6.1e ERMUSR 04-13-2021UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING
TO:FROM:
ERMU Commission Tom Sagstetter – Conservation & Key Accounts Manager
MEETING DATE: AGENDA ITEM NUMBER:
April13, 2021 6.1e
SUBJECT:
Staff Update
ACTION REQUESTED:
None
DISCUSSION:
In the last 30 days, the level two charger located downtown had 19 sessions and
provided customers with 397kWh of green energy. The DC fast charger at the Coborn’s
fuel station had 25 sessions and provided26kWh. The charger in the ERMU/City Hall
parking lot had6 sessions and provided customers with 33kWh. There was a totalof 50
charging sessions and 456 kWh of energy provided over the last 30 days.
Staff is working with ChargePoint, Inc. to get the DC fast charger repaired. There is a
faulty fan that is limiting the charging ability. The unit is scheduled to be repaired by
April 9.
The Elk River landfill-gas-to-energy facility shut down on Monday April 5 due to a failure
on the Smog Hog. This device serves two functions for all four engines. It creates a
vacuum to remove the exhaust from the crankcase of each engine, and it removes the
smoke and particles from the exhaust. The component of the Smog Hog that failed was
the blower motor fan assembly. The replacement equipment has been ordered but
because of the uniqueness of the equipment, it will take at least 20 days to manufacture
and ship the replacement. To decrease downtime the landfill staff is working to retrofit
the Smog Hog with a temporary blower motor fan assembly. See attached photos.
Landfill staff will also be replacing the exhaust manifolds on engines 2 and 3 due to a
buildup of siloxane residue. See attached photos.
Working with City staff and the Energy City Commission to update the 10-Year Action
Plan and the marketing plan. The Commission also gained a new member.
Staff is finalizing riding and operation directions for the electric bike in preparation for
training sessions with Energy City Commissioners as well as City and Utilities staff
members. Staff has developed a liability waiver to be used by adults and persons under
18 years of age who are interested in trying the new technology.
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The legislative session is taking shape with the release of the House Omnibus Energy Bill
HF 2110. This bill includes language that was introduced in 2019 withthe Energy
Conservation and OptimizationAct(Article 1, sections 3 – 20,and 32 of HF2110), which
has been a top priority of Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association membership since
thatyear’s session. HF 2110 also brings the Clean Energy First and the Renewable
Energy Standards into the Omnibus Bill. There are many concerns regarding the changes
to renewable/clean energy mandates given the significant infrastructure and
technological limitations that exist. Over the next few weeks there will be considerable
negotiations on specific items in the bill.
ATTACHMENTS:
Photos – Smog Hog Blower Motor Fan Assembly Failure
Photo – Siloxane Residue on Engine Manifold
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