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Home My WebLink AboutRES2026-077 RESPEC - Transmission Planning StudySponsored by: Sorensen CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA RESOLUTION 2026-077 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH RESPEC FOR TRANSMISSION PLANNING STUDY SERVICES FOR THE ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $60,260 AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS WHEREAS, Seward Electric System (SES) periodically evaluates the capability, reliability, and future configuration of the electrical transmission system serving Seward to ensure safe and reliable delivery of power to the community; and WHEREAS, the Railbelt Reliability Council (RRC) is developing an Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) for long-term regional transmission and generation planning, and SES wants to complete the engineering analysis necessary to establish a placeholder for a second transmission line between Dave's Creek and the Seward/Fort Raymond area within that long-term state -level planning process; and WHEREAS, the proposed study will perform a static load -flow and contingency analysis to evaluate the reliability and benefits of the proposed second transmission line, and to evaluate how future generation development and the potential relocation or replacement of the existing Fort Raymond generation could affect the preferred long-term transmission configuration; and WHEREAS, RESPEC has submitted a proposal dated September 3, 2026, to perform this transmission planning study for a fixed fee of $60,260, and RESPEC's electrical engineering staff are qualified and experienced in providing transmission planning studies of this nature; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds that authorizing this agreement is in the best interest of the City, as it will allow SES to complete the necessary technical analysis in time to support inclusion of the second Seward transmission line in the RRC's Integrated Resource Plan. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA: Section 1. The City Council hereby authorizes the City Manager to enter into an agreement with RESPEC, substantially in the form of RESPEC's September 3, 2026 fee proposal, for transmission planning study services in an amount not to exceed $60,260. Section 2. Funding in the amount of $60,260 is hereby appropriated in FY2026 from 15000-0000- 3400 Unassigned Fund Balance — Electric to 15000-3004-7009 Transmission OP & Maint Contracted Services Section 3. The City Manager is authorized to execute any additional documents necessary to carry out the intent of this resolution. CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA RESOLUTION 2026-077 Page 2 of 2 Section 4. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption. APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA THIS 28t'' DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2026. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: Kris Peck City Clerk COIL Sue McClure, Mayor Draper, Warner, Calhoon, Osenga, McClure None Barnwell, Crites None City Council Agenda Statement Meeting Date: September 28, 2026 To: City Council Through: Kat Sorensen, City Manager From: Taylor Crocker, Electric Operations Supervisor Subject: Resolution 2026-077: Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into an Agreement with RESPEC for Transmission Planning Study Services for the Electric Department in an Amount Not to Exceed $60,260 and Appropriating Funds Background and justification: The Seward Electrical System (SES) is nearing completion of a new 115kV transmission line that will meet the community's current transmission needs. However, SES anticipates that a second transmission line between Dave's Creek and the Seward/Fort Raymond area may be needed in the future to accommodate load growth and new hydroelectric generation development in the Seward service area, including the proposed Godwin Creek/4th of July Creek (G4J) project. The Railbelt Reliability Council (RRC) is currently developing an Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) that will guide long-term transmission and generation investment across the Railbelt electrical system at the state level. Projects that are not identified and included in the IRP risk being excluded from future regional planning, funding, and coordination efforts. To secure a placeholder for the proposed second Seward transmission line within this long-term planning process, SES must first complete the technical analysis needed to support and justify the project. RESPEC has submitted a proposal to perform a static load -flow and contingency study evaluating the reliability benefits of a second transmission line, as well as how future generation development and the potential relocation or replacement of the existing Fort Raymond generation could affect the preferred long-term transmission configuration. This analysis will provide the engineering basis needed to formally establish Seward's second transmission line as a placeholder project within the RRC's IRP. Completing this study now, while the current 115kV line is still under construction, ensures that Seward's long-term transmission needs are represented in state -level planning before the IRP is finalized, positioning the City to pursue future funding and coordination opportunities as load growth and generation development materialize. 1 Fiscal Impact: X Yes — Amount: $60,260 Budgeted: No X Yes No N/A City Council Agenda Statement Funding Source: X General Fund: Enterprise Fund: 15000-0000-3400 Unassigned Fund Balance - Electric Grant: Other: Finance Director Signature: pamw Sclae (acting) Comprehensive and Strategic Plan Consistency Information This legislation is consistent with (citation listed): Comprehensive Plan: Strategic Plan: Other: X Yes Attorney Signature: Not applicable Comments: Ir Administration Recommendation X Approve Other: 2700 GAMBELL STREET SUITE 500 ANCHORAGE, AK 99503 907.743,3200 September 3, 2026 Brian Hickey General Manager Seward Electrical System (SES) 410 Adams Street Seward, AK 99664 Dear Brian: RE: Fee Proposal — SES Transmission Evaluation PROJECT BACKGROUND SES desires to develop a concise transmission plan evaluating the capability, reliability, and future configuration of the electrical transmission system serving Seward. RESPEC shall perform a static load -flow and contingency study to evaluate existing and anticipated transmission needs, looking at reliability and benefits of constructing a second transmission line between Dave's Creek and Seward/Fort Raymond area. The study shall also evaluate how future generation development and potential relocation or replacement of the existing Fort Raymond generation could affect the preferred long-term transmission configuration. SCHEDULE We've based our proposal on the following schedule. Exact schedule to be determined upon notice to proceed (NTP). NTP and Contract within 5 business days after proposal submission Draft report within 30 days of above Review period 5 business days Review meeting 2-3 days after receiving review comments Final report within 12 days of review meeting FEE SUMMARY We submit this proposal for a fixed fee of $60,260 and a detailed hourly breakdown can be found in attached. The fee and services are based on our understanding of the project and the following assumptions and exceptions. Assumptions/Expectations. Site visits: No site visits are included in this fee. It's assumed that all necessary record information or field verification will be provided by SES Line Operations Department. respec.com SES TRANSMISSION EVALUATION // 2 SEPTEMBER 3, 2026 ETAP will be used for modeling and scenario for this analysis. The analysis shall include sufficient detail to evaluate the Seward transmission system and its interconnection with the Railbelt system, including as applicable: / Dave's Creek Substation and the transmission system supplying Seward / Lawing and other intermediate transmission facilities / Fort Raymond Substation and existing Seward generation / Other Seward area substations and major load centers / Existing and planned 115-kV facilities / Existing and reasonably anticipated generation and load / The proposed Godwin Creek / 4th of July Creek (G4J) hydroelectric development and associated transmission facilities / A potential future generation site in Spring Creek area Evaluation will include system voltage, thermal loading, real and reactive power flow, losses, transfer capability, and other relevant system -performance parameters. The analysis shall also include steady-state contingency analysis sufficient to identify significant vulnerabilities and evaluate the benefits of the proposed transmission improvements. Including: / Normal system conditions / N-1 contingencies / N-1-1 contingencies, including probable sequential outages / Probable or credible N-2 contingencies, particularly events involving common corridors, substations, transformers, generation, or other facilities where a single event could result in the loss of two elements. The following future system scenarios will be evaluated / Existing/future Seward system without G4J / Seward system with G4J / Future replacement/relocation of Fort Raymond generation / Combined future configuration including all development scenarios A transmission improvement plan will be included in the report with recommendations for projects, budgetary estimates for major projects, and a recommended project schedule. SES TRANSMISSION EVALUATION // 3 SEPTEMBER 3, 2026 Thank you for this opportunity; we look forward to beginning this work. Please call if you have any questions or comments. Sincerely, Brad Jackson Electrical Engineer ACCEPTANCE OF PROPOSAL Please return signed if acceptable. The return of this signed document will constitute our Notice -to - Proceed unless otherwise indicated. Name: Title: Date: #100 - Analysis and Draft Report Billing Rate Seward Transmission Plan 09/02/26 Electrical Principal Senior Elec Tech Hourly Eng Eng Elec EIT Editor Subtotal Cost $280.00 $245.00 $145.00 $135.00 Kickoff/ Data Collection Meeting 2 2 4 $780.00 Review of Existing/Missing Information 12 12 24 $4,680.00 Develop Existing System Model 12 24 36 $6,420.00 Identify Contingency Scenarios 2 12 12 26 $5,240.00 Review RTO / RRC / NERC Requirements 16 6 22 $4,790.00 Develop 115kV Route Alternatives 4 16 8 28 $6,200.00 Identify Thermal / Transfer Limits 12 16 28 $5,260.00 Report Development 2 8 12 8 30 $5,340.00 Hourly Subtotal 8 90 92 8 198 Cost $2,240.00 $22,050.00 $13,340.00 $1,080.00 $38,710.00 #110 - Final Report Billing Rate Principal Senior Elec Tech Hourly Eng Eng Elec EIT Editor Subtotal Cost $280.00 $245.00 $145.00 $135.00 Review Draft Report 2 2 2 6 $1,340.00 Run Model Contingency Scenarios 12 24 36 $6,420.00 Identify Project Recommendations Based on Model Results 2 12 12 26 $5,240.00 Develop Planning Estimates for Major Projects 8 4 12 $2,540.00 Develop Recommended Project Timeline 2 6 8 $2,030.00 Report Finalization 2 6 6 8 22 $3,980.00 Hourly Subtotal 8 46 48 8 110 Cost $2,240.00 $11,270.00 $6,960.00 $1,080.00 $21,550.00 Electrical Hours 16 136 140 16 308 Electrical Cost $4,480.00 $33,320.00 $20,300.00 $2,160.00 $60,260.00 Page 1 Electrical 26y09m02d_ Fee Proposal Seward Transmission Evaluation