WATER UPDATE

Water Quality

• Water quality during April met or exceeded State and Federal drinking water standards.

•  The Valley Pumping Plant (VPP) blend ratio for the month of April was 48.6% MWD to 51.4% BOU.

Financial and Operations Update

The Water Cost Adjustment Charge (WCAC) account had a balance of $1,393,971 as of April 30, 2006.

• Fiscal Year 2005-06 Year-To-Date Water Fund Financial Results as of April 30, 2006:

( ) = Unfavorable

* Includes Power Plant Sales, Commercial and Industrial Reclaimed Sales

(A)       WCAC over collection decreased potable water revenue by $49k in April 2006 and $394k for year-to-date. There was also a credit of approximately $207k in April 2006 because of demand charge over billed in prior months.  

(B)       The actual YTD recycled water consumption for MPP was 422,529 CCF lower or $598k lower in revenues.    

(C)       The BOU has experienced reduced operating capacity due to carbon screen failures, water production problems associated with the persistent low water table and well maintenance. Thus, there was an increased need for purchased water from the Metropolitan Water District (MWD). The BOU had an average of 56% of operating capacity compared to a 75% budgeted capacity.

(D)       Customer deposit of $600k for fire hydrant meter dated from 2002.

Fiscal Year 2005-06 Water Fund Financial Reserve balances as of April 30, 2006 are summarized in the following table:

BOU Water Production

BOU production was at 58% of plant capacity for April. This is an average flow rate (24/7) of 5,214 gallons per minute (gpm). Carbon was being changed out in the Liquid Phase Granulated Activated Carbon (VPGAC) filters as the carbon in any one filter was exhausted.  This can affect plant capacity by up to 25% although the 12 carbon filters are staggered in service so that only up to three may be down at once.  All Vapor Phase Granulated Activated Carbon filters were available for service.  All water wells were available and the water table is still slightly higher than the last few years.  This is a change in what has been a persistent low water problem in the aquifer. Water levels are being monitored but it�s not clear at this time if the higher production rates from the wells will be sustained for an indefinite period. The Well Field Performance Attainment Study is proceeding to determine the causes of long term well capacity problems in meeting the 9,000 gpm design.  The upcoming VPGAC screen project will significantly improve the mechanical reliability of the plant to process and treat water at the full nameplate capacity.     

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

• The EPA has granted conceptual approval of the design for the reconfigured VPGAC filter screen.  EPA issued VPGAC discharge requirements in mid-February. Calgon has been requested to submit an updated cost estimate for the design and construction of the project. A contract will then be completed with Calgon Corporation and Calgon will complete a detailed final design for the EPA to review and approve. EPA�s approval is the controlling feature in proceeding with the project. Construction is projected to take three months. Construction will begin after EPA final design approval and the order/receipt of long lead materials. Some long lead materials have already been purchased. Construction will likely take place during the Fall and into Winter. The Treatment Plant will experience reduced operating capacity during project construction. Consequently, there will be an increased need for purchased water from the Metropolitan Water District (MWD).

Capital Projects

• Construction continued on installing 1,320 lf of 12-inch water main in Hollywood Way between Thornton and Winona. The water main is in service and customers are being connected to the new main.

• Work began on converting an abandoned 6-inch water main in Ontario Street to recycled water service to serve the Media Studios North.

• Installation of the new booster pumping station for the upper zone of Country Club Dr. is complete.  The new station will be connected to the system in May.

• Painting of the interior of the water storage tanks at DeBell #1 (recycled) and Wildwood #1 (domestic) is in progress.

• MWD began dewatering the San Fernando Tunnel March 2, 2006. Twenty-four million gallons have been pumped as of 4/27/06.  The tunnel should be drained and available for inspection by the middle of May.  The actual condition of the San Fernando Tunnel will then be determined.  The plan and schedule for the Pacoima B-6 connection project will be modified at that time. 

Legislative Update

• Refer to the attached legislative reports.

ELECTRIC UPDATE

Electric Reliability

There were seven, 12 kV feeder outages in April. These outages interrupted service to 468 customers for a total of 144 minutes.

• On April 12, at 7:34 p.m., a truck hit a power pole causing the conductors to slap together disrupting service to San Jose 12 kV Feeder SJ-2.  This incident caused a power outage to 198 customers (35 commercial and 163 residential) for 54 minutes.

• On April 29, at 6:57 a.m. Golden State transformer protection relays opened both banks disrupting service to Golden State 12 kV Feeders GS-5, GS-6, GS-7, GS-9, GS-10 and GS-11.  Golden State Feeders GS-5, GS-6, and GS-7 were being switched to the transfer bus.  At the time of the outage Feeder GS-5 had already been switched and GS-6 was in the process of being switched.  Proper switching procedures were followed.  The cause has not been determined as of this date.  The outage lasted 15 minutes.  Feeder SJ-5 lost four customers (all commercial), Feeder SJ-6 lost 48 customers (all commercial), Feeder SJ-7 lost 35 customers (all commercial), Feeder SJ-9 lost 72 customers (all commercial), Feeder SJ-10 lost 81 customers (all commercial), and Feeder SJ-11 lost 30 customers (10 commercial, 20 residential).

Despite the power outage in April, BWP�s overall reliability continues to be strong. As of April 30, 2006, the system-wide average is 0.3277 outages per year, compared to an industry average of 1.2 outages per year. As of April 30, 2006, the average service availability is 99.9950%, exceeding the City goal of 99.99%. The average outage length is 66.25 minutes, compared with the industry average of 80 minutes.

The following table shows the system-wide reliability statistics for Fiscal Year 2005-06 through April 30, 2006, as compared to the same time period for Fiscal Year 2004-05:

Financial and Operations Update

• Fiscal Year 2005-06 year-to-date Power Financial Results as of April 30, 2006:

( ) = Unfavorable

(A)           Transmission revenue related to MPP scheduling system was not budgeted. YTD impact is $875k.

(B)           Primarily due to the MPP COD delay and planned outages in October 2005 � April 2006.

(C)           BPA settlement of $591k in July and supplemental crude oil refund of $130k in February was not budgeted. Actual interest income is higher than budget due to higher interest rate. Budget assumes interest rate of 2.5% APR. Actual interest rates ranges between 4%-5.5%. YTD impact of higher interest income is $840k.

Fiscal Year 2005-06 Power Fund Financial Reserve balances as of April 30, 2006 are summarized in the following table:

Local Generation Operations Update

Unit Status 

• Olive 1 is in hot-standby and available for normal service.

• Olive 2 is down for boiler inspection.

• Lake One is available for normal service.

• The micro-turbine project is complete. This unit generates 300 kilowatts per hour on the average. 

• Hydro energy production for April was 61,500 kWh as compared to the goal of 59,000 kWh. The year-to-date actual hydro production is 581,600 kWh as compared to the goal of 659,000 kWh.

April 2006 Unit Data

Magnolia Operations Update

Workforce Safety Statistics:

• No loss time accidents for April, zero year-to-date.

• No reportable accidents for April, zero year-to-date.

Performance Information:

• Availability:  00.00% for April, 60.7% year-to-date.

• Outage Events:

• Range of Available Generation Capacity:  0 MW

• Fired Factored Hours:  0 Hour

Actions Taken by Operating Agent:

G.E. has been on-site since the outage began. Costs will be determined as the work nears completion and the findings are analyzed. All of the work is within budget.

Renewable Energy Procurement Update

Work continues in conjunction with the SCPPA project team on the various renewable energy projects. All project specific info needs to remain confidential until a project agreement is brought to Council for approval. This is to protect the business interests of the proponents and to ensure that the terms and conditions associated with their proposals don�t fall into the hands of competitors. 

During the month of April, there were again numerous meetings and conference calls with project proponents. We remain optimistic that we will have at least one purchased power agreement ready for approval shortly with deliveries expected this summer. The plan is to use that contract as the template for another purchased power agreement from the same developer for an additional project. Deliveries from this second project are currently expected to begin in late 2007.

A follow-up meeting was held with the solar energy developer to review project economics and operating characteristics.  The developer has agreed to provide additional costing information for the project based on flat pricing as opposed to the escalating proposal previously presented. A follow-up meeting has been scheduled with the developer for mid-May to review the pricing. 

Work on the SCPPA Development Agreement was completed. BWP received approval from Council on April 25, 2006 to participate. The Development Agreement allows SCPPA members to jointly develop renewable projects through SCPPA by providing a mechanism for resource allocation among the participants and cost sharing for SCPPA and consultant expenses. 

Energy Crisis Update

In April 2006, the City collected $3.0 million of the $4.8 million that was outstanding for energy sales during the California Energy Crisis.  The remainder of the debt ($1.8 million) will be written off as uncollectible debt.  Even though $1.8 million was not collected, the energy sales resulted in a positive net cash flow.

SCADA/EMS

BWP engineering staff continues to work with Siemens New Energy to implement the New Energy Scheduling software that is being used for Magnolia. OATI Web Trader is operational.

Because of continuing problems with the breaker control, the new 2300 CPU cards at Winona and Flower were removed and replaced with the old 2100 CPU cards until the problem can be fixed. Telvent and BWP�s Test Section have resolved the problem. The firmware will be modified and an official firmware update will be issued the first part of May. The Test Section will install the updated firmware and install the new 2300�s into the RTUs.

The SCADA Master Station is being configured by Telvent in Houston and should be ready for shipment to BWP the first part of June.

Telecom

Engineering developed a fiber optic CTS service proposal for CCI Digital to connect Ascent, 2901 W. Alameda Ave., to LADWP RSE Station and then to �The Switch�.

Engineering developed a fiber optic service proposal for Ascent Media Group to connect 2901 W. Alameda Ave. to LADWP RSE Station.

Engineering personnel released, and BWP field personnel completed, a fiber optic job to disconnect six of the twelve fibers leased by Qwest.

Engineering personnel released, and BWP field personnel completed, a fiber optic job to Disconnect Media Net fiber links for non-payment. Four fiber links were disconnected:

1. Ascent, 2901 W. Alameda Ave., to LADWP RSE Station.

2. Warner Building 157, 4000 Warner Blvd., to LADWP RSE Station.

3. Warner Ranch, 3701 Oak St., to LADWP RSE Station.

4. Disney�s Team Disney Building, 500 S. Buena Vista St., to LADWP RSE Station.

Engineering personnel released, and BWP field personnel completed a fiber optic job to disconnect Match Frame Video, 212 Evergreen, to 610 Hollywood Way.

Engineering personnel released, and BWP field personnel completed, a fiber optic job for OnFiber to connect a second fiber lateral to Level 3�s fiber ring.

Engineering personnel released, and BWP field personnel completed, a fiber optic job to connect a temporary link from Olive Station to Capon Station for the Electrical Division relay system.

Engineering personnel released a fiber optic job to connect a temporary link from Olive GIS Station to the Lincoln relay house.

Engineering personnel released a fiber optic job to connect a temporary link from Olive Station to Western Station in Glendale.

BWP field personnel completed a fiber optic job for Disney to re-route the Team Disney Building, 500 S. Buena Vista St., to Disney Towers, 3900 W. Alameda Ave.

BWP field personnel completed a fiber optic job to connect the temporary Olive GIS Station to MPP Co-Locate Room to re-route the multiplexer and relay system.

BWP field personnel completed a fiber optic job for Disney to re-route the Team Disney Building, 500 S. Buena Vista St., to Disney Channel, 3800 W. Alameda Ave.

BWP field personnel completed a fiber optic job for Technicolor to connect 250 E. Olive Ave. to 2255 N. Ontario St.

BWP field personnel completed a fiber optic job for New Wave Entertainment to connect 2660 W. Olive Ave. to 3003 W. Olive Ave.

BWP Facility Improvements

BWP Administration Building - Phase III Interior Remodel

As previously reported, plans and construction drawings received approval stamps from CDD, Fire, Police, BWP�s Electrical, Water and Telecom Sections. Final in-house review of the drawings and specifications was completed. BWP staff held a meeting with Purchasing to begin the bid process for a contractor.

New Employee Entrance

This project involves the installation of a new proximity card operated, turnstile equipped entrance/exit for employees off of the Magnolia parking lot. The contractor, H&H Construction began work and to date the exterior wall opening has been saw cut, site drainage has been installed, rebar for the new block wall has been put in place and the turnstile drawings were approved and returned to the manufacturer.

Magnolia Covered Parking

This project involves modifying the existing area east of the Magnolia employee covered parking lot to create additional covered employee parking spaces. A new ingress/egress opening will be made in the existing wall, the structure will be pressure washed and painted, new lighting will be installed, a chain link fence will be added and the area will be paved and striped. BWP staff is 90% complete on the relocation of all the equipment and material that was stored in the designated area. Painters are poised to pressure wash and paint the structure.

Magnolia Security Wall

This project involves constructing a new 320 foot long security wall along the southerly side of the Magnolia covered parking lot, east of the Magnolia gate. The wall will be identical in height to the wall on the west side of the gate and will correct security concerns identified during the construction of MPP. The status is unchanged from last month�s report, preliminary construction drawings and specs were developed and are currently under review by BWP staff.

Warehouse and Service Center

BWP staff has been working with the SGS Group, a consultant hired to perform the programming and space needs assessment study for a proposed new Service Center and Warehouse to be constructed on BWP�s campus. As a result of an RFP, staff completed the review of past and current projects submitted by three candidates for architectural services. A decision was reached to hire Kennard Design Group (KDG) of Los Angeles. Professional Services Agreements were drafted for both SGS Group and KDG and presented to the BWP Board for approval. PSA�s are in place and Purchase Orders issued to both consultants. SGS is working with BWP staff on the final version of space allocation and needs assessment.

Electrical Distribution

69,000-Volt Transmission System

At the Golden State Distributing Station, field crews upgraded 69 kV bus differential relays for the 69 kV sectionalizing breaker, which allows the breaker to be normally closed.  Final testing is almost complete and the breaker is expected to be closed on May 15, 2006. BWP crews have done a lot of cleaning, maintenance and testing to the 12.47 kV side of the substation to eliminate any potential for future outages.

Lincoln 69 kV Breaker Replacement � completion of the work at Golden State will allow BWP to continue replacement of the remaining two breakers at Lincoln. This is estimated to be completed by June 30, 2006.

Olive-Valley #2 Line - The consultant, ORSA, has completed the design for pads and underground power conduits for the extension of the ring bus at Valley Switching Station. Bock Company started the conduit work in the direction of Ralph Foy Park. BWP Engineering is working on the design to extend power conduits stubbed at Victory Blvd. through the park toward Ontario St. and near Victory Blvd. and Fairview St. to complete the underground getaway of this line. Bock will continue to work on the line until its completion which is estimated to be by June 30, 2006.

34,500-Volt Subtransmission System

Between the Olive Switching Station and the Burbank Substation, field crews upgraded the underground cable to increase the capacity of the Burbank-Olive #2 line and upgraded the relay protection. The remaining underground cable work including termination, cable support, cable enclosure and protection work will start at the end of May 2006 with completion expected by June 9, 2006 before the final testing is scheduled on the line. The line will be energized before June 15, 2006 along with the A-5 transformer bank at the Olive Switching Station.

At the Olive Switching Station, replacement of the A-5 transformer bank is underway.  (By the end of June: Subcontractor Miron Electric will install new power and control conduits, and the subcontractor Shaw and Sons will do the compaction and the concrete work with pouring to be completed by the middle of May.  The transformer is expected to be set on the new pad by the end of May and filled with oil by June 1, 2006.  The rest of the work such as the final testing and grating of the oil containment will be completed and energized  by the middle of June.)

34,500-Volt Distribution System

At the Winona Distributing Station, field crews upgraded relay and control switches for the Winona Industrial Circuit in preparation for reconfiguring the line.

Field crews completed the Warner Ranch Industrial Circuit.

12,470-Volt Distribution System

Under engineering direction, field crews converted 4 kV Feeder A-7 to 12 kV service from the new Hollywood Way Station (HW-7).  As a part of this effort, four customer stations were rebuilt to 12 kV. 

Under engineering direction, field crews are rebuilding the A-96, A-97, and A-8 lines so that they can be energized from the Hollywood Way Station this fall.

Progress continues on rebuilding deteriorated pole lines or single pole replacements.

In April, the crews continued working on the pole line rebuilds in the A-96 and A-97 feeder areas. Crews are framing the poles and replacing conductors to prepare for the 12 kV conversion.  Crews are also working on the pole line rebuild on Ontario St. south of Wyoming Ave.

4,160-Volt Distribution System

At the McCambridge Station, field crews replaced the main batteries.

Secondary Voltage System and Electric Metering

Customer Transformer Stations

New business and a strong residential real estate market has created a demand for new customer stations.

Undergrounding

BWP is working with the City Attorney�s Office, Public Works Department and Community Development Department in forming Underground Utility District 1 (UUD1) to underground all overhead lines (power and communications) along Olive Ave. from the I-5 Bridge to Victory Blvd., and along Lake St. from Olive Ave. to Magnolia Blvd. BWP has been successfully working with SBC, Charter Communications, and other affected communication companies as well as affected customers. The Resolution of Intention with impacts on BWP, SBC, communication companies and customers is scheduled on May 30, 2006 for City Council consideration. A public hearing set for June 20, 2006 for final City Council vote to establish the UUD1.

BWP removed all energized overhead lines immediately behind the former Buena Vista Library building.

BWP crews replaced approximately 500 circuit feet of old, ready to fail underground cable at 4.16 kV circuit Flower-4.  This cable was approximately 50 years old. The new cable will go into service in the middle of May.

BWP engineering issued a job to replace approximately 1,420 circuit feet of 35 kV Paper Lead Insulated Cable (PILC) at the Burbank-Flower line. This is scheduled to be completed by June 15, 2006.

BWP Engineering is working on two projects related to Caltrans. One project is the Alameda, Hollywood Way and Pass Ave. bridge widening on the SR-134, and a new on-ramp at Hollywood Way. The other project is the I-5 freeway, Empire Exchange, and San Fernando Realignment project. Staff is working with consultants and Caltrans on design work that involves a great deal of relocation of existing underground and overhead facilities.

Streetlighting System

In response to customer requests, field crews installed one light in April (15 since July).

Engineering is preparing drawings for the undergrounding of the streetlight system on Olive Ave. and South San Fernando:

• On April 27, 2006, Engineering held a pre-bid conference for Bid Schedule 1200, the first annual contract to construct a new underground streetlight conduit system and related substructure improvements city-wide. The last date for bid submittal and opening is May 16, 2006.

• In April, Engineering completed the design for the streetlight system along the perimeter of the proposed CarMax on Flower Street and Alameda Ave., and the streetlight system for the SR-134 Ventura Freeway bridges at Alameda Ave., Hollywood Way and Pass Ave.

Engineering continues working with the Redevelopment Agency on the South San Fernando Blvd. street improvement project, and with the PW Traffic Signal Division on other street/traffic improvement projects. These projects include the Olive/Alameda Intersection Widening and the Empire Avenue Streetscape Project. The San Fernando Intelligent Transportation System Project is under construction.

Radios

During April 2006, Communications staff performed the following:

• Replaced two audio amps at the Police/Fire Departments.

• Changed frequencies for the Chandler Irrigation system to improved ones.

• Job walk at MPP for bi-directional amplifiers.

• Passed bi-directional amplifiers at Senior Artists Colony.

• Repaired panic buttons at Annex.

• Hooked up DVR at BWP Guard Station and connected cameras at MPP.

• Repaired Police MDT system.

Staff programmed the airport radios and put them on the Burbank cell and verified the operational advantages to Police. (By the end of June: Make the airport a subscriber member and seek Council approval of a formal maintenance contract.)

Phones and Miscellaneous

During April 2006, Communications staff performed the following:\ 

• Completed Fire Department cell phone mounting on all Fire Department rigs.

• Started implementation of the credit card machine availability at the Large Trailer, Fire Department, and Starlight Bowl.

• Changed all switches for Daylight Savings Time.

Customer Service

Discover It Now!

BWP is pleased to announce that effective May 1, 2006 we have started accepting the Discover Card as one more way our customers can pay for their utility services. That means we now accept all major credit cards including Visa, MasterCard and American Express. Customers still have the option of paying their bills with any of these cards either online or over the telephone. We�re always looking for new ways to provide friendly and convenient services to Burbank residents and businesses, and feel certain that having the Discover Card as an added alternative helps us achieve this goal.

Legislative Update:

Refer to the attached legislative reports.

RED:BL:FCF:WOM:GLS:JLF

H:  MAY W&E OPERATIONS REPORT

Attachments

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