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Saint Clair County weighs 150 kW generator, trenching and transfer‑switch costs for operation center backup power
Summary
Staff recommended a 150 kW generator for the operations center after winter power peaks approached 151 kW; commissioners discussed transfer‑switch specs, power‑management timers, metering and an estimated installation package in the low six figures that will be refined and brought back for formal approval.
County staff reviewed vendor specifications for backup power at the county operations center, noting recent peak loads and the vendor recommendation. “The winter peak was a 168 KVA, which is a 151 KW,” Rodney (speaker 7) reported while reviewing generator specs; the vendor recommended a 150 kW generator. Commissioners discussed whether the transfer switch would need replacement, the cost of trenching and meter work, and options for power‑management equipment that staggers compressor start‑up to avoid large simultaneous inrush currents.
Chair (speaker 1) summarized the rough budget range discussed during the session: “So at some point, we'll have the plus or minus 122,000 for the generator itself and plus or minus x number of dollars for the meter trenching, and I'll tell us the whole package,” he said, adding a ballpark estimate near $150,000 for the complete install. Staff also flagged that transfer‑switch reliability and timer management are operational concerns; vendors suggested including a timed start‑up delay for major compressors. The item will return with refined quotes and a procurement recommendation for formal action on the commission agenda.
