REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action on Amendment No. 6 to Contract 89-SAO-50003 with Western Area Power Administration (WAPA, a non-profit agency of the United States Department of Energy) to Provide Additional Inspections on the City’s Grizzly Powerhouse 115 kV Transmission Line
Report
BACKGROUND
On April 24, 1989, the City of Santa Clara’s Electric Utility, Silicon Valley Power (SVP), entered into a 15 year agreement, Contract 89-SAO-50003 ending on December 31, 2004, with Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) to provide emergency aid and optional permanent repair services of the 60-kV transmission lines on SVP’s Stony Gorge and Black Butte Transmission Lines.
On May 21, 1996, Amendment No. 1 was executed to update the August 15, 1985 General Power Contract Provisions (GPCP) with January 3, 1989 GPCP revisions.
On November 25, 2003, Amendment No 2 was executed to amend the scope of services for WAPA to perform annual inspections of SVPs Stony Gorge and Black Butte transmission lines, and extend the term of the contract through December 18, 2018.
On December 7, 2005, Amendment No. 3 was executed at SVP’s request, to discontinue service by WAPA to perform annual inspections of the transmission lines at Stony Gorge and Black Butte based on the City’s decision to perform the inspections in-house with City forces.
On June 30, 2015, Amendment No. 4 was executed at SVP’s request to resume service by WAPA to perform annual inspections of the Stony Gorge and Black Butte transmission lines. With the volume of development and related work taking place within the City, along with new more stringent inspection requirements, it was determined that it would be more effective and compliant to utilize WAPA for annual inspections.
On November 13, 2018, Amendment No. 5 was executed to extend the term of the Contract through December 31, 2023, to continue service by WAPA to provide inspections, and emergency aid and optional permanent repair services of the 60-kV transmission line at Stony Gorge and Black Butte Hydroelectric Projects.
DISCUSSION
Staff proposes to enter into Amendment No. 6 with WAPA to perform additional inspections services on the Grizzly 115kV transmission line owned by the City. The City is the owner of the Grizzly 115kV transmission line in California, and the line is maintained and operated by Pacific Gas and Electric. Expanding the scope of this agreement will enable SVP to utilize WAPA’s services to help inspect and manage this asset in addition to the Stony Gorge and Black Butte Hydroelectric Projects and help ensure proper maintenance and operations by PG&E
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(a) as it has no potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
The cost per inspection is $3,496 and will be performed at the City’s request. Funding for this contract was included in the Electric Department’s FY 2018/19 Operating Budget.
COORDINATION
This report has been coordinated with the Finance Department and City Attorney’s office.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Approve Amendment No. 6 to Contract 89-SAO-50003 with Western Area Power Administration to provide additional inspections on transmission lines to generation facilities.
Staff
Reviewed by: Manuel Pineda, Interim Chief Electric Utility Officer
Approved by: Deanna J. Santana, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Amendment No. 6
2. Grizzly Tap Line to Caribou-Palermo 115kV Transmission Line