award.
|
Account Number |
Fund Description |
Total Budget Amount |
|
40251300-551502 |
Electric Utility Fund |
$25,151,000 |