FMPA Weekly
A weekly e-newsletter for FMPA staff
Nov. 25, 2019
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LAST WEEK
Solar Project Groundbreaking
FMPA, along with 12 of its members and Florida Renewable Partners, held a groundbreaking event last Monday to celebrate the beginning of construction on the Florida Municipal Solar Project, one of the largest municipal-backed solar projects in the nation. Approximately 70 people attended the event held at the Harmony Solar Energy Center in Osceola County. Pictures of the event are posted on FMPA’s Facebook page. Thank you to FMPA staff, partners and member cities who lent a helping hand to make the event a success. Contact: Ryan Dumas
Homestead Power Purchase Agreement
The City Council of Homestead unanimously approved a power purchase agreement (PPA) with FMPA last week. The agreement is for the purchase of 15 MW of capacity and energy from January 2020 through December 2026. This sale continues the execution of FMPA’s strategy to monetize the value of surplus generation for the financial benefit of All-Requirements Project members. The PPA will be considered for approval by the ARP Executive Committee at its December meeting. Contact: Ken Rutter
Generation Fleet Workshop
FMPA and members of the All-Requirements Project’s generating fleet, including Fort Pierce, Key West and Kissimmee, participated in a workshop last Wednesday to discuss ways to maximize fleet performance. The team will meet on a regular basis to discuss topics, such as operational performance, pool coordination, fleet synergies and other generation issues. Contact: Ken Rutter
PVC Conduit & Fittings
FMPA’s PVC conduit and fittings bid for work with Beaches Energy Services, city of Bushnell and city of Newberry was awarded last week to Anixter and Wesco. FMPA’s awarded bids are available to all members and can be viewed on the Portal. Contact: Sharon Samuels
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THIS WEEK
Solar II Project Approvals
Susan Schumann attends the Winter Park City Commission meeting on Monday to discuss approval of the Solar II Project. Eight of the 12 participants have approved participation with the remaining four scheduled in the coming weeks. The ARP Executive Committee and Board of Directors will consider approval for the Project at the December governing board meetings.
Wastewater Pipes, Valves & Fittings Bid
FMPA opens its first collaborative bid for Wastewater Pipes, Valves & Fittings on Tuesday for work with city of St. Cloud and city of Bushnell. Contact: Sharon Samuels
Thanksgiving Holiday
FMPA’s offices are closed Thursday and Friday in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Have a safe and happy holiday.
Cane Island Maintenance Outage
Cane Island Unit 4 is scheduled to return from its planned outage on Saturday after going offline on Nov. 16 for planned maintenance. Contact: David Schumann
All-Requirements Project Weekly Load Statistics
The weekly update of the All-Requirements Project historical load graph has been posted on the Portal. The graph is updated through Nov. 24. Contact: Jason Wolfe
Special Dates
Congratulations to Louis DeSimone, who celebrates one year with FMPA on Tuesday, Nov. 26.
Congratulations to Danyel Sullivan-Marrero, who celebrates one year with FMPA on Tuesday, Nov. 26.
Congratulations to Tom Jones, who celebrates 12 years with FMPA on Wednesday, Nov. 27.
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COMING UP
Solar Project Phase I
The Solar Project Phase I committees meet Dec. 2 at 2 p.m. via joint conference call to discuss the proposed alternative to address the Poinsett facility delay. Contact: Susan Schumann
Purchasing Roundtable
FMPA’s Purchasing Roundtable meets Dec. 5 at FMPA’s Orlando office. The event provides a forum for purchasing personnel to meet with peers to discuss procedures, policies, practices, industry changes and other topics of interest. Registration is free, and lunch will be provided. Contact: Sharon Samuels
Executive Committee Workshop
The ARP Executive Committee will hold a workshop Dec. 11 at 10 a.m. in FMPA’s Orlando office to discuss restructuring options for the All-Requirements Project. Contact: Jacob Williams
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee meets Dec. 11 at 2 p.m. in FMPA’s Orlando office. Contact: Linda Howard
FMPA Governing Board Meetings
FMPA’s governing boards meet Dec. 12 in the Orlando office. The Board of Directors meets at 9 a.m., and the Executive Committee meets at 9:15 a.m., or immediately following the Board. Contact: Jacob Williams
Substation Maintenance Training
FMPA will hold a substation maintenance training course at Orlando Utilities Commission on Feb. 11-12. The course will cover circuit switchers, power transformers, and LTC controls and settings. The substation training series is designed to provide participants with in-depth instruction on substation-related topics and is tailored to the specific equipment of the attendee’s utilities, where possible. Registration is $900 for the two-day session. Contact: Sharon Samuels
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INDUSTRY NEWS
FERC Changes Base ROE Evaluation Process
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approved an order last Thursday changing the way it evaluates the base return on equity (ROE). FERC’s Order adopts use of the Discounted Cash Flow Model and the Capital Asset Pricing Model to determine utilities’ cost of equity, which will better represent how investors make investment decisions. The two models will build a composite zone of reasonableness. FERC will use this to determine if the base ROE is just and reasonable. The changes come from the Emera v. FERC case heard in the D.C. Circuit court.
Gulf Power Begins Solar Panel Installation for New Energy Facility
Gulf Power announced last Thursday that the first solar panels have been installed for the utility’s Blue Indigo Solar Energy Center. The facility will produce 74.5 megawatts, enough to power 15,000 homes, and is set to be operational in May 2020. Eleven percent of Gulf Power’s energy currently comes from renewable sources, such as landfill gas, wind and solar.
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FMPA Weekly is published by FMPA’s Public Relations Department for all employees of the Agency. Questions or comments about this newsletter may be directed to Melisa Inanc or Rachel Ilardi.
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 story idea for the newsletter? FMPA welcomes all employees’ story suggestions including updates on FMPA business, employees’ personal or family accomplishments, as well as industry news suggestions. Contact: Melisa Inanc or Rachel Ilardi
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Florida Municipal Power Agency
8553 Commodity Circle
Orlando, FL 32819-9002
Tel 407 355-7767
Fax 407 355-5794
Community Power. Statewide Strength. ®
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