Title
Ratification of Expenses for Emergency Replacement of Motor for Otowi Well #4
Recommended Action
I move that the Board of Public Utilities Approve Expenses for Emergency Replacement of Motor for Otowi Well #4 in an Amount Not to Exceed, $130,000, plus applicable Gross Receipts Tax.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Board approve as presented.
Body
In June of 2021 Otowi Well #4 was taken out of service due to excessive noise believed to be from a worn thrust bearing in the motor. The motor was removed and sent to an electric motor shop to diagnose the problem. The motor was disassembled and inspected in the motor shop and the bearings were confirmed to be worn and in need of replacement. In addition, the stator and rotor of the motor were found to be contaminated with an oil/bearing-dust crust. The crust combined with the operating heat has begun to delaminate the motor windings. Photos of the motor condition are provided in Attachment D. The motor windings require either rewinding or replacement. A quote was obtained to refurbish the existing motor and to replace the motor with a new one. The cost to replace the motor was $18,000 higher than the cost to refurbish. The decision was made to replace the motor since the 30-year old motor has already been rewound once before in 2002. A purchase order has been issued to the motor shop to proceed to manufacture a new motor. The new motor is scheduled to be installed before next spring when water demands increase. Staff estimated the expense to install the new motor at $20,000 since it requires a custom coupler to be built and balancing.
Due to the urgency to bring the well back online, an emergency purchase was requested by the DPU, and authorized by the purchasing manager to purchase the new motor. We are seeking approval from the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) for expenses associated with replacement of the well motor which normally require approval by the ...
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