FMPA Weekly
A weekly e-newsletter for FMPA members
June 30, 2014
LAST WEEK
FMPA.com Redesign
The staff team working on a redesign of FMPA.com interviewed the top respondents last week to FMPA’s request for qualifications for web design. The team ranked the bidders and announced on Friday that the top-ranked firm is BIGEYE, an Orlando-based advertising agency. Contract negotiation will begin this week. Plans are to launch the new site during Public Power Week in October. Contact: Mark McCain
Member Services Visit
Bud Boudreaux and Sharon Smeenk visited Reedy Creek Improvement District last Thursday to discuss FMPA member services programs that may be of value to Reedy Creek.
THIS WEEK
ARP Cost Center Presentation
Mark Larson and Jim Atz visits Ocala on Monday to present city staff with a personal review of the All-Requirements Project’s (ARP) nine budget cost centers. Representative from FMPA’s independent auditors, Purvis, Gray and Company, also will be on hand. This workshop is available at no cost to all ARP member cities, and it can be customized to members’ interests and time constraints.
Independence Day
FMPA’s offices will be closed Friday to celebrate Independence Day. Have a safe and happy holiday.
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 29. Contact: Jim Atz
Special Dates
Congratulations to Carol Chinn, who celebrates one year with FMPA on Tuesday, July 1.
Congratulations to Janet Davis, who celebrates 15 years with FMPA on Sunday, July 6.
COMING UP
Monthly Rate Workshop
The ARP Executive Committee meets July 9 at 2 p.m. via conference call for the monthly All-Requirements Project rate workshop. Contact: Jim Atz
Online Energy Audit Program
FMPA will host a webinar on July 10 at 10 a.m. for members interested in an online energy audit program for retail customers called Energy Depot. Representatives from Enercom, the software provider, will discuss program options and answer questions from webinar participants. Contact Sharon Samuels for registration and additional information.
FMEA-FMPA Annual Conference
What three things does former Cmdr. Scott Waddle have in common with electric utility personnel? Character, integrity and an uncompromising ethical conduct. Waddle, Commanding Officer of the USS Greeneville nuclear submarine and author of the book The Right Thing, will be this year’s keynote speaker at the FMEA-FMPA Annual Conference on July 15 through July 18 at the Ritz Carlton in Naples. Waddle will offer lessons in leadership and share details of the USS Greeneville’s collision with the Japanese ship Ehime Maru. Visit FMEA’s http://publicpower.com/fmea-fmpa-annual-conference/>website; for conference and hotel registration information.
INDUSTRY NEWS
OSHA Delays Enforcement of New Standard for Electric Power Industry
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established a temporary enforcement policy on the compliance date for most elements of its new construction and general industry standards for electric power generation, transmission, distribution and electrical protective equipment. In a June 20 memo to its regional administrators, OSHA said it would accept compliance with the previous version of the standards until Oct. 31, 2014. The original compliance date for most elements of the new standards was July 10. Not included in the temporary citation policy are paragraphs (a) and (c) of 29 CFR 1910.137 and 29 CFR 1926.97, which will become effective and enforceable on July 10. Paragraph (a) covers the design, manufacturing, testing and other requirements for rubber goods such as blankets, gloves, sleeves, etc.; paragraph (c) covers in-service care and use of electrical protective equipment.
Florida’s Move Over Law Now Protects Utility Vehicles
Gov. Rick Scott signed into law last Monday House Bill 7005, which will add utility service and sanitation vehicles to Florida’s Move Over Law effective July 1. The current law requires motorists to move over one lane when law enforcement, emergency vehicles or tow trucks are performing duties on the side of the road with lights flashing. In situations where changing lanes is unsafe or the driver is traveling on a two-lane road, motorists must reduce their speed to 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit. If the posted speed limit is 20 miles per hour or less, motorists are required to slow down to a speed of 5 miles per hour. Violating the Move Over law can result in a fine and points on your driver’s license.
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 Ryan Dumas or Christin Senior 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: Ryan Dumas or Christin Senior
Florida Municipal Power Agency
8553 Commodity Circle
Orlando, FL 32819-9002
Tel 407 355-7767
Fax 407 355-5794
http://www.fmpa.com>www.fmpa.com
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