07-26-2021 BPU RPT 07 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

W A T E R E N E R G Y L I F E P U B L I C U T I L I T I E S RIVERSIDE PUBLIC UTILITIES BOARD OF PUBLIC UTILITIES Board Memorandum DATE: JULY 26, 2021 SUBJECT: UNDERGROUND SERVICE ALERT SOLE SOURCE PURCHASE FOR FIVE - YEARS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $500,000 ISSUE: Consider approving the expenditure with Underground Service Alert of Southern California, for five -years from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2026, for a total amount not to exceed $500,000. RECOMMENDATION: That the Board of Public Utilities approve the expenditure with Underground Service Alert of Southern California for five -years from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2026, for a total amount not to exceed $500,000. BACKGROUND: Since 1976, the State of California has utilized the DigAlert program to protect underground installations as well as public health and safety. California Government Code Section 4216 outlines the specific requirements for DigAlert. The code section requirements apply to both operators of underground installations as well as individuals or contractors who are digging or excavating with power equipment or when a permit is required. Underground installations include, among other things, cables, water and electric infrastructure and as such, Riverside Public Utilities (RPU) is required to comply with the Code's requirements as an operator. The DigAlert program provides anyone who needs to dig or excavate, as specified, with a single call number to request that underground installations at their dig site be located and marked at no cost. Anyone performing digging or excavating is required to contact DigAlert and have underground installations identified at their site. DigAlert is administered by a non-profit mutual benefit corporation funded completely by utility members. In Southern California, DigAlert is administered by a sole program provider — Underground Service Alert. As an operator of underground installations, RPU is required to support the costs associated with DigAlert. Specifically, RPU is required to be a member of, participate in, and share the costs of a regional notification center that supports the DigAlert program. Total annual costs for DigAlert vary annually because they are based on the number of calls for service. RPU provides payment for this service monthly.