FMPA Weekly
A weekly e-newsletter for FMPA members
Nov. 1, 2010
LAST WEEK
Solar PV Request for Proposals
FMPA issued a request for proposals last Wednesday for solar demonstration projects on behalf of five member cities, including Green Cove Springs, Mount Dora, Newberry, St. Cloud and Starke. These cities were all recipients of the federal Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant. The RFP is available on http://fmpa.com/index.php/features-do-not-publish/370-rfp-rooftop-solar-photovoltaic-systems-a-installation-services>fmpa.com;. Responses are due Dec. 7. Contact: Sharon Smeenk
Audit and Risk Oversight Committee
FMPA’s Audit and Risk Oversight Committee (AROC) met last Wednesday and tabled a risk review of the power sale agreement to the city of Quincy. The AROC also discussed information items including: 1) a risk event detail review, 2) implementation of GASB 53, 3) natural gas storage, and 4) Florida Municipal Power Pool (FMPP) credit policy. Staff will work with Orlando Utilities Commission and Lakeland Electric to review FMPP’s credit terms.
Policy Makers Liaisons Committee
FMPA’s Policy Makers Liaisons Committee met last Wednesday and elected Scott Roberts of Starke as its new Vice Chair. Roberts replaces Pam Cully, who stepped down from the Committee. The policy makers discussed electricity rate comparisons and electric issues facing their cities. The Committee’s next meeting is scheduled for Jan. 26, 2011, at 2 p.m. in FMPA’s Orlando office.
Board of Directors
FMPA’s Board of Directors met last Thursday for a special-called meeting. The Board approved action items including: 1) evaluations for the General Manager and CEO and General Counsel, 2) audit report recommendations for Stanton Units 1 and 2 and the Indian River combustion turbines, and 3) an information technology Registrations” rel=”nofollow”>http://www.fmpa.com/index.php/component/registrationpro/?view=event&did=28>Registrations are due today. The cost is $250 for FMPA members, including lunch. If you are unable to attend in person, a webcast is available, and continuing education credits are provided for engineers. Contact: Mike Siefert
Net Metering, Billing and Interconnection Workshop
FMPA will host a workshop Dec. 7 to discuss the All-Requirements Project’s (ARP) net metering, billing and interconnection agreements for small customer-owned renewable generation. The workshop will provide guidance to ARP member cities regarding program policies, and participants will discuss customer-owned renewable generation interconnection contracts. The Florida Solar Energy Center also will present information on solar incentives and installation requirements. There is no cost to attend this workshop. Contact: Mike Siefert
INDUSTRY NEWS
PSC Names Graham New Chairman
The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) elected Art Graham as its chairman last Tuesday in a 3-1 vote with Commissioner Nathan Skop dissenting. Graham is a former Jacksonville City Council member and wastewater engineer. He was appointed to the five-member panel in July and replaces former chairwoman Nancy Argenziano, who resigned Oct. 12 to make endorsements in this year’s political races. Chairmanship of the PSC traditionally goes to the longest tenured member who has never been chairman, which would have been Commissioner Skop. But like Argenziano, Skop was denied a second term on the PSC and is leaving office in January.
Progress Energy Nuclear Plant Fee Approved
The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) approved last Tuesday Progress Energy’s request for $163.6 million to pay for improvements to its Crystal River nuclear power plant and the proposed Levy County plant. The 4-0 PSC vote will mean an average $5.53 per month cost increase to Progress Energy’s more than 1.6 million customers beginning in 2011.
Lakeland Electric Solar Water Heater Program
Lakeland Electric became the first utility in the nation to team up with a third party to offer solar water heaters. The monthly cost of the solar water heaters will be $34.95 with a 20-year commitment. Califoia-based Regenesis Power hopes to install the systems in as many as 20,000 Lakeland homes over the next 20 years.
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 Lance Larsson or Diane Nelson in FMPA’s Public Relations Department.
Want more background on the names and terms used in this newsletter? Check out FMPA’s 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: Lance Larsson or Diane Nelson