CONSENT ITEM
G-6
TO: HONORABLE CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS OF THE AZUSA UTILITY BOARD FROM: TIKAN SINGH, GENERAL MANAGER
DATE: JULY 27, 2026
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF 4 CIRCUIT BREAKERS FOR
THE AZUSA SUBSTATION AND ISSUE A PURCHASE ORDER TO SIEMENS INDUSTRY, INC. IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $183,181.20
BACKGROUND:
At the substation, circuit breakers play a critical role in protecting the electrical system by rapidly clearing faults and de-energizing feeders to safeguard utility infrastructure and public safety. In 2024, the Electric Division replaced 14 circuit breakers at the Azusa Substation after they reached the end of their useful service life. Three additional circuit breakers remain due for replacement as part of this replacement cycle because they have exhibited signs of wear and deterioration. Since circuit breakers are manufactured to order and have lead times of 26 weeks or longer, Staff recommends purchasing the replacement breakers now and scheduling their installation during periods when customer impacts can be minimized. In 2021, Staff expanded the south bus and added a new breaker bay in anticipation of installing an additional feeder to support future development. Thus, Staff recommends purchasing one additional circuit breaker for this expanded bay. The proposed actions waive competitive purchase requirements pursuant to Azusa Municipal Code Section 2-517(a)(31), Article VII, and authorize the issuance of a Purchase Order in an amount not to exceed $183,181.20 (which includes a 15% contingency) for the purchase of four outdoorrated medium-voltage circuit breakers.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the Utility Board take the following actions:
1) Waive the competitive purchase requirements pursuant to Section 2-517(a)(31), Article VII, Chapter 2 of the Azusa Municipal Code (Substation Supervisory Equipment); and 2) Approve the purchase of four (4) new feeder circuit breakers rated at 40kA-1200A with split doors; and
Siemens Industry – Circuit Breakers for Azusa Substation July 27, 2026
3) Authorize the issuance of a Purchase Order to Siemens Industry, Inc. in the amount not to exceed $183,181.20 (which includes a 15% contingency)
ANALYSIS:
In the substation, circuit breakers are critical components of the electrical distribution system that interrupt the flow of electricity when short circuits or other abnormal operating conditions are detected.
Their primary function is to protect substation equipment, maintain system reliability, and ensure public safety. Following industry’s best practices, critical electrical equipment is replaced when it reaches the end of its useful service life or when its condition deteriorates to the point that reliable operation can no longer be assured. In 2024, the Electric division replaced 14 circuit breakers at the Azusa Substation that met the replacement criteria. During routine inspections and maintenance, Staff determined that three additional circuit breakers have exhibited signs of deterioration and now also meet the criteria for replacement. In 2021, Staff constructed an additional breaker bay for a future feeder to accommodate new development and increased electrical demand. To complete this planned infrastructure expansion, Staff recommends purchasing one additional circuit breaker for the new feeder bay. These circuit breakers are custom-manufactured and have estimated lead times of 26 weeks or longer. Staff recommends purchasing all four circuit breakers as soon as possible. Procuring the equipment now will allow Staff to schedule the replacements during winter when customer impacts can be minimized. The Electric personnel have the experience and expertise necessary to complete the installation in-house. Completing the work with City personnel will eliminate contractor installation costs and result in significant cost savings for the department.
Pursuant to Municipal Code Section 2-517, the purchase of these circuit breakers is exempt from the competitive bidding requirements. Staff has solicited and received a sole-source price proposal for the circuit breakers from Siemens Industry, Inc. in the amount of $183,181.20 (which includes a 15% contingency). Staff has reviewed and determined that the proposal submitted by Siemens Industry, Inc. has met all technical specifications and requirements for the circuit breakers at the Azusa Substation.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funding for this project is budgeted for under the Utility’s Electric Capital Improvement Project Budget Account No. 33-80-000-730-7120/73019B-7120.
Siemens Industry – Circuit Breakers for Azusa Substation July 27, 2026
Prepared by: Reviewed and Approved:
Manuel Garcia Hien Vuong
Senior Electrical Engineer Assistant General Manager – Electric Operations Reviewed and Approved: Reviewed and Approved:
Danny Smith Tikan Singh
Utilities Admin & Finance Manager General Manager
Reviewed and Approved:
Sergio Gonzalez
City Manager
Attachments:
1) Siemens Industry Inc. Proposal