KUB, like other utilities nationwide, must step up efforts to replace aging infrastructure.
Century II, an infrastructure management program launched in May 2007, is designed to be an investment in our next 100 years of quality service—and in the quality of life in our community.
Century II is KUB's proactive long-range program to improve and maintain the electric, gas, water, and wastewater systems for our customers. It includes the maintenance and replacement strategies for each system that were in place before Century II and accelerates replacements, as needed. It moves KUB into its second century of service by improving each system through sound planning, resource allocation, and continued, but accelerated, investment.
Century II includes all four services, but at any given time, each may be at a different stage of assessment, prioritization, planning, or implementation. The gas and wastewater systems are currently on target with their replacement schedules, but we need to accelerate replacements in the electric and water systems.
KUB is committed to providing safe, reliable utility services and meeting customer needs—now and in the future. By anticipating and addressing needs now, customers will realize long-term benefits and experience even fewer service interruptions.
For an overview of proposed upgrades to the water and electric systems, please see below. You can also find more information in our Century II Information Sheet and Frequently Asked Questions section.
Upgrading the Water System
We are proud of our safe, high-quality water and the reliable system that delivers it. Although KUB's dependable water system has stood the test of time well, some components are nearing the end of their useful life. And KUB must step up the pace of replacement work now to ensure we can continue to provide safe, reliable service.
Some water pipes are 100 years old, for example. KUB plans to initiate a replacement level of 1 percent a year to put us on target with installing newer pipe that has an average life of 100 years.
Not surprisingly, KUB sees the largest number of repairs on older pipes. Older cast iron, galvanized, and cement-lined pipes make up only 47 percent of the system, but they account for 89 percent of repairs.
In addition to supporting reliability, pipe replacement will help the water system face the challenge of new water loss regulations. State regulations passed in 2010 limit system water losses from leaks to 35 percent. KUB has traditionally been below that limit, but we could potentially exceed it if leak rates continue to increase on older pipes.
Upgrading the Electric System
Our lives and businesses run on electricity. KUB understands how vital it is to provide reliable service to current customers and to support future growth.
To help ensure reliable service, the Century II Electric Team evaluated substation transformers, overhead lines and poles, underground distribution cable, and the downtown network. The team also developed model replacement plans for each aging component.
For example, about 40,000 wooden poles installed before 1965 are coming due for replacement. Wooden poles have an average industry life expectancy of 35 years. But proper inspection and maintenance programs, like KUB uses, can extend pole life expectancy to 50 years.
KUB plans to double the rate of pole replacement under Century II. That will allow us to replace all poles within the extended 50-year cycle.
The average age of KUB substation transformers is 35 years. The CII team identified transformers that need to be replaced in the next five to ten years.
These upgrades will help KUB's electric system continue to serve growth in our community, now and in the future.
