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City approves $137,126 SCADA system purchase for electric utility; public raises cybersecurity concerns
Summary
Council approved the purchase of a SCADA system (not to exceed $137,126) to provide real‑time electrical monitoring and remote switching; a public commenter urged the council to confirm secure communications and implementation safeguards.
The council approved procurement of a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) software system for the city electric utility, funded from the Electric System Improvement Fund and not to exceed $137,126. Staff said the system will enable real‑time monitoring, outage identification and future automatic switching; training is included for city personnel.
During public comment an engineer with experience in power systems urged councilors to ask vendors about cybersecurity and secure lines of communication because SCADA systems can provide remote control over switches and equipment. "This cannot be done over a telephone line… it has to be done in some secure manner," the commenter said, asking staff to confirm compliance and secure implementation.
Council voted to approve the purchase by roll call with all members voting yes. Staff noted an optional support plan is available for an additional annual fee and that training will be provided to city crews.
