Georgetown

Utility Services (GUS) - cont.

This summary covers Session 2 of the Georgetown Utility Services functions - Energy Services, Engineering Services and Water/Wastewater Services.

Energy Services Department

There are growing concerns for the Electric Utility

1. Ability to continue to provide a low cost electric service
2. Maintain the reliability of system
3. Outage management to maintain control during an outage
4. Security measures to protect against wire materials theft
5. Energy theft
6. Maintain a diverse well trained workforce
7. Retention of workforce
8. Keep up with technology trends
9. Adapting for future service requirements

The City of Georgetown is pursuing other avenues beyond Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) for energy sources. The City's electrical system is a looped system. In the event that one substation goes out, it is picked up by another substation in a relatively short time.

There are several innovative ways this department collects, maintains and manipulates the data it receives. One is SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition). Basically, it is human interaction that can control or effect the controls of remote equipment (such as turning a pump on at a pump station or changing the level at which the pump will come on automatically). Another way is via AMR (Automatic Meter Reading). Automatic in this case means to  have no human physically go to the meter and record the register reading. The register is read automatically via a radio signal to a mounted receiver in a vehicle passing by or a meter reader walking past with a receiver.

Systems Engineering Department

This department is responsible for:

1. The coordination and installation of Capital Improvement Projects (CIP's) using consultant design engineering firms.
2. Assists in negotiations for the acquisition of easements and rights-of-way
3. Provides inspection, testing service and contract management for Capital Improvement Projects.
4. Manages and maintains utility system models for department within the GUS Division.
5. Develops and maintains construction standards & specifications for CIP and Development construction projects.
6. Supports the review of  Development plans and provides inspection, testing and contract management for the installation of these facilities.

Water Services Department

A complete overview of the Water and Wastewater Systems was presented. At present, there are four (4) water treatment plants. Also, at present there are five elevated storage tanks and seven ground storage tanks located throughout Georgetown.

One of the most interesting facts presented is that Georgetown is in a recharge zone in the Edwards Aquifer (main source of water). This zone necessitates the limiting of impervious cover to allow water to reach the aquifer.

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The next session of the Georgetown Citizen's Academy covers Police Services. Watch for a summary of the class next week.

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