Montpelier: City Approves $6,455 VFD Replacement — Has Been Running on One Pump for Months

From the Montpelier Board of Works meeting on June 9, 2026

The Montpelier Board of Works approved replacement of a failed Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) — a device that controls pump motor speed — at the main wastewater lift station. The board selected Cooley's at $6,455, roughly $2,000 cheaper than the other two quotes: ESM at $8,656 and Peerless at $8,944.60.

Water Superintendent Chase Perry revealed the city has been operating on a single lift station pump "for I don't know how many months," describing the situation as "walking on eggshells." The VFD failure appears connected to a lightning strike that also damaged the pump. The pump was repaired, but the VFD issue was not discovered until the pump was reinstalled.

The VFD is approximately seven years old. The board approved the purchase unanimously.

Source: Meeting transcript — Montpelier Board of Works Meeting 6-09-26

Some information may be inaccurate due to video audio quality.