Council approves $7M to replace combustion turbine

By Gillian Slade on February 8, 2018.

Medicine Hat News

City council has approved spending about $7 million to replace a combustion turbine for the power plant.

A turbine is currently in use in addition to a backup turbine, said Coun. Phil Turnbull, who chairs the energy and utilities committee.

The turbines are run according to industry standards, and after the recommended service life it is closely monitored, said Turnbull.

“The one (in use) now is in pretty good shape. Because of good maintenance we’ve been able to get more hours out,” said Turnbull.

The plan is to hook up the new one, which is already in stock as a standby/backup, and send the old one back for refurbishing.

“Meanwhile they’ll send us one that has already been refurbished (to use as a backup),” said Turnbull.

The cost for the refurbished turbine is $6,825,900.

“A new one costs between $13 and $15 million,” said Turnbull, pointing out it is an “insurance policy.”

We can’t have businesses, hospital and residents without power, he explained.

“We have a duty to ensure that we offer good quality and continue to operate profitably. These are the things we have to invest in,” said Turnbull.