IPL selects AMI program manager; Independence Power Partners turbines and data center progress outlined

City staff told the Public Utilities Advisory Board that they have finalized terms with a program manager for the advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) program and will forward the agreement to city council for approval. The transcript identifies the selected firm as TMG Utility Advisory Services; staff said the program manager will oversee technology selection, network design, installation and customer communications across the life of the program rather than performing only meter installations.

Separately, staff updated the board on Independence Power Partners (IPP) coordination with a local data center and said an integrated battery storage system will connect to the city substation. Staff reported the first set of turbines already in the procurement queue will be completed later this fall and stored until the site is ready; phase 1 of the generating plant is targeted to be online in October 2027.

A board member raised noise concerns for nearby neighborhoods and asked about mitigation. Staff said the phase 1 units are small, modular and enclosed, include back-end environmental controls that reduce sound, and that IPP plans to build a sound wall along Truman Road and North Powell as part of mitigation and screening.

Staff also noted public outreach events, including an open house and study-session discussions about protections and rates related to the data center.