City utilities report 19.6 MW December peak, Grapevine substation progress and UAMPS pooling changes

Washington City utilities staff reported on a mix of system operations and near-term projects at the board’s January meeting, highlighting a December load peak of 19.6 megawatts, completion of below‑grade work at the Grapevine substation, and forthcoming amendments to the UAMPS pooling agreement that will shift procurement timelines and how the city operates local generators.

“Our December load peak was 19.6 megawatts,” Rick, a utilities staff member presenting the update, said, noting that number is roughly one megawatt higher than the previous high in 2022 and that mild temperatures limited greater demand. He told the board the department has begun work on the fiscal‑year 2027 budget and has submitted capital projects, with additional budget materials expected by mid‑to‑late March.

Why it matters: the procurement and scheduling changes under the UAMPS proposal would move resource decisions earlier in the planning process and reduce day‑of flexibility, which can alter when the city chooses to dispatch its local generators. That could affect operating costs, the city’s ability to respond to short‑term price spikes and long‑term planning for capital projects.

Major updates and operational details

- Generation and maintenance: Staff are addressing recurring wiring failures on engine‑mounted junction boxes by relocating boxes away from vibrating engines and using flexible umbilical connections. Two of three backup engines remain operable; unit 1 is still down. "We're relocating a box…