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Albany Utility Board backs recommendation to seek city approval to buy 60 bypass switches for $231,900
Summary
The Albany Utility Board voted Nov. 20 to recommend that the City Commission approve purchase of 60 600-amp bypass switches for the light department at an estimated cost of $231,900; staff said the switches let crews maintain service during maintenance when used with existing Viper switches.
The Albany Utility Board voted Nov. 20 to recommend that the City Commission approve the purchase of 60 600-amp bypass switches for the light department at an estimated cost of $231,900.
Staff presented Bid REF 26-020 and said Wesco Anixter was the lowest responsive bidder. Presenter Hyde explained the switches are “used in tandem with our Viper switches” so crews can keep customers powered while taking equipment offline for maintenance. Hyde said the purchase supports continuity of service on the electric distribution system.
Utility staff described the devices as 600-amp bypass switches compatible with the Viper switches the city has been installing in its overhead system. According to staff, the Viper program began last year with 30 installations and is expanding this year; the bypass switches enable crews to perform repairs without interrupting the circuit feeding customers.
Board members asked about program scale and financing. Staff said the city installed 30 Viper switches last year, plans 60 this year, and is budgeting annually to continue the program; staff also said they will seek grant funding to accelerate installations. The board moved and seconded a recommendation to the City Commission to approve the purchase; members voted in favor by roll call.
The recommendation will go to the City Commission for final approval. Staff said the purchase will be included in the utility’s capital planning and budget work for the upcoming fiscal cycle.
