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The Power and the Snow

by Abbot Brian Wangler, O.S.B.

The blizzard of April, 1997, with the resultant 32-hour power outage, emphatically reminded us that we needed to install a standby generator, though we had been thinking about this for some time.  After the storm we realized how fortunate we were that the outside temperatures were in the upper 20’s.  Lower temperatures would have resulted in frozen pipes, elderly monks suffering from uncomfortable conditions in our living areas, and greater difficulty in accommodating the 42 stranded guests from Interstate 94.

We knew more than ever that we needed to do something, but the cost of the generator, and especially the extensive rewiring required, was beyond our means.  In December 2007 we invited you, our friends, to help us with this necessary work.  You responded generously and we are ever so grateful to you.

The main objective of the project is to provide power for the entire campus when the utility power fails.  In addition, we are able to reduce our electrical bills by doing some demand management.  When our electrical usage reaches a certain demand level, the generator will automatically start up to keep the demand level lower.

The construction phase (installing conduit, cables, switch gear, etc.) began in November, 2008.  Most of the construction work has been done, but some work remains with control wiring.  Also there is some outdoor work and rewiring by the main power supply (transformer).  The generator has been run for a brief trial, and it will be connected to the new system as we near completion of the project.  

Thank you very much to all who helped us with this project.  There have been some cost-overruns, so gifts toward this needed work are still most welcome.  Without you it could never have been done.  You are in our prayers. We are grateful to you, our friends.  God bless you.

Monks manhandle the new generator into the power house. The 100 kilowatt machine will be able to power the whole campus in the event of a power failure. It will also help to trim our electric bills during periods of peek usage.

Workers from Berger Electric of Dickinson pull wires throughout the monastery. More than two tons of new cable is used to replace all of the existing feeders, switch gear and junction boxes.

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Assumption Abbey

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