New boiler on its way to Youngstown for SOBE plant, crew to install over weekend
YOUNGSTOWN A new boiler is headed to Youngstown for use in the SOBE Thermal Energy Systems plant.
According to Youngstown City Spokesperson Andy Resnick, as a result of pressure from the city, a new boiler is on the way to the area and a crew will be working through the weekend to install the equipment.
The new boiler, once installed, should be operational by early next week, according to Resnick.
On Tuesday, the Wabash-owned mobile boiler that the plant had originally been using to supply steam had been repossessed after a court order.
That boiler had been responsible for heating and cooling 27 buildings in Downtown Youngstown, including two apartment complexes with roughly 90 units.
As a result, officials were relying on state regulators to minimize the effect of the disruption.
"We're pleased with the progress so far by PUCO to ensure our residents and businesses relying on SOBE will continue to have service. They are currently working to finalize the alternative with YSU, so the trailer removal will have minimal impact and PUCO will be in communication with all customers to provide them updates," said Resnick in a statement when alternative options were being considered.
The alternative, temporary plan involving Youngstown State University (YSU) involved redirecting steam from its own boiler plant into SOBE's downtown system.
The connection has not been used in years, which created challenges for engineers trying to restart it.
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