January-March 2024 Ubits Revised

Ubits January - March 2024

OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE: Tacoma Water completes two complex pipeline shutdowns

It’s not very often that Tacoma Water shuts down a pipeline, and it’s even less common when they shut down two major pipelines, especially in the same month. Last October, the utility temporarily shut down Pipeline 2 (58-inch diameter) and Pipeline 5 (72- and 60-inch diameter) for inspection and maintenance.

Years of planning went into these projects,” said Water Treatment and Transmissions Operations Manager Jim Goodman. “This was a very intensive process that required assistance from many groups inside and outside Tacoma Water.”

Pipeline 5 is one of the utility’s primary supply pipelines; it feeds their Second Supply Partners (Covington, Kent, and Lakehaven water utilities) and wholesale customers. In 2021, staff began to plan a Pipeline 5 interior inspection after one of their Second Supply Partners experienced a water quality event due to a water main break in their system. The high velocities of the flows from the break led to noticeably discolored water in the impacted system. The presence of sediment inside water pipes, including trace amounts of minerals, is not a regulatory issue, but it can cause discoloration, making the water less visually appealing. For Tacoma Water to better understand the conditions inside the pipeline, workers performed an interior inspection in early October after multiple unanticipated challenges and delays. First, crews made operational changes to ensure they continued to meet demand. They removed the pipeline from service and drained the locations where they would enter. They inspected the pipeline, gathered samples, and sent

them to a lab for analysis. Crews then disinfected the pipeline and returned it to its normal operating condition. Water Quality staff will use the information gathered during the inspection to assist with plans for future improvements.

ONE SUCCESSFUL PROJECT DOWN, ONE TO GO

Later in October, the utility temporarily shut down Pipeline 2, which moves water to Tacoma from the McMillin Reservoir. The pipeline is a mix of concrete and steel sections installed between 1924 and 1960. Due to the age and material of the pipeline, some compromised concrete joints leaked. While workers can often repair leaks in steel piping from the outside, leaks in concrete joints cannot be repaired.

p Jeff Krier, maintenance planner

p Front to back: Toby Holland, water utility worker, Tryce Ouhl, water utility worker, Doug Smith, water plant maintenance worker, and Dutch Mylan, water utility worker.

They installed 13 large rubber seals inside the piping, secured by stainless steel bands. The crews worked together to isolate the transmission pipeline and completed other valve operations to isolate the area and keep the system operating correctly during the shutdown. Workers also placed temporary piping (highlines) above ground to keep customers in service. The installation was successful, and the pipeline was back in service in less than two weeks.

A TRUE TEAM EFFORT

Projects of this scope can be time-consuming, complicated, expensive, and physically demanding. While the tasks can be laborious, they provide an excellent opportunity for workers to gain new exposure and experience with the system and for more experienced staff members to pass along institutional knowledge.

These experiences were great examples of how projects can bring people together. The coordination we saw from different groups from different locations to achieve a common goal was very impressive,” Goodman said. “I thank everyone for their work and dedication, which made these projects go smoothly. Both shutdowns required collaboration and trust across the utility and would not have been possible without our Water Control Operators, Headworks Control Operators, Water Planning and Engineering, Source Water and Treatment, Maintenance Planning, Water Quality Specialists, the Wells, Gravity, and Headworks maintenance crews, the Water Distribution 100 crew, Tacoma Water’s Safety team, and, as always, our administrative and financial assistants.”

EMPLOYEE EXPERIENCE: Community Connection celebrates 2023 generosity

Our utility employees have a long history of giving back to our community, and 2023 was no exception! Employees gave over $271,000 in cash, product donations, and volunteer time through Community Connection events!

Huge thanks go to Social Responsibility Manager Christina Turner for leading the charge and to the Community Connection Leadership Team (CCLT) members who led the 2023 projects/events: James Bozic, Ebon Brown, Ben Caviness, Kate Colgan, Felicia Dawson, Jonathon Fields, Rachel Fields, Kim Jackson, Taylor Oakes, Vall Pearson, Reyna Sanchez-Pina, Michael Sterling, Amanda Tryon, Jessie Wells, Kristi Williams, Emily Woodward, and Wynnae Wright.

CCLT HIGHLIGHTS

Michael Sterling, substation journeyman wireman for Tacoma Power:

“ “ “

I was proud to see the CCLT come together and find success with all the hybrid options to support our community. I was fortunate to be a part of the HopeSparks School Supply Drive and H.U.G.S. Drive; seeing the pictures of the excited children receiving their school supplies and clothes was definitely one of my favorite parts of 2023.”

Jessie Wells, engineer tech III for Tacoma Power:

One of my standout moments was the return of the in-person Bowl-A-Thon. Seeing a bowling alley full of employees, family, and friends laughing and having such a great time was amazing. The 2023 Bowl-A-Thon raised more money than this event has in 13 YEARS! Additionally, I am particularly proud of our employees. I have been on the CCLT for 14 years, and I see them go above and beyond every year. Their giving and generous hearts know no bounds. They truly are incredible!”

Emily Woodward, engineering tech III for Tacoma Water:

We had the opportunity to do a ‘wall-raising’ at the August Habitat for Humanity Build! The future homeowner and her two daughters watched it happen. We dedicated the first two homes we worked on in our community to Dr. Claudia Thomas, who served as the Mayor of Lakewood. She was the first African American female mayor in our state. It was a very special day all around. It was also wonderful having the Taste of TPU in person again and having such a great spread with a big donation to the Senior Assistance Fund!”

Thanks so much to everyone for your generosity in 2023! Your work helps us achieve our TPU Vision: We will be a trusted community partner, where employees are proud to deliver equitable, affordable utility services.

p Wells and Gravity crew

988 Volunteer hours

$271,000+

Value of events

2023 COMMUNITY CONNECTION EVENTS

Nourish Pierce County Food Drive

Delectable Desserts (TPU Senior Assistance Fund)

Bowl-A-Thon for Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound

Taste of TPU (TPU Senior Assistance Fund)

Rebuilding Together South Sound Build Day

Habitat for Humanity Build (Women’s Build)

Book Drive for Community in Schools Tacoma

Food and Basic Supplies Drive for My Sister’s Pantry

School Supplies and H.U.G.S. Drive for HopeSparks

Dam Ride (TPU Senior Assistance Fund)

Habitat for Humanity Build

RESULTS*

Collected 1,697 pounds of food and items valued at $1.70 per pound: almost $2,900!

Raised almost $3,200 ! Purchased 156 treats (worth $546) from Mimi’s Gourmet Cake Pops for seniors at Lutheran Community Services Northwest and raised about $2,600 for the fund!

Raised over $20,000 – the most in 13 years!

Raised almost $3,400, including about $3,100 for the fund and over $260 (49 meals) for Meals on Wheels with Lutheran Community Services Northwest!

46 volunteers donated 340 hours (worth nearly $13,000)!

12 volunteers donated 90 hours (worth almost $3,400)!

Donated 490 books - nearly $4,450 in value!

Collected over $4,200 worth of food and basic supplies!

Collected almost $9,000 worth of items !

Raised $3,800 !

employees volunteered

hours (worth over $3,400)! United Way Campaign

Fall Food Drive for Eloise’s Cooking Pot Food Bank

Adopt-A-Family for Comprehensive Life Resources

TPU Giving Tree for Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital

Salvation Army Mall Gift Wrapping and Giving Tree

Raised over $163,500 !

Donated over $3,700 worth of items !

More than $9,800 in donations (587 items)!

Donated 432 items/gifts – totaling over $5,700!

Wynnae Wright’s crew wrapped 300 presents during their two-hour shift in December!

hours (worth over $17,600)!

Customer Energy Programs team wins Leadership in Energy Efficiency Award

Congratulations to the Customer Energy Programs team for winning the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance’s (NEEA) 2023 Leadership in Energy Efficiency Award for Innovative Collaboration! The team earned the honor for their Income Qualified Rental Program (IQRP). The award “recognizes outstanding achievement by individuals, groups, and organizations in creating, using, or promoting innovative solutions to collaborate that help the region achieve more energy efficiency.” The category was highly competitive, with 19 nominations from around the region.

This award is such an honor. We thank everyone for recognizing our team’s success, but this program is the true gift that will keep on giving – one happy customer at a time. Our team saw a need and worked together to find innovative solutions to a challenge that conservation administrators across the country have faced for 30 years: To find ways for our most vulnerable population to benefit from our energy efficiency programs. There is nothing more valuable than contributing to the greater good,” said Senior Power Energy Conservation Analyst Sara Bowles, who led the project.

Other team members include Anne Larrabee, Martha Lantz, Ali McKinney, Bernie Peterson, Bryan Russo, Abbie Sunich, and Hollis Tamura. Bowles accepted the award on behalf of the team at NEEA’s ceremony on Dec. 4, 2023.

The IQRP is for rental property owners who serve income-qualified tenants. The program incentivizes landlords to make their properties more energy efficient to help renters save on utility bills. The utility offers landlords a combination of grants and loans to cover 100% of the project costs. Tenants couldn’t historically participate in Tacoma Power’s other conservation programs, so this program has helped to fill that equity gap. The team served 25 homes in 2023, the program’s first year.

A job well done!

Welcome Kalyan Kakani, new Utility Technology Services section manager and chief information officer

Kalyan Kakani began his new role reporting to Power Superintendent Chris Robinson on Jan. 16. In this role, Kalyan oversees technology services across TPU.

Kalyan joins us from Seattle City Light, where he served as the Utility Technology director. He has over 25 years of informational and operational technology experience within the private and public sectors of the utility industry (including water, gas, and electric). He also has a proven ability to lead in critical areas, including information technology architecture, operational technology applications and infrastructure, IT/OT convergence, data management, project delivery and management, and cybersecurity.

Kalyan holds a Bachelor of Technology in Engineering from Andhra University and a Master of Science in Engineering from the University of Louisiana. He is a Certified Public Manager with the State of Nevada. He recently graduated from Wharton’s Chief Technology Officer Program.

One of the many things about Kalyan that stood out to me during the interviews was his obvious passion for technology and people. He is deeply curious about the potential of artificial intelligence and machine learning in the utility sector. Whatever he does, he approaches with a strategic mindset and unwavering commitment to excellence,” said Chris Robinson.

Welcome, Kalyan!

p Sara Bowles accepts the Leadership in Energy Efficiency Award for Innovative Collaboration on behalf of the Customer Energy Programs team on Dec. 4, 2023.

q This is the map view of the PRV pressure sensors currently installed and reporting upstream and downstream pressure data for each location.

OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE: Tacoma Water continues smart water meter upgrades

Now that Tacoma Water has completed its advanced meter infrastructure (AMI) upgrades, customers can access their water usage data to see changes in usage over hours, days, or months. Tacoma Water uses the same information to detect possible leaks earlier and notify customers, saving money and water. However, that’s not all. Advanced pressure monitoring is the next phase in leveraging the advanced meter network to improve operational excellence.

Pressure management is critical to ensuring efficient and effective distribution in a water utility system. Maintaining optimal water pressure is essential to meet the diverse needs of consumers, enhance system reliability, and minimize the risk of leaks and burst pipes.

Water pressure is the force exerted against the walls of its container or conduit, such as pipes. In a water utility system, staff typically measure it in pounds per square inch (psi). Managing water pressure is a delicate balance – if it’s too high, it can lead to increased water loss, leaks, and stress on the infrastructure. Low pressure may result in inadequate service to customers.

The AMI network enables two new ways for the utility to collect near real-time pressure data cost effectively throughout the water system. The first is advanced residential meters with integrated pressure sensors. The utility has 167 sensors placed throughout the system at residential and commercial locations. The sensors report pressure data hourly. Tacoma Water plans to deploy 400 total sensors. If a customer calls to report a low-pressure issue, staff can review the data to see what is happening in the system.

We can see pressure fluctuation issues before the customer calls, and, if they do call, we can let them know what we are doing to resolve the problem,” said Scott Jonas, business services analyst.

Additionally, the distribution system has 77 pressure-reducing valve stations (PRVs).

“PRVs reduce the water pressure within the system at the point where water moves from a high-pressure area to a lower-pressure area,” said Data Analyst Dan Martin.

At most PRV stations, there isn’t an upstream/downstream pressure sensor that reports the status of the assets and system. Historically, installing pressure sensors was limited to the most critical sites because the cost of using SCADA averaged around $35,000 per site. Now, with AMI, the price is reduced to about $1,700 per site.

Over the last year, staff installed pressure sensors on 20 PRVs and developed a near real-time data stream using the AMI network. Pressure reports are relayed at 15-minute

p This is the map view of Sensus Ally meters with integrated pressure sensors currently installed

intervals which update Tacoma Water’s dashboards in near real time. They plan to have pressure sensors upstream and downstream on all the PRVs by the end of 2024.

“Dan Martin created interactive dashboards that display the PRV pressure data, which are available to all Tacoma Water staff via SharePoint. Even though the dashboards are preliminary concepts, various groups already use them to support their work,” said Corey Bedient, UTS technology manager. “A primary goal of the Smart Water Program is to improve operational awareness throughout the water system. These successful first steps build toward that long-term goal.”

Executive Internship Program provides invaluable experience for participants

Our utility’s three main strategic objectives are employee experience, customer experience, and operational excellence. Leadership aims to build a culture where employees love what they do, feel like they belong, and see a future at TPU. The Executive Internship Program is one of the ways they endeavor to build a quality employee experience.

Three employees from across TPU leave their field or office jobs for six weeks to shadow either the Water or Power superintendents or the utilities director. They complete a personal project and give a presentation at the end of the program.

Participation in this internship is an opportunity for employees to expand their horizons,” said Strategic People Programs Manager Alice Massara, who administers the program. “Not only will it provide them with a way to build relationships with leadership, it will also expose them to all aspects of the utility while receiving personalized feedback and mentoring from the director and superintendents.”

We introduced the 2023 interns in Ubits last year and promised to share a future story about their projects and overall experience. Here are their updates:

Dr. Ahlmahz Negash, principal data analyst, Power Management (interned with Power Superintendent Chris Robinson)

Ahlmahz’s project explores using a system dynamics model to better understand factors that impact energy justice.

Robert Asagai, customer services representative lead, Customer Services (interned with Utilities Director Jackie Flowers)

Robert’s project aims to fine-tune communication in Customer Services through learning and stand-up meetings.

Robert and Gary shared some thoughts about their experiences.

Gary Maguire, utility service representative, Transmission & Distribution (interned with Water Superintendent Scott Dewhirst)

Gary’s project is a mentor/ training program that empowers new employees for success as well as encourages employee career growth. His project focuses not just on training, but morale, happiness, and retention.

I believe everyone can learn from this experience. My internship provided everything I wanted it to by shadowing Jackie. I have a better understanding of her role and how valuable a committed leader is to a culture of success and equity,” Asagai said. “I have grown professionally and personally; I am grateful for this opportunity.”

I felt like I won the lottery when I was selected. It is such an amazing opportunity, and I am astonished that TPU offers the mentor program,” Maguire said. “My experience with Scott and the Water senior leadership team was amazing. They really made me feel like my presence and voice were welcome. It was interesting to see how decisions are made at a leadership level and how much they take employee satisfaction, safety, and happiness into account.”

Stay tuned to your email, Newsline, and Unet for details about the next round of the program.

A fond farewell to our recent retirees

Sharon Carlson, a Tacoma Power financial assistant, who retired after 39 years.

Brett Cook , a Tacoma Water service mechanic, who retired after 25 years.

Bill Crane, a Tacoma Power systems engineer, principle, who retired after 19 years.

Ralph Neff, a Tacoma Power grounds maintenance worker, who retired after 23 years.

Gary Young , a Tacoma Power hydro project electrician, who retired after 9 years.

Welcome new employees

Remembering “Big Phil” Hogman

Phil Hogman, or “Big Phil,” as his colleagues called him, passed away on Aug. 3, 2023. Big Phil served on the Tacoma Rail team for 27 years. Tacoma Rail hired him as a railway track worker on Oct. 9, 1985. He was promoted to a full-time locomotive engineer in September 1987 and then was designated supervisor rail safety tech from 2004-2005. The railway promoted Big Phil to mechanical supervisor, where he supervised the locomotive mechanics and shop workers from 2005 to 2010. He returned to being a locomotive engineer in 2010 and stayed in that role until his retirement on Dec. 4, 2012. We send our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and coworkers.

Jenny Bi Senior Business Services Analyst Tacoma Water

Fallon Cameron Muhesi Financial Assistant Tacoma Power

Corey Gardner Senior Business Services Analyst Tacoma Power

Christopher Gonzalez Public Disclosure Video Redaction Analyst Management Services Office

Ashley Jacobsen Business Services Analyst Tacoma Power

Tricia Jarbeaux Senior Business Services Analyst Tacoma Water

Jeziel Juliano Senior Technical IT Analyst Tacoma Water

Cris Marquez-Glynn Senior Business Services Analyst Tacoma Power

Todd Payne Senior Technical IT Analyst Tacoma Water

Sarah Smith Senior Business Services Analyst Tacoma Power

Move over, Michael Phelps – we’ve got Mike-ELK Phelks

Our Generation/Natural Resources team protects more than 2,700 acres of healthy habitat for elk, deer, eagles, osprey, wood ducks, and other wildlife at our Cushman Hydro Project in Mason County. They install and maintain wood duck boxes, bat roosting boxes, and nesting platforms for osprey, create habitat for cavity-nesting birds, and create and sustain elk forage fields.

The team captured this photo of an elk taking a refreshing dip in Lake Cushman while they released juvenile sockeye.

Elk are strong swimmers and can paddle for miles at a time. Their high body fat content helps them float, and their thick fur helps them avoid hypothermia. Elk swim to find food, escape predators, cool down, or because the body of water is part of their migration pattern. They can swim in freshwater and saltwater.

We have an award-winning Floating Surface Collector attached to Cushman No. 1 Dam that collects out-migrating juvenile fish, but maybe we need to build an Adult Elk Collector, too!

Protecting wildlife and supporting robust fisheries and hatcheries programs is all in a day’s work to provide our customers with clean, renewable hydroelectric energy.