Six members of Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems have been approved for five projects in the first round of funding offered through a new Infrastructure Grant Program, UAMPS reported in the June 2024 edition of its “Plugged in with UAMPS” newsletter.
Brigham City Public Power, Morgan City Power, Price Municipal Corporation, Washington City Power Department, Fairview City Electric, and Mount Pleasant Power Department will utilize the funds to address infrastructure needs and ensure a more secure and sustainable energy future for their communities.
The program, which is managed through a collaborative effort between the State of Utah Office of Energy Development and the U.S. Department of Energy, aims to enhance grid resiliency.
Through advocacy efforts, UAMPS, along with other co-ops and municipal electric utilities, worked with Utah to allocate a portion of its budget to support this initiative, thereby unlocking full federal participation. As part of the grant requirement, members contribute one-third of the total project cost, showcasing their dedication and financial commitment to the success of each endeavor.
The approved projects aim to enhance resilience for over 75,000 rural and small-town residents against various causes of high-wind-related outages, such as winter storms, wildfires and more. These projects involve the replacement of vulnerable end-of-lifespan poles and conductors with robust and accessible alternatives, with one project involving the undergrounding of a stretch of line.
Summary of Grant Utilization Plans by Cities
Brigham City Public Power
- Plan to replace 45 poles and reconductor lines to safeguard service for 800 meters.
- Service area includes single-family homes, two trailer courts, and low-income apartment housing, and Main Street businesses.
Morgan City Power
- Underground a mile of affected line on State Street, serving 1600 residential and commercial meters.
- Service area includes social services and a food pantry.
Price Municipal Corporation
- Replace a deteriorating 46 kV sub-transmission line with modern conductor.
- Move the line to an accessible right-of-way for regular maintenance.
- Service area includes approximately 3500 meters, including vital services such as the hospital, fire station, sheriff's office, youth correctional facility, shelters, schools, and care centers.
Washington City Power Department
- Replace aging equipment including primary poles, single-phase poles, conductor, and overhead transformers.
- Service area includes 75 meters in an area prone to frequent wind advisory and high wind warning events.
Fairview City Electric/Mount Pleasant Power Department
- Replace fragile aluminum lines and deteriorated poles with a robust, dual-circuit line on Class 2 poles.
- Service area includes 3170 meters in an energy-community census tract with a significant low-income population.
As the first grant cycle progresses, UAMPS has gained valuable insights that will streamline the process for members seeking future funding opportunities, it noted.
“By securing this financial support for infrastructure improvements, utilities can strengthen their systems for a fraction of the price,” UAMPS said.
The grant program “aligns closely with one of UAMPS’ core missions: ensuring reliable electric service for members. While UAMPS does not serve retail customers directly, the agency plays a crucial role in facilitating dependable service on behalf of its members,” it said.
“This initiative reflects UAMPS’ commitment to exploring opportunities that support members. By enabling cities to proactively address infrastructure needs, not only does the funding provide a budgetary reprieve by allowing for strategic planning and cost savings, but it also enhances the reliability of electrical systems," it said.
