6.1f ERMUSR 08-13-2019Elk River
Municipal Utilities
UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING
TO:
FROM:
ERMU Commission
Tom Sagstetter— Conservation & Key Accounts Manager
MEETING DATE:
AGENDA ITEM NUMBER:
August 13, 2019
6.1f
SUBJECT:
Staff Update
ACTION REQUESTED:
None
DISCUSSION:
• In the last 30 days, the level two charger located downtown had 9 sessions, and
provided customers with 31 kWh of green energy. The charger in the ERMU/City Hall
parking lot had 22 sessions and provided customers with 191 kWh of green energy. The
DC fast charger at the Coborn's fuel station has had 8 sessions and provided 45 kWh of
green energy to customers. There was a total of 39 charging sessions and 267 kWh of
energy provided over the last 30 days.
• The landfill gas plant's Engine # 1 was returned to service on July 17. It was shut down
on July 1 because siloxane was able to buildup in the engine during a power outage.
Siloxane is oxidized silicon dioxide (a component in landfill gas) which can form deposits
on pistons, cylinder heads, and valves. It is extremely abrasive and can damage all parts
of the engine. Staff is working with Waste Management, and the League of Minnesota
Cities Insurance Trust to determine the causes and costs of this outage.
• ERMU staff attended eight Night to Unite parties on August 6. Staff provided tours and
brief demonstrations of how the newest bucket truck works. Children were able to
stand in the bucket (on the ground) and get a feel for what it's like to be a lineworker.
Staff also provided candy to partygoers that brought lots of smiles to everyone involved.
There were many questions about the Connexus transfers at a few of parties. In general
the customers were pleased or indifferent to the transfer. There were some questions
about specific rates and changes to the distribution system in their neighborhoods that
will be handled on an individual basis with the customers.
• Completed a commercial walk through energy audit with a local church. The major focus
of the audit was lighting and HVAC systems, and it was also noted that they have some
commercial grade kitchen equipment that was old and could be replaced as well. Staff
discussed educating users of the building to be mindful of what they turn on, and to
make sure they turn the equipment off or down when leaving the building.
• Please remember to stop by the Eco -Experience Building at the Minnesota State Fair on
August 26. ERMU and City Staff will be at the MN Department of Commerce booth from
9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The City was awarded a grant to participate in a day at the fair to
highlight the progressive energy and environmentally sustainable initiatives that our
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community has been leading. The display for Elk River will feature electric vehicles, the
new solar array at City Hall, and the landfill gas to electric facility.
ATTACHMENTS:
• Photos - Damage to Engine 1
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6.1f1—Photos of Damage to Engine 1
Engine 1—Cylinder 10 Piston
Engine 1—Cylinder 10 Piston— Close
Engine 1—Cylinder 8 Piston
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Engine 1—Cylinder 8 Head