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RP&L board approves vehicle bid, refers bucket‑truck bids and flags cybersecurity, large‑load concerns

Richmond Common Council · April 7, 2026

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Summary

The Richmond Board of Power & Light approved a $145,815 award for a budgeted 2026 dump truck, referred a sealed bucket‑truck bid for staff evaluation, approved $9.24M in bills and discussed cyber threats and data‑center energy demands highlighted at the IMPA conference.

At its April 6 session following the common council meeting, the Richmond Board of Power & Light approved several procurement actions and discussed industry risks, including cybersecurity and large electrical loads.

The board approved bills totaling $9,243,429.47. For fleet replacement, staff recommended awarding a 2026 Class 7 dump truck purchase to Wetzel Ford with an $11,000 trade allowance for a net contract price of $145,815; the board voted to award that bid. A sealed bid for a 70‑foot plus bucket truck (submitted by Altec Industries at $229,764) was received; the board referred that bid to staff for tabulation, evaluation and a later recommendation.

RP&L’s general manager reported takeaways from the Indiana Municipal Power Agency (IMPA) annual meeting: an 18% rise in cyber threats against utilities since recent international conflict, concerns about social‑engineering and vendor cybersecurity, and the importance of vendor‑related tabletop exercises to test response plans. The manager also summarized presentations on large loads (noting data centers are projected to account for a growing share of electric demand) and resource adequacy issues. He quoted comparative energy figures discussed at the conference to illustrate AI’s higher energy use compared with a standard web search.

The board agreed to take bids under advisement and return recommendations at a future meeting. Staff said the CCR bond process and related studies are expected to move forward next month.