County reviews generator specs and transfer-switch costs for operation center

Staff presented generator-sizing data and a replacement proposal for the county’s operation center and related facilities.

Rodney (property/facilities manager, speaker 7) summarized recent peak loads: "The winter peak was a 168 KVA, which is a 151 KW. The summer peak was 120 KVA, which equaled up to be 108 kW." He and other staff recommended a ~150 kW generator to meet observed winter peaks but also discussed using power-management devices so a smaller unit could reliably supply priority loads without oversizing. Staff estimated the generator unit at about $121,856.20 plus transfer-switch and trenching costs and warned that transfer switches and compressor startup amps require time-delay/timer controls.

Commissioners asked about transfer-switch reliability and whether replacement of existing large switchgear would be needed. Staff said the transfer-switch spec still listed a large-dollar item comparable to the existing unit and that trenching and meter work (gas line and meter placement) added to overall installation spend; preliminary full-package estimates were cited in the $150,000 range when meter trenching and ancillary work are included.

Commission direction: Staff to return with a full procurement package (unit price, transfer-switch options, trenching estimate, warranty details and recommended power-management options) for decision at the Tuesday meeting.