CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Approve the award of Cooperative Procurement 25-218, Replacement 138kV Switches, to Wesco for an amount not to exceed $232,296
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DEPARTMENT: Electric Utility
SUBMITTED BY: Brian Groth, Director
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW:
N/A
BACKGROUND:
The Naperville Electric Utility (Utility) 138kV system was built with the ability to sectionalize and isolate portions of the system for operational needs or the safety of crews working on equipment. Disconnect switches are the primary component utilized to sectionalize the system. The Utility performs maintenance on disconnect switches over a five-year interval. While it is common for switches to be in service for decades, eventually obtaining parts becomes difficult.
During scheduled maintenance performed in spring of 2025 at Meadows and Westside substations, operational issues were identified with the 138kV disconnect switches. Additional 138kV disconnect switches are required to support the major reliability upgrades that are ongoing at Tollway Substation.
DISCUSSION:
Due to the reliability impact that equipment such as disconnect switches have on a large number of customers, the replacement of these switches is critical. The existing switches, now nearly 30 years old, are beyond practical repair or reconditioning. Failed 138kV switches at Meadows Substation would eliminate the ability to use one of our feeds from ComEd and would put the three stations on 75th Street on a single contingency feed from Westside Substation.
The Utility has standardized on replacement disconnect switches from Southern States as they have proven reliable. In addition to procuring these new switches, a disconnect switch extension kit is required for an existing switch at Tollway Substation and is included in this purchase.
Staff has identified an approved cooperative contract, Sourcewell Cooperative Contract 091422-WES through Wesco, for the procurement of replacement switches.
The switches have a lead time of approximately 52 weeks, delivery is expected by August 31, 2026. The project should be completed within six months of the delivery of all the material.
FISCAL IMPACT:
CIP #: EU022
Replacement 138kV switches are expensed to the Operating Supplies account listed below. Capital equipment is initially expensed to an Operating Supplies account and stored in the warehouse. Once installed for a project, staff will assign the expense to the correct capital project. The equipment associated with this order is not expected to be received until 2026. Although the 2026 budget has not been finalized yet, staff will ensure that the proper amount is included to fund this award.
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Account Number |
Fund Description |
Total Budget Amount |
|
40251300-551502 |
Electric Utility Fund |
TBD |