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Power failure at Glens Falls wastewater plant prompts temporary switchgear purchase, generators deployed
Summary
A Dec. 23 power interruption damaged medium-voltage switchgear at the Glens Falls wastewater treatment plant. Staff secured used switchgear, deployed generators and reported estimates that full replacement could cost about $14 million; the board was briefed Jan. 6.
Glens Falls City Water and Sewer Board members were told Jan. 6 that an unexpected power interruption on Dec. 23 damaged medium‑voltage switchgear at the city wastewater treatment plant, forcing staff to secure temporary equipment and put portable generators on site to maintain operations.
Jeremy, a Water and Sewer Department staff member, said, "On the morning of December 23rd, 2024, around 9, 9:30, there was an unexpected power interruption here at the plant." He told the board a contractor with medium‑voltage expertise arrived the same day and staff restored power by about 1 p.m., then recommended steps to reduce the risk of a repeat failure.
The board heard that staff arranged for a used switchgear unit to be held while it is modified for the plant. The city has an invoice/request in for $300,000 and staff estimated the installed cost of the switchgear at roughly $600,000. Board members also received an updated engineering estimate for fully replacing the plant electrical system: about $14,000,000, based on an $800,000 engineering contract paid in 2024.
Chris Miller, an operations and maintenance staff member, described the temporary and near‑term measures: portable generators are on trailers adjacent to treatment buildings and are prepared to be wired to the plant's 4,480‑volt side if the switchgear fails again. Miller said staff plan to connect the temporary switchgear and run the plant on generator power while replacement work proceeds; he estimated the installation outage window at a few hours for the cutover but said unanticipated problems could extend the work to as long as three weeks.
Board members were told that the plant did not violate its discharge permit during the outage on Dec. 23, despite operating near capacity for several hours on a cold day. Mayor (unnamed) and board members credited plant operators for maintaining service and avoiding a permit violation.
City staff said they are evaluating funding sources for the emergency work and longer‑term replacement. The wastewater account showed the department was under budget in preliminary year‑end figures, and staff said roughly $900,000 of under‑budget funds could be available pending final closeout of 2024 accounts. Other potential sources under discussion included the city's construction/reconstruction fund, the water and sewer fund balance and state assistance programs administered by the Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) through the state's Intended Use Plan (IUP). The mayor said the city has contacted the governor's office for possible assistance.
The board expects staff to present formal cost estimates and financing options to Common Council at an upcoming meeting and to continue discussion at the board's Jan. 21 workshop.
