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Council approves smaller standby generators; staff warns full pump backup will be costlier
Summary
Council approved a contract for smaller diesel generators for electronic systems but staff said full backup for pump stations will require much larger ground-mounted generators and estimated a total system cost around $21 million.
The council approved a consent-item contract to install smaller diesel generators intended to power electronics, SCADA systems and limited onsite loads, but staff warned that full backup power for pump stations requires much larger equipment and additional investment.
Public Works staff explained the contract covers compact diesel generators (about 20 kV) suitable for electronics, gates and communications. For pump stations that keep water moving, the city relies on trailer‑mounted or ground‑installed generators in the 300–400 kV range; staff said those installations drive the larger cost. An initial estimate presented at the meeting put the total cost to provide backup power for all pump stations at about $21 million.
Councilmember Litster pulled the consent item for questions about scope and fuel logistics; staff said diesel fuel trailers and refueling procedures are in place and the purchase under consideration is a first step. The council approved the contract and the rest of the consent calendar unanimously.
