Selectboard weighs generator sizing as fire-pump choice drives backup power needs

The Whitingham Selectboard discussed how choices about the highway garage's fire suppression system will determine how large a backup generator the town must procure.

Consultant Elijah Daniels told the board that an electric fire pump would 'rule the size of the generator' and that planners should assume the generator may need to run the entire electrical panel. Minutes record that without a fire pump the generator should cover 25–30 kW; with an electric fire pump the consultant estimated loads in the roughly 80–125 kW range and noted configurations could drive sizing higher—potentially up toward about 250 kW depending on equipment selection and simultaneous loads. Daniels said a diesel fire pump is an option but would require more maintenance, and that the team anticipates designing on-site fuel storage sized for approximately 24 hours of operation. The minutes also record that a small 'day tank' (about 30 gallons) may be used where fuel cannot be stored in the same room as the pump.

The nut of the discussion was practical: the board must choose between higher capital cost and larger generator sizing to power an electric pump, or a diesel pump with lower generator sizing but higher ongoing maintenance. The decision affects electrical distribution, fuel-storage design, and maintenance contracts; the minutes note the generator contract would include annual maintenance for a defined term. Next procedural steps recorded in the minutes included a near-term review set of electrical plans and further sizing work by consultants.

Speakers quoted or referenced in these discussions include consultant Elijah Daniels and Road Commissioner Stanley Janovsky.