Council hears report on IID off‑site power change order; energization now targeted for January 2026

City staff and Imperial Irrigation District (IID) representatives told the Indio City Council on Oct. 1 that a change order to the GCX contract for IID off-site power work is necessary to complete electrical service for several pending developments and will delay full energization until January 2026.

Jose Ramirez, principal management analyst for the city, said the work is part of the city's obligation under a cooperation agreement with Candu LLC, the Greens developer. The scope covers off-site IID work to bring power to the northeast corner of Avenue 40 and Jackson Street and will enable energization of the golf-course clubhouse and nearby commercial tenants, Ramirez said. "Approval of this change order keeps us on track to energize, not only the new golf course clubhouse, but the Chick‑fil‑A and Dutch Brothers as well," Ramirez said.

Ramirez explained the change order arose after IID requested relocation of a vault on Aug. 7, 2025; the contractor had already built conduits and the relocation required removal, resurveying and reinstallation. Ramirez said unknown site conditions and fuel-cost variances also added work. He told the council the change order is within the project budget so the city is not requesting additional appropriations.

When asked for a revised schedule, Ramirez said the contractor originally expected to finish in 2025 but "now it looks like we might not have power until January 2026." IID representatives committed to a coordinated, all‑hands meeting with city staff and stakeholders to improve communication and avoid similar mid‑project changes in the future. Antonio Ortega, IID government affairs, and Guillermo (IID distribution manager) said IID will work on increased coordination and earlier review of developer plans.

Council discussion emphasized the effect of delays on businesses and on other city projects, including the sports park and apartment construction. Councilmembers asked city staff and IID to meet with developers to surface potential conflicts earlier and to improve notice about costs and schedule impacts to private developers and tenants.

The item was on the council's consent calendar and the consent motion later passed unanimously as part of the meeting's consent vote, which included approval of routine items and the change order for the IID off‑site work. The city manager and IID said they will schedule follow‑up coordination meetings and continue tracking the energization timeline.