Item 2- RCA: Brackenridge Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) Substation — original pdf

Backup

Posting Language ..Title Authorize an amendment to the contract for design-build upgrades at the Brackenridge Gas Insulated Switchgear Substation for Austin Energy with Jingoli Power, LLC, to increase the amount by $63,943,783 for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $97,892,984. Funding: $63,943,783 is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Energy. ..Body Lead Department Austin Financial Services. Managing Department Austin Energy. Fiscal Note Funding is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Energy. Procurement Language: Contract Amendment. MBE / WBE: This contract was awarded in compliance with the City Code 2-9A (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program). Current participation to date is 4.25% MBE and 1.69% WBE. Prior Council Action: April 13, 2023 - Council approved a design-build contract with Jingoli Power, LLC for the Brackenridge Gas Insulated Switchgear Substation. December 5, 2019 - Council approved the use of Design-Builder alternative delivery procurement method for the Brackenridge Gas Insulated Switchgear Substation. For More Information: Direct questions regarding this Recommendation for Council Action to the Austin Financial Services - Central Procurement at: FSDCentralProcurementRCAs@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2500. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: November 9, 2026 - To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. Additional Backup Information: Austin Energy is upgrading the Brackenridge Substation to modern gas‑insulated switchgear (GIS) to replace aging 1970s equipment and support rapidly growing electrical demand in downtown Austin. This work is a core component of the Repowering Downtown initiative and is expected to have minimal public impact due to its location on City owned property. This additional authorization will support cost increases related to global and regional shortages of GIS equipment and transformers that continue to create severe manufacturing backlogs and record-high wait times. Prices for copper, aluminum, steel, fuel, transportation, imported metals and specialty electrical components have risen sharply. Nationwide labor shortages and elevated Engineering, Procurement, and Construction pricing have increased construction costs. Rerouting of power to Rainey Street GIS Substation and delays in de‑energizing Brackenridge substation has increase costs for storing long lead materials and procuring performance of the work. Item 2Additionally, this authorization includes costs for upgraded monitoring, expanded maintenance access, enhanced gas detection, added fire protection, and updated control and safety settings to improve system reliability. This project is located within zip code 78701 (District 9).