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Manassas utilities report improved electric reliability, ongoing undergrounding and data‑center infrastructure work
Summary
City utility leaders reported that average electric outage duration fell to about 27.7 minutes in 2024 and outlined substation, transformer and cable projects to support service and anticipated data‑center demand.
City utility staff reported improved electric reliability for 2024, described active capital projects to replace underground cable and distribution transformers, and outlined substation and street‑lighting work to support current customers and incoming data‑center load.
Tariq and Anna of the utilities group told council the average customer experienced about 27.7 minutes of outage time in 2024, a significant improvement from roughly 90 minutes in 2023. Staff explained that the figure excludes certain transmission events and planned outages per adopted reliability reporting standards. Tariq said the top causes of the reportable outages were equipment failure (about half of events), weather and animals.
Electric staff described completed Foster Drive substation repairs and the addition of a spare transformer after the Battery Heights outage history; staff said a permanent pad has been installed for the spare transformer to improve resilience. The department reported replacement of roughly 24 distribution transformers and about 75,000 feet of underground cable placed in several neighborhoods in 2024. Staff said they are evaluating a cost‑effective LED replacement approach for historic Old Town fixtures and continue an average pace of conversion of approximately one mile per year from overhead to underground.
On water and sewer, staff said operating revenues and expenses rose modestly in FY24 while capital work continued: the W042 water main program is in phased construction (phase 4 near completion, phase 5 under construction), lead and copper inventory submissions were accepted by the state, and the water treatment plant is undergoing equipment rehabs and upgrades in preparation for an expansion project. Sewer work includes inlet/infiltration (I&I) investigations, CCTV inspection, and lining programs.
Council members asked about sidewalk and school parking lot clearing during storms and whether the city replaces underground cable that is more than 30 years old; staff said both remain priorities and that a separate CIP addresses underground replacements.
