REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Authorize the City Manager to (1) Issue Purchase Orders to Atlas Copco Rental for the Rental of an Air Compressor at the Donald Von Raesfeld Power Plant and (2) Execute Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement for Services with Gavin D. Yates Doing Business as Northwest Industrial Engine & Compressor Co., to Provide Gas and Air Compressor Preventative Maintenance Services, Both to be Funded by Silicon Valley Power
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Deliver and Enhance High Quality Efficient Services and Infrastructure
BACKGROUND
The City of Santa Clara's Electric Department, Silicon Valley Power (SVP), operates two power plants in Santa Clara, the Donald Von Raesfeld Power Plant (DVR) and the Gianera Generating Station (Gianera), as well as other power generating assets. These facilities rely on air compressors to supply clean, dry air that is essential for controlling critical equipment, including turbines, pumps, and pressure vessels.
At DVR, two air compressors are integral to ensure optimal operation. In August 2023, one of these air compressors failed. To address this urgent issue, staff secured a rental air compressor to maintain operations. SVP is now seeking City Council authorization for actions necessary to maintain operational continuity, including securing services and equipment, until a new air compressor can be procured and installed.
DISCUSSION
Authorization to Issue Purchase Orders to Atlas Copco Rental
Following the failure of one of the air compressors at DVR in August 2023, SVP has been renting an air compressor from Atlas Copco Rental (Atlas Copco), the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for DVR's compressors. Atlas Copco is the sole vendor offering trailer-mounted air compressors for rental. This rented unit is critical to ensuring redundancy for DVR's instrument air systems and maintaining uninterrupted operations. The current monthly rental cost is $15,000 for this unit.
To date, SVP has spent $195,000 on rental...
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