6.1.G. ERMUSR 04-12-2016 J
Elk River
Municipal Utilities UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING
TO: FROM:
Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission Tom Sagstetter- Conservation and Key Accounts
John Dietz—Chair Manager
Al Nadeau—Vice Chair
Daryl Thompson—Trustee
MEETING DATE: AGENDA ITEM NUMBER:
April 12th, 2016 6.1f
SUBJECT:
Staff Update
DISCUSSION:
• Attended the Elk River Chamber of Commerce Expo and Job fair. There was good
activity at the ERMU booth again this year. Activity at the Expo seemed a little slower
than the past few years. We collected 235 surveys and registered 47 individuals for the
energy efficiency newsletter that is emailed out quarterly. The visitors appreciated the
LED lamps that were provided and the reusable grocery bags. The color changing cups
were a hit with kids and parents alike. There were questions about water and electric
efficiency and ERMU staff has followed up on the questions and comments that were
brought to our attention. A particularly interesting observation was that not one staff
member working the event fielded a question about high electric rates.
• Rebate activity has been high in the first quarter. Staff has issued over$50,000 in rebates
to date and there are a number of large projects in the planning stages at this point. The
electric conservation programs have saved the equivalent of over 800,000 kWh. To date
about 20%of the rebate budget has been spent and ERMU has saved approximately 33%
of the 2016 energy savings goal. The majority of the spending and saving usually occurs
in the last third of the year.
• There was an engine failure at the landfill gas plant on March 17th. The engine was
shipped to Illinois on March 22nd. The estimate for repair at this point is approximately
$112,000. There is the possibility that Caterpillar will be able to cover some expenses
under warranty. They are assessing the engine failure. At this point the cause was a bad
oil bearing that resulted in a rod bearing failure, which then cascaded through the engine
causing significant damage. The pistons, rings, heads, crankshaft, and cylinder liners will
all need to be replaced. The engine block will also have to be inspected to confirm there
is no damage to it.
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