CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
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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
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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 tech...
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