FMPA Weekly
A weekly e-newsletter for FMPA members
Nov. 30, 2015
LAST WEEK
Audit Response Report
FMPA filed with the Florida Auditor General last Tuesday its voluntary, 240-day report detailing the Agency’s progress and plans for addressing the Auditor General’s 15 audit findings. The report shows that FMPA has completed action on 13 of the 15 audit recommendations and that the remaining items (Findings Nos. 1 and 14) should be complete by the end of the calendar year. Contact: Nick Guarriello
THIS WEEK
Travel Expense Policy
FMPA’s new Per Diem and Travel Expense Policy, which was approved by the Board of Directors and Executive Committee, takes effect Tuesday, Dec. 1. The policy will apply to FMPA members that participate in the Executive Committee travel reimbursement policy and to FMPA members who travel on FMPA’s reimbursement program for the APPA Legislative Rally. The most notable changes are: 1) defining the most economical form of air travel, and 2) switching from reimbursing actual expenses for meals to paying a per diem based on the U.S. General Services Administration rates by travel destination. The policy requires that the per diem be adjusted for meals provided by FMPA, paid for by FMPA such as part of a hotel rate or conference fee, or meals provided by other to the traveler at no cost. For day trips not requiring an oveight stay and more than 50 miles from the traveler’s official work location, there are time restrictions that determine eligibility for breakfast and dinner. FMPA will issue an updated Travel Expense Report and a Meal Per Diem Calculator to assist members in complying with the new policy. Contact: Nick Guarriello or Mark McCain
Purchasing Roundtable
Tuesday is the deadline to http://fmpa.com/event/fmpa-purchasing-roundtable/>
Florida Solar Workshop
The Florida Municipal Electric Association and the Southe Alliance for Clean Energy host a workshop on Thursday at 9 a.m. at FMPA’s Orlando office to discuss the impact of solar on the electric utility industry. Discussion topics will include the value of solar power, a solar roadmap and rate reform. Contact: Michele Jackson
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 Nov. 29. Contact: Jim Atz
Special Dates
Congratulations to Amy Deese, who celebrates seven years with FMPA on Tuesday, Dec. 1.
Congratulations to Joe McKinney, who celebrates 15 years with FMPA on Friday, Dec. 4.
COMING UP
Management Development Program
FMPA will host a new Management Development Program beginning Jan. 12, 2016, at FMPA’s Orlando office. The program will be led by Jacque Booker, the same instructor who leads the popular Excellence as a Supervisor series. This new program is designed for new managers, mid-level managers and departments in need of succession planning. The classes could be a great next step for those who completed the Excellence as a Supervisor course. The Management Development Program includes a total of six, two-day modules. The modules are divided into two series with three modules in each series. Participants can register for Series I, Series II or both. The first module of series one is scheduled for Jan. 12 and Jan. 13 and will discuss: 1) developing self-awareness, 2) managing personal stress, and 3) oral and written presentations. Module two is scheduled for Feb. 16 and Feb. 17 and will discuss: 1) solving problems analytically and creatively, and 2) building relationships through supportive communication. Module three is scheduled for March 15 and March 16 and will discuss: 1) gaining power and influence, and 2) motivating others. The cost is $1,100 per series. http://fmpa.com/event/management-development-program-series-i/>
INDUSTRY NEWS
PSC Approves $1.3 Billion Bond for Crystal River Decommissioning
The Florida Public Service Commission approved Duke Energy’s plan to sell $1.3 billion in bonds to spread Crystal River Unit 3 decommissioning costs over 20 years. Securitizing the decommissioning costs through the bond sale would save as much as $708 million, the PSC said before approving the request on Nov. 18. The deal also could be important to Duke’s $4.9 billion cash deal to buy Piedmont Natural Gas. Duke CFO Steve Young has cited the $650 million in free cash flow that Duke is expected to gain from the securitization deal as a possible source of funding for the acquisition.
Supreme Court to Hear Challenge to FPL Natural Gas Investment
The Florida Supreme Court will hear arguments Dec. 8 in a challenge led by the Office of Public Counsel and the Florida Industrial Power Users Group that contends the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) improperly approved Florida Power & Light’s (FPL) plan to invest in the Woodford Gas Reserves Project. The investment is a departure from the typical practice of utilities buying natural gas and then passing along costs to customers. The venture with PetroQuest Energy, Inc. involves investing in the development and operation of natural-gas wells and recovering the costs and a retu on the investment. At least one of the issues during next month’s arguments will focus on whether regulators have the legal authority to approve the drilling plan. Both the PSC and FPL argue that the project would help shield the utility from volatile market prices. However, the Office of Public Counsel wrote in a June brief that, “Nowhere in statute does the Legislature grant any express or implied power to the commission to allow the recovery of costs and a corresponding profit for the exploration, drilling, and production of minerals.’’
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 Nathalia Romano 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 Nathalia Romano
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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