FMPA Weekly
A weekly e-newsletter for FMPA members
June 18, 2012
LAST WEEK
Energy Oxidation Catalyst Project
FMPA issued a FMEA’s” rel=”nofollow”>http://publicpower.com/fmea-fmpa-annual-conference/>FMEA’s website for conference and scholarship information.
Electrical Safety Workshop
FMPA will host an Electrical Safety workshop Aug. 7 at 10 a.m. in the Board room. The training, presented in conjunction with Carlyle Consulting Group, will discuss safety methods that utility workers can use while working with energized equipment. The training is $125 and includes lunch. The deadline to http://www.fmpa.com/index.php/component/registrationpro/?view=event&did=45>register; is July 30. Contact: Sharon Samuels
Dog Bite Prevention Training
FMPA will host Dog Bite Prevention training Aug. 30 at 9 a.m. in the Board room. The training, presented in conjunction with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Central Florida, will help utility personnel recognize and respond to situations with dangerous or potentially dangerous animals. The cost is $75 and includes lunch. The deadline to http://www.fmpa.com/index.php/component/registrationpro/?view=event&did=44>register; is Aug. 23. Contact: Sharon Samuels
INDUSTRY NEWS
FERC Conditionally Approves Duke, Progress Merger
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has granted conditional approval for the merger of Duke Energy and Progress Energy, clearing the way for the two companies to form the largest utility in the country. The June 8 ruling does impose some additional conditions on the merger, including requiring regular status updates on transmission upgrades. FERC stipulated that the upgrades must be completed by June 2015 and not charged to wholesale customers. FERC twice rejected the deal over conces that it would reduce competition for wholesale electricity in the Carolinas. Last September, FERC suggested that Duke and Progress consider selling power plants, building new transmission lines or giving up control of their transmission system to a regional operator. The companies responded by offering to sell excess electricity at a fixed price to wholesale buyers in their Carolinas territories, but regulators said that wasn’t enough. In March, the companies said they would spend $110 million to build new power transmission lines or enhance existing ones in order to increase the electricity that can flow into the Carolinas from outside suppliers. Last month, Duke and Progress also agreed not to ask customers to cover millions of dollars in severance costs to employees who could be laid off as part of the merger. The companies have 15 days to say if they will accept the conditions and proceed. Progress and Duke expect to close the merger by July 1.
Coal’s Share of Generation Drops to 34%
Coal’s share of total net generation in the United States dropped to 34% while natural gas increased to 30%, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported in its May 2012 edition of www.fmpa.comhttp://www.fmpa.com/>www.fmpa.com;
Community Power. Statewide Strength. ®