FMPA Weekly
A weekly e-newsletter for FMPA members
July 28, 2014
LAST WEEK
FMPA.com Redesign Kickoff
The Public Relations and Information Technology departments met last Wednesday with representatives from BIGEYE, an Orlando-based advertising agency, to kickoff plans for the redesign of FMPA.com. The redesign aims to update the five-year-old site’s technology, improve site security, improve usability for mobile viewers and refresh the design and content. Plans are to launch the redesigned website in October during Public Power Week. Contact: Mark McCain
THIS WEEK
Operational Audit
Representatives from the Auditor General’s office will be in FMPA’s Orlando office beginning Monday to conduct an operational audit of FMPA. The objectives of the audit are “for selected operating units, programs, activities, functions, and classes of transactions, to obtain an understanding and evaluate management’s performance in establishing and maintaining inteal controls, including controls designed to prevent and detect fraud, waste, and abuse and in administering assigned responsibilities in accordance with applicable laws, rules, regulations, contracts, grant agreements, and other guidelines. The audit is estimated to last 10 weeks to 12 weeks. A final report is due by Jan. 1, 2015. Contact: Nick Guarriello
APPA Policy Makers Council Summer Meeting
Mayor Bill Conrad from Newberry and Kissimmee Utility Authority Board Chairman Reginald Hardee are in Washington, D.C., Monday through Wednesday to attend the American Public Power Association’s Policy Makers Council summer meeting. While in the nation’s capital, they will meet with members of Congress and their staff to discuss utility-related issues. Contact: Mark McCain
Meter Tech Certification Program
FMPA’s Meter Technician Certification Steering Committee meets Tuesday at 10 a.m. in the Board room to discuss program implementation requirements and standards of apprenticeship. Contact: Sharon Smeenk
OSHA Update for Electric Utilities
FMPA hosts an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) update on Wednesday at 9 a.m. in the Board room. Pam Tompkins with SET Solutions, LLC will discuss recent changes to electric power standards for general industry and construction 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
Substation and Generating Station Maintenance
FMPA is preparing a joint invitation to bid for services related to the inspection, maintenance and testing requirements for power distribution equipment in substations and generating facilities. The agreement would be for one year with annual extension opportunities. FMPA members are invited to participate. Contact Sharon Samuels by Aug. 5.
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 July 27. Contact: Jim Atz
COMING UP
ARP Telephonic Rate Workshop
The ARP Executive Committee will meet Aug. 7 at 2 p.m. via conference call for the monthly All-Requirements Project rate workshop. Contact: Jim Atz
FMEA Energy Connections Conference
The Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) hosts its websitehttp://publicpower.com/energy-connections-conference/>website; for more information.
INDUSTRY NEWS
FERC to Testify at Hearing on Proposed Rule for Existing Power Plant Emissions
The House Subcommittee on Energy and Power has invited commissioners from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to testify Tuesday at a hearing about electric grid impacts from the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed rule to limit carbon dioxide emissions from existing power plants. Subcommittee Chairman Ed Whitfield, R-Ky, said EPA’s clean power plan does not explain how states and utilities will be able to operate while being forced to limit power options. Any plan that seeks to prohibit the use of coal will drive up energy costs and threaten reliability, Whitfield said. Ahead of the hearing, the subcommittee sent the commissioners questions related to EPA’s recently proposed regulations, asking that they each provide written responses as part of their testimony. The questions are available on the subcommittee’s http://docs.house.gov/meetings/IF/IF03/20140729/102558/HHRG-113-IF03-20140729-SD002.pdf>website;.
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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