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W A T E R E N E R G Y T I F F <br />RIVERSIDE PUBLIC UTILITIES <br />id& Board Memorandum <br />P U B L I C U T I L I T I E S <br />BOARD OF PUBLIC UTILITIES DATE: NOVEMBER 25, 2019 <br />ITEM NO: 5 <br />SUBJECT: PURCHASE TEN (10) SOLID DI -ELECTRIC VACUUM FAULT INTERRUPTER <br />SWITCHES FROM INNOVATIVE SWITCHGEAR SOLUTIONS, INC., IN AN <br />ESTIMATED AMOUNT OF $776,768.63 <br />ISSUE: <br />Approve the purchase of ten (10) Solid Di -electric Vacuum Fault Interrupter switches from Innovative <br />Switchgear Solutions, Inc., in an estimated amount of $776,768.63. <br />RECOMMENDATION: <br />That the Board of Public Utilities approve the purchase of ten (10) Solid Di -electric Vacuum Fault Interrupter <br />switches, from Innovative Switchgear Solutions Inc., of Dacona, Colorado, in accordance with Purchasing <br />Resolution 23256, Section 702(1) in an estimated amount of $776,768.63. <br />BACKGROUND: <br />Switches provide the means for energizing and de -energizing portions of the electric system during normal <br />and emergency operations. The Distribution Automation Control System provides the ability to transfer <br />the load from one source to another to minimize system downtime and ensure the provision of high quality <br />and reliable electric service to customers. <br />Riverside Public Utilities (RPU) Operations staff performs annual inspections on switches and related <br />components to monitor the gas insulating levels and performance. The latest annual inspection results <br />indicate there is insulating gas leaking from numerous switches currently in service. These identified <br />switches need to be replaced in order to comply with CARB (California Air Resources Board) requirements <br />by 2020. Schedules for replacement of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) switches will follow a prioritization <br />hierarchy to assure that switches in the worst condition will be expedited for removal from service, and <br />replaced with new switches. <br />DISCUSSION: <br />New Solid Di -electric switches are manufactured to be incredibly safe and efficient and have a very low <br />total life cycle cost. These switches do not use SF6 gas, considered to be the most potent greenhouse <br />gas, contain no flammable oil and are designed to require no routine maintenance. In addition, they are <br />built to utilize existing vaults and maintenance holes, reducing or eliminating additional installation or <br />construction costs. <br />The proposed scope of work includes the installation of six solid di -electric switches (with four spares) at <br />multiple locations throughout the City. Two of the initial switch installations will result in distribution <br />automation control system capabilities at the Auto Center and City Hall, as switch replacements at these <br />locations are considered a priority, based on the current condition of the switches. Where necessary, <br />