FMPA Weekly
A weekly e-newsletter for FMPA members
Sept. 3, 2019
____________________________________________________
LAST WEEK
Hurricane Dorian Preparation
FMPA and its operating partners prepared the power plants last week in Kissimmee, Fort Pierce, Key West, Orlando and St. Lucie for Hurricane Dorian. Based on projected wind speed at Treasure Coast, the unit was brought down Sunday evening in an orderly and safe fashion. It was prudent and possible to do so based on the storm path and electric demand declining due to incoming rain storms. As soon as the storm passes and conditions are safe, the generation fleet will be assessed for any damage, and the fleet will return to normal operations as quickly as possible. Contact: David Schumann
Social Media
FMPA has been active on social media keeping its followers informed about Hurricane Dorian as well as news from our member cities and more. Follow FMPA on Facebook and Twitter for up-to-date information. Contact: Mark McCain
Power Restoration Video
Florida’s public power communicators worked together to develop a power restoration video that was distributed last week. The short video designed for use on social media explains the power restoration process, a common question from customers after storms. Interested cities can contact Melisa Inanc for their utility’s branded version of the video.
Electric Deregulation Ballot Initiative
The Florida Supreme Court held oral arguments last Wednesday on the electric deregulation ballot initiative. Jody Finklea presented testimony on behalf of municipal electric utilities in opposition to the measure. Justices listened to more than an hour of arguments about whether they should allow the measure to go before voters during the November 2020 election. The Court will determine whether the initiative meets the single-subject requirement and whether the ballot title and summary will not mislead voters as to the amendment’s purpose. A ruling is expected later this year. A recording of the live session is available on the Florida Supreme Court’s Facebook page.
Bond Counsel RFP
FMPA issued a request for proposals (RFP) last Wednesday for bond, disclosure and special finance counsel. The RFP is available on FMPA’s website. Proposals are due Sept. 24. Contact: Linda Howard or Jody Finklea
Substation and Generation Station Maintenance ITB
FMPA issued an invitation to bid (ITB) last Wednesday for substation and generating station maintenance. The ITB is available on FMPA’s website. Bids are due Sept. 26. Contact: Sharon Samuels
Account Software RFP
FMPA issued a request for proposals (RFP) last Thursday for accounting software for the Agency. The RFP is available on FMPA’s website. Proposals are due Sept. 19. Contact: Danyel Sullivan-Marrero
____________________________________________________
THIS WEEK
Solar Meeting Cancelled
The solar project committee meeting originally planned for Tuesday at 2 p.m. was cancelled. A joint teleconference for the Solar Project Committee and the ARP Solar Project Participants Advisory Committee will be rescheduled. Contact: Susan Schumann
Bushnell Presentation
Jacob Williams gives a presentation on the value of Bushnell’s municipal electric utility to the City Council on Thursday evening.
Board Officers Telephonic Meeting
FMPA’s Board officers meet Friday at 2:30 p.m. via teleconference to solicit input from the Board of Directors for the annual performance evaluations of FMPA’s General Manager and General Counsel. Contact: Jacob Williams
Special Dates
Happy anniversary to Navid Nowakhtar, who celebrates three years with FMPA on Friday, Sept. 6.
Happy anniversary to Cairo Vanegas, who celebrates five years with FMPA on Sunday, Sept. 8.
____________________________________________________
COMING UP
ARP Executive Committee, Finance Committee and Rate Workshop
A joint telephonic meeting will be held Sept. 10 at 2 p.m. for FMPA’s Executive Committee, Finance Committee and ARP Rate Workshop. Contact: Jacob Williams
Finance Committee
FMPA’s Finance Committee will meet Sept. 19 at 8:30 a.m. in FMPA’s Orlando office. Contact: Linda Howard
Governing Boards
FMPA’s governing boards will meet Sept. 19 in FMPA’s Orlando office. The Board of Directors will meet at 9 a.m., and the Executive Committee will meet immediately followed by the Board of Directors. Contact: Jacob Williams
Reliable Public Power Provider
One of FMPA’s strategic priorities is to assist its members with best practices and strategic guidance in operational areas to enhance reliability. One program that is helpful in this area is the American Public Power Association’s Reliability Public Power Provider (RP3) designation. FMPA encourages its members to submit applications for RP3, a program based on industry-recognized leading practices in the four disciplines of reliability, safety, workforce development and system improvement. First-time applicants can receive a 15% discount on the application fee using the code “JAA&SA2019RP3”. FMPA’s members are encouraged to visit APPA’s website for more information. Members can contact Mike McCleary or Cairo Vanegas for assistance with the application.
Fuse Coordination for Lineworkers
FMPA’s regional training classes on fuse coordination for lineworkers are scheduled for Sept. 17 in Mount Dora and Sept. 18 in Wauchula. The deadline to register is Sept. 10. The classes will help lineworkers understand the characteristics of fuses. Additional classes are offered Sept. 23 in Williston and Sept. 24 in Chattahoochee. Registration is free, and lunch will be provided. Contact: Mike McCleary
Meter Tech Roundtable
FMPA’s Meter Tech Roundtable is scheduled for Nov. 6 in Leesburg. The roundtable provides a forum for participants to discuss metering topics such as policies, procedures, equipment, AMI, technology, safety, training, apprentice programs and more. Registration is free, and lunch will be provided. Contact: Sharon Samuels
____________________________________________________
INDUSTRY NEWS
Glut in U.S. Natural-Gas Supply Contributes to Fall in Global Prices
More shale gas than ever is leaving U.S. shores, but global prices for the fuel have never been lower, according to a story last week in the Wall Street Journal. Natural-gas prices in Europe and Asia have fallen this year to historic lows amid reduced demand, the trade dispute with China and brimming storage facilities in Europe. The biggest driver of falling prices has been the U.S. gas that is spilling into global markets. “It was inevitable,” said Ira Joseph, head of global gas and power analytics at S&P Global Platts. “There is simply too much supply coming into the market at one time.” The price decline has eliminated some of the allure involved in liquefying cheap U.S. gas and shipping it abroad, where it typically fetches much higher prices. U.S. natural-gas futures for September delivery settled last Tuesday at $2.202 per million British thermal units. That is down about 25% from this time last year despite the surge in exports and record consumption among U.S. power plants this summer.
____________________________________________________
FMPA Weekly is published by FMPA for employees and governing boards of FMPA member utilities. Questions or comments about this newsletter may be directed to Melisa Inanc or Rachel Ilardi 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 learn more.
Have a question, comment or story idea for the newsletter? FMPA welcomes your feedback at any time. Contact: Melisa Inanc or Rachel Ilardi
__________________________________________________________
Florida Municipal Power Agency
8553 Commodity Circle
Orlando, FL 32819-9002
Tel 407 355-7767
Fax 407 355-5794
www.fmpa.com
Community Power. Statewide Strength. ®
__________________________________________________________