6.1i ERMUSR 02-09-2021______________________________________________________________________________
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UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING
TO:
ERMU Commission
FROM:
Mike Tietz –Technical Services Superintendent
MEETING DATE:
February 9, 2021
AGENDA ITEM NUMBER:
6.1i
SUBJECT:
Staff Update
ACTION REQUESTED:
None
DISCUSSION:
• In January, the locators processed 137 locate tickets. These consisted of 2 emergency
tickets, 98 normal tickets, 4 non-excavation tickets, 18 updated tickets, 4 cancellations,
5 boundary surveys, and 6 locate meets. This resulted in a 30.1% decrease in tickets
from the previous month and an 48.9% increase over the prior year. The locators
continue to GPS and validate data for our electric maps.
• Electrical Technicians completed 151 service order tasks, updated the power bill,
performed weekly substation checks, attended to customer meter issues and off-peak
concerns.
• On January 21, staff ran generators #1, #2 & #4 and used city water for cooling of the
generators again without any issues. We continue to use city water during the winter
months until Lake Orono is returned to normal levels.
• Mapping department has been working with mPower to complete the Integrator
software implementation. The planned rollout has been delayed due to unforeseen
database configurations with our existing GIS system. Also, mPower is still working with
National Information Solutions Cooperative to complete the integration of CIS with
Integrator. I am still confident that field staff will be using electronic maps before the
construction season begins.
• We are in the process of reviewing applications and will be setting up interviews shortly
for the new Substation Apparatus Technician position.
• On April 21, ERMU will be hosting one of the two hands-on generation schools being put
on by Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association where attendees will learn about
combustion tuning, web deflections and alignment, as well as operational scenarios
such as black starting a power plant. Participants will also have an opportunity to take a
tour of the Landfill Gas Plant facility and learn about the waste gas reclamation facility.
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