FMPA Weekly
A weekly e-newsletter for FMPA members
June 9, 2014
LAST WEEK
Business Planning and Budget Committee
FMPA’s Business Planning and Budget Committee met last Thursday and finalized work on the proposed fiscal 2015 budgets. The Committee approved and recommended the Agency and All-Requirements Project budgets to the ARP Executive Committee for final approval. The Committee also approved and recommended the other power supply project budgets and the Agency allocation to the Board of Directors for final approval. The respective budgets will be presented to the Executive Committee on June 19 and to the Board of Directors on July 18 for final approval. Contact: Mark Larson
THIS WEEK
ARP Telephonic Rate Workshop
The ARP Executive Committee meets Monday at 2 p.m. via conference call for the monthly All-Requirements Project rate workshop. The agenda includes: 1) an update on natural gas markets and liquidity 2) an overview of May operations, loads, costs and rate calculations, and 3) estimated rates for June through August. The full agenda package is available on the Member Portal. Contact: Jim Atz
Hurricane Preparedness Roundtable
The Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) and FMPA host a Hurricane Preparedness Roundtable on Thursday at 10 a.m. at FMPA’s Orlando office. The roundtable will provide a forum for utility personnel to review procedures and discuss post-storm assistance. Discussion topics will include: 1) mutual aid, 2) safety procedures during storm restoration, 3) financial management and FEMA reimbursement, 4) FMPA agreements for post-storm assistance, and 5) communication practices and social media. The roundtable is free, and registration is requested. Visit FMEA’s http://publicpower.com/utility-training-institute-hurricane-preparedness-roundtable/>website; for more information. Contact: Sharon Smeenk
Florida Municipal Power Pool
Tom Reedy begins a new job Thursday as Executive Director for the Florida Municipal Power Pool. Tom takes over from Tom Washbu, who served as the Pool’s director for eight years. Tom Reedy has 36 years of experience in the electric utility industry, including almost 19 years with FMPA. Best wishes, Tom.
FMPA Staff Organization Changes
Three FMPA employees will begin new roles Thursday in the Power Resources and Regulatory Compliance areas. Frank Gaffney, FMPA’s Assistant General Manager of and Officer of Regulatory Compliance, has been named Assistant General Manager, Power Resources. Frank replaces Tom Reedy. Carol Chinn, Assistant Compliance Officer, has been promoted to Regulatory Compliance Officer to manage the Regulatory Compliance Department. In addition, Chris Gowder, formerly Operations Engineer III, will now serve as Regulatory Compliance Specialist. Join us in congratulating these employees on their new positions.
Congratulations Jeff Hanson
Congratulations to Jeff Hanson, FMPA’s new Systems Administrator. Jeff previously served as FMPA’s Network Administrator. He will continue to report to Information Technology Manager Luis Cruz.
All-Requirements Project Weekly Load Statistics
The weekly update of the All-Requirements Project historical load graph has been posted on the Member Portal. The graph is updated through June 8. Contact: Jim Atz
Special Dates
Congratulations to Jim Hay, who celebrates 12 years with FMPA on Tuesday, June 10.
COMING UP
FMEA-FMPA Annual Conference
June 16 is the hotel reservation deadline for this year’s FMEA-FMPA Annual Conference scheduled for July 15 through July 18 at the Ritz Carlton in Naples, Fla. This year’s conference will include breakout sessions on utility industry topics, including: 1) access to bank credit and improving borrowing costs, 2) Florida politics, 3) energy legislation, and 4) managing change to ensure long-term viability. Visit FMEA’s http://publicpower.com/>website; for conference and hotel registration information. Contact: Mark McCain
OSHA Update for Electric Utilities
FMPA will host an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) update for electric utilities on July 30 at 9 a.m. at FMPA’s Orlando office to discuss recent changes and updates to OSHA’s electric power standards for general industry and construction. Pam Tompkins with SET Solutions, LLC will discuss major rule changes and review the “Big Four topics, including: 1) information sharing/host employers and contractors, 2) fall protection, 3) minimum approach distances, and 4) protection from flames and electric arc hazards. The cost is $225, and http://www.fmpa.com/index.php/component/registrationpro/?view=event&did=60>registration; is required. Contact: Sharon Smeenk
Customer Connections Conference
Registration is now open for the American Public Power Association’s (APPA) Customer Connections Conference scheduled for Oct. 26 through Oct. 29 at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront. FMPA and the Florida Municipal Electric Association are proud to co-host this year’s conference. Utility professionals in the areas of 1) customer service, 2) economic development, 3) energy services, 4) key accounts, and 5) public communications are encouraged to attend. Visit APPA’s http://www.publicpower.org/Events/Landing.cfm?ItemNumber=30628&navItemNumber=38295>website; for registration and hotel information.
INDUSTRY NEWS
EPA Wants Florida to Cut CO2 Emissions 38%
Existing fossil-fueled power plants in Florida would have to reduce carbon dioxide emissions 38% by 2030 under a www.fmpa.com
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