Clay Center Public Utilities Commission (CCPUC) will request funds to repair their Fairbanks Morse Defense Engine. The engine is the PUC’s only computer-operated engine, which requires costly repairs. As the PUC’s newest unit, it’s 22 years old.
However, Superintendent, Scott Glaves, said the computer model is obsolete, causing the PUC to search for parts on eBay, as they are no longer manufactured.
For the past few years, the PUC has been experiencing ongoing problems with the engine’s computer system, including eight months when it could not be turned on, requiring a $125,000 fix.
“It’s been one thing after another,” he said. “Everything protects the engine; we haven’t
had any mechanical issues but if the computer doesn’t work, it’s self-protect mode. It won’t let you even push the start button.”
When purchased, Glaves said the model cost $11 million for the German-built engine.
He estimated a replacement today costing two-and-a-half times that price, putting it at an estimated $27.5 million.
“Unfortunately, we’ve kicked the can down the road as far as we can; they’ve been on us to get this fixed since 2022,” Glaves said. He noted two similar municipalities who have the same engine, one of which replaced the entire computer system, the other is in the City of Augusta and remains “dead in the water.”
Glaves said it’s also PUC’s most efficient engine, costing the least to run while providing the most output.
The engine runs off of natural gas or diesel and is most often used in the summer or winter during peak power times, or when the grid is stressed. Glaves said it’s also more likely to run on calm days, meaning wind energy is not available for use. The Fairbanks and the PUCs additional five engines can create electricity for local use, as well as export energy to the grid.
Clay Center City Council member, Daton Hess, said a local power plant provides peace of mind to residents with the knowledge that power can be quickly restored. He contrasted it against other communities who have to force rolling blackouts when their power grid is stressed.
An updated computer control system for the Fairbanks will cost $455,257. It will be paid for by a combination of grant and 0% interest loan from KPP Energy, formally known as the Kansas Power Pool, or KPP, a municipal energy agency that is owned by its 24 cities. CCPUC helped found the organization in 2004. A maximum of $337,900 can be borrowed, which is determined by KPP’s formula of $50 per kw; the Fairbanks produces 6,778 kw, determining the above amount.
Of the total, $169,450 will be provided via grant from KPP Energy and the remaining funds will be borrowed by CCPUC. An additional $116,358 will also be paid by PUC this month. CCPUC is a self-funded entity that does not receive tax dollars, however, it does have city approval for its purchases.
Glaves said it’s in the KPP’s best interest to help with the funds, as all parties pay equal shares for replacement engines and repairs.
Glaves said they plan for a fall installation period to avoid peak power months this summer.
About the KPP
KPP Kansas Power Pool Energy, a municipal energy agency providing electricity and innovative power solutions to 24 KS communities. Including St. Marys, Minneapolis, Glasco, Hillsboro, Marion, and Waterville.
Public power (local or hometown power_ found in 49 states (all except Hawaii) and more than 2k communities. Not for profit electric utility.
Aaron Floersch, Chairman of CCPUC, is now serving on the KPP Energy BOD and is eligible to serve two four year terms ending in 2033.
