Agenda Information Sheet
DEPARTMENT: Denton Municipal Electric
CM/ ACM: Howard Martin
Date: August 2, 2016
SUBJECT
Title
Hold a public hearing and consider adopting a resolution regarding the proposed site for construction, expansion, and use of an electric power transmission/distribution substation located in the southwest area of the City of Denton, north of Farmer to Market Road 2449, east of John Paine Road, south of Springdale Drive (on Hickory Creek), west of Interstate 35W; in the City of Denton, Texas; as part of Denton Municipal Electric’s service territory. (Underwood Substation)
Body
BACKGROUND
Denton Municipal Electric (DME) has identified several projects that are critical to maintaining reliability and allowing Denton to continue to grow. Reconstruction of the Underwood Substation is one project that is necessary. The need for a substation in the vicinity of the above described area (EX 1), in the City of Denton, Texas, has been identified and shared with closely impacted landowner representatives.
This new Underwood substation is needed to provide load serving capability in the west and southwest areas of DME’s service territory. DME has singly certified areas on both sides of I-35W generally south of FM1515 (Airport Road) and north of Crawford Road where it is obligated to provide electric service. There is not adequate substation capacity in the area to provide the level of reliable service to this area that is typical in other areas of DME’s system. For example, one residential area can receive power from only one station at this time. Another substation is required to resolve this issue and provide an alternate power supply source. Further, as interest in commercial areas south of Airport Road continues to grow, another substation in the area would allow more options for service and for recovery in the event of outages.
State and federal laws mandate specific and well defined performance requirements for utility systems. DME must comply with these requirements not only to ensure regulatory compliance, but more importantly, to maintain the best reliability of electric service to our customers.
DME has had an Open House and meetings to discuss the siting of the proposed substation and transmission routes with the landowner representatives of the potential site area and has received feedback from them.
OPTIONS
1. Approve the option presented.
2. Do not approve of a site option and direct that other actions be taken.
3. Table the discussion.
4. Postpone action for another meeting.
RECOMMENDATION
Based upon information received during Open House meetings and discussions with land owners, preliminary site studies, DME recommends that the Green Substation Site Option (EX 2) be selected in accordance with the Public Utilities Board Public Hearing determination on July 25th.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (Council, Boards, Commissions)
Options were presented in closed session to PUB on June 13, 2016 and City Council on June 21, 2016. The Public Utilities Board held a Public Hearing on July 25, 2016 and recommending moving forward to City Council with the Green Substation Site Option.
STRATEGIC PLAN RELATIONSHIP
The City of Denton’s Strategic Plan is an action-oriented road map that will help the City achieve its vision. The foundation for the plan is the five long-term Key Focus Areas (KFA): Organizational Excellence; Public Infrastructure; Economic Development; Safe, Livable, and Family-Friendly Community; and Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship. While individual items may support multiple KFAs, this specific City Council agenda item contributes most directly to the following KFA and goal:
Related Key Focus Area: Public Infrastructure
Related Goal: 2.3 Promote superior utility services and facilities
EXHIBITS
1. Underwood Location Map
2. Proposed Substation Sites
3. DME Substation Locations Map
4. Project Information Sheet
Respectfully submitted:
Phil Williams
General Manager
Denton Municipal Electric
Prepared by:
Elizabeth Bell
Denton Municipal Electric