08-24-2020 BPU RPT 04 - Laserfiche WebLink

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W A T E R E N E R G Y L I F E RIVERSIDE PUBLIC UTILITIES • ' Board Memorandum P U B L I C U T I L I T I E S BOARD OF PUBLIC UTILITIES DATE: AUGUST 24, 2020 ITEM NO: SUBJECT: PURCHASE ORDER WITH TRANE U.S. INC. FOR MAINTENACE AND AS NEEDED REPAIRS ON THE AIR INLET CHILLERS AT RIVERSIDE ENERGY RESOURCE CENTER FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2020, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2022, FOR A TWO-YEAR TOTAL OF $148,359 ISSUE: Approve the issuance of a purchase order with Trane U.S. Inc. for maintenance and as needed repairs of the air inlet chillers at the Riverside Energy Resource Center from September 1, 2020, through September 30, 2022, for a two-year total of $148,359. RECOMMENDATION: That the Board of Public Utilities approve the issuance of a purchase order with Trane U.S. Inc. for the maintenance and as -needed repairs on the air inlet chillers at the Riverside Energy Resource Center from September 1, 2020 through September 30, 2022, for $74,179.50 per year, for a two-year total of $148,359. BACKGROUND: Riverside Public Utilities owns and operates the Riverside Energy Resource Center (RERC). This facility is comprised of four (4) fast -start gas turbines units that are strategically located in the city limits and achieve maximum power output in less than ten minutes. RERC generates 195 megawatts (MW) of electricity and serves a critical role in meeting customer demands during peak periods. Each unit pair at RERC share a 3,500 -ton air inlet chiller system. The chilling system cools the ambient air entering each gas turbine to 47 degrees Fahrenheit. During summer peak months, 20% of plants capacity to generate electricity is attributed to the colder air from the air inlet chillers. Without the chillers, the plant capacity can be reduced from 196 MW to 157 MW. Both chillers at RERC have reached a stage in their useful life cycle that requires a higher level of maintenance to sustain high equipment reliability and compliance with California Air Resource Board (CARB) regulations. CARB regulates the amount of refrigerant released into the environment and requires each owner to install and maintain a leak detection system. Refrigerant usage is closely monitored, and leaks are repaired on a best effort basis. Staff assessed the situation with the air inlet chillers and decided to pursue a two-year maintenance program from a vendor with the equipment expertise.