Explanation
1. BACKGROUND
This ordinance authorizes the Director of Public Utilities to enter into a contract with GPD Group for professional services for the 69-2 Circuit Improvements project, CIP #670608-100015, in an amount up to $1,526,280.03.
The City of Columbus, Division of Power (DOP) 69-2 Circuit Improvements project will upgrade a 50 year old transmission circuit. This circuit is 9.7 miles long and stretches from the Southerly Substation to the Jackson Pike Substation. Some of the line has already been upgraded, but 8.3 miles of this circuit still need to be reconductored with newer, larger wire to extend the useful life of this circuit and to provide additional capacity for increased current from a planned solar field. The scope of improvements will also include condition based pole replacements, lightning arrestor replacements, and other work deemed necessary to meet national Electrical Safety Code requirements and proper transmission pole line.
DOP is currently working with a solar developer on two other projects that will be operational in 2023. The solar developer is eager to maintain the momentum and begin planning and design efforts on another solar field at the city’s Compost Facility. Bringing this additional solar power source online will get the City closer to the City goals in the Climate Action Plan of increasing commercial on-site solar to 200MW and 100% clean energy procurement for DOP. The target for these commitments is 2030, thus the need for DOP to implement this project now.
The work to be performed for this contract includes project management, field survey, detailed design, preparation of construction drawings, obtaining any permits necessary for the work, engineering services during construction, and preparation of record plan drawings.
Project area: 99 City Wide
TIMELINE: The Notice to Proceed for the contract is anticipated to be issued in the first quarter of 2024. The initial contract funding is anticipat...
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