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Council approves $1.5M contract for new air compressors at Donald Von Raesfeld Power Plant
Summary
The council approved a contract with CCO Engineered Systems for replacement of two air compressors and support services at the city’s Donald Von Raesfeld Power Plant (Silicon Valley Power), citing criticality and preventative‑maintenance improvements after a 2023 failure.
Santa Clara’s City Council on Oct. 21 approved staff’s recommendation to award a services agreement to CCO Engineered Systems, Inc., not to exceed $1.5 million, to replace two air compressors, install air dryers and provide preventive maintenance and repair services at the Donald Von Raesfeld generation facility (DVR). The measure passed unanimously.
Background: City staff said one compressor failed in August 2023 and the unit has been rented as an interim solution. SVP staff told council the remaining compressor is original to the plant (early 2000s vintage) and near the end of its useful life. Staff said assets in the generation division are tracked in a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) and that the department is expanding preventative‑maintenance data and asset management practices.
Council questions and staff answers: Vice Mayor Cox asked whether the purchase would include the rented unit; SVP staff said both new compressors will be brand new and the current rental will not be counted toward the replacement. SVP leadership explained they are enhancing preventative‑maintenance programs and acknowledged the plant’s CMMS is being improved. Staff also cited the critical role the compressors play in engine start/stop procedures and said replacing the second, aging compressor is a proactive step.
Vote and next steps: The council approved the contract authorization and related budget items by unanimous vote. Staff said all generation assets are recorded in the CMMS and that the replacement contract and the optional long‑term preventative‑maintenance extension would proceed under procurement procedures.
Ending: The contract is intended to replace aging, critical equipment and to provide an opportunity to expand systematic preventative maintenance across SVP assets.
