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Staff reports: outages, meter replacements, ACS ramp-up and software RFP updates
Summary
Operations staff reported a July transmission outage and a short transformer outage, ongoing water-main flushing and meter replacements, American Crystal Sugar’s staged restart, and progress on a software replacement RFP; staff and commissioners discussed budget inputs for 2026.
Operations and administrative staff provided a series of routine updates at the Aug. 6 meeting covering recent outages, ongoing maintenance and planning for 2026 budgets.
Ryan (operations) reported that a WAPA transmission outage during a thunderstorm on July 27 caused a multi-hour interruption; crews rerouted supply and restored service by 4:33 a.m. A separate incident occurred when a vehicle struck the backside of a transformer; crews repaired the line and the outage lasted about 54 minutes. Crews also completed upsized cable elbow installations near the American Legion and assisted a neighboring utility with materials during a four-hour outage.
Water crews have been flushing mains and are identifying and scheduling needed repairs; staff said they are about two weeks from completing the current flushing cycle. Meter replacements continue, with 38 meters still outstanding as of the report. Staff noted American Crystal Sugar began staged generation and expected broader generation ramp-up by Aug. 14, which will affect load and switching requirements.
On administrative work, staff said RFP responses for a software replacement had been narrowed to four vendors and on-site demonstrations are planned; staff expect a recommendation after demonstrations. Finance staff reviewed how state grant revenue for Highway 2 lighting would appear on city capital and O&M ledger lines and reminded commissioners that donation rules and franchise-fee considerations affect budgeting.
Why it matters: These operational matters affect reliability, near-term load planning and the 2026 budget outlook. Several items will feed into upcoming budget presentations.
Next steps: Staff continue flushing work, complete meter replacements, monitor ACS generation impacts and return with RFP recommendations and budget figures as the 2026 proposal is developed.
