FMPA Weekly
A weekly e-newsletter for FMPA members
June 8, 2009
LAST WEEK
Pooled Loan Program
FMPA has been unable to find a replacement letter of credit for the Pooled Loan Program due to changes in the credit market, so updated amortization schedules were mailed to participating members last week. All loans will now be paid-off by Aug. 1, 2010. FMPA may be forced to discontinue the program, but staff will work with participating members to minimize any inconvenience during the transition. For example, members have the option to refinance and pre-pay the pooled loan. Contact: Michell Ramos
Disaster Recovery Drill
FMPA managers met last Thursday to discuss the disaster recovery drill. Topics of discussion included: 1) issues revealed by the test, 2) suggestions for future testing, and 3) planning for additional disaster recovery efforts. A summary report including results and recommendations will be presented at a future Audit and Risk Oversight Committee meeting. Contact: Kristi Knight
Conservation DVD
Shooting for the energy conservation DVD for the All-Requirements’ Conservation Fund was completed last Wednesday and Thursday in Jacksonville. Thank you to KUA’s Vice President of Corporate Communications Chris Gent and Beaches Energy Services’ energy auditor Rik Amato for their oversight. Check out Chris’s http://tinyurl.com/FMPAMemberServices09http://tinyurl.com/FMPAMemberServices09>http://tinyurl.com/FMPAMemberServices09; or retu the hard copy that was mailed a few weeks ago. Contact: Mike Siefert or Sharon Samuels
APPA National Conference
Nick Guarriello and Fred Bryant travel to Salt Lake City, Utah, this weekend to attend the American Public Power Association’s National Conference, which runs through Wednesday, June 17.
All-Requirements Project Load
The weekly update of the All-Requirements Project historical load graph has been posted on the Member Portal. The graph is updated through June 7. Contact: Jim Atz
Service Anniversaries
Congratulations to Steve Ruppel, who celebrates 11 years with FMPA on Monday, June 8.
Congratulations to Jim Hay, who celebrates seven years with FMPA on Wednesday, June 10.
Congratulations to Shirleen Bell, who celebrates two years with FMPA on Thursday, June 11.
Congratulations to Tom Washbu, who celebrates three years with FMPA on Friday, June 12.
COMING UP
NERC Standard Training
FMPA hosts training on the North American Electric Reliability Corporation’s Standard FAC-008 on June 15 via Webcast at 8 a.m. The training is part of FMPA’s mitigation plan. It will describe the standard’s requirements and how FMPA’s facility rating methodology meets them. The training is open to all FMPA staff. Contact: Frank Gaffney
Employees “Right to Know Standard Workshop
Don’t forget to register for FMPA’s workshop on the Employees “Right to Know Standard. The workshop will be held July 15 in the Board room at 10 a.m. Participants will lea about the Hazard Communication Standard, also known as the Right to Know Standard, including how to properly label materials and training requirements for educating an organization’s employees. For more information and to register, visit FMPA’s” rel=”nofollow”>http://www.fmpa.com/html/member_services/pdf/Mineral_Oil_Dielectric_Fluid_Workshop.pdf>FMPA’s Web site. Contact: Mike Siefert
INDUSTRY NEWS
Gainesville to Build a Biomass Power Plant
The Gainesville City Commission approved a 30-year contract for Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) to purchase and own 100% of the output from a 100 megawatt wood-fueled biomass power plant. The plant will be constructed by Gainesville Renewable Energy Center, LLC, a subsidiary of American Renewables, at GRU’s Deerhaven Generating Station. Construction may begin in late-2010, with commercial operations scheduled for late-2013. The project is expected to create up to 350 construction jobs, 45 facility jobs and 500 permanent forestry jobs.
Climate Bill Mark Up Deadline for House Committees
The six committees in the U.S. House of Representatives that have not marked up the climate change bill have been asked to complete the task by June 19. This move is to ensure the bill progresses forward, although floor debate and a vote on the bill by the full House have yet to be scheduled. The bill, if approved, would cap industry carbon emissions by 83% by 2050, organize an emissions allowance to aid compliance and create a renewable electricity standard that requires large utilities to get 20% of their power from renewable sources by 2020.
FMPA Weekly is published by FMPA for employees and goveing boards of FMPA member utilities. Questions or comments about this newsletter may be directed to Diane Nelson or Beth Pangbo in FMPA’s Public Relations Department.
Want more background on the names and terms used in this newsletter? Check out FMPA’s new Glossary, which features some of the most frequently mentioned committees, companies, places and terms, or contact the person named in each FMPA story to lea more. (Click here for the Staff Directory).
Have a question, comment or story idea for the newsletter? FMPA welcomes your feedback at any time. Contact Diane Nelson.