FMPA Weekly
A weekly e-newsletter for FMPA members
Dec. 23, 2019
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LAST WEEK
Planned Maintenance Outage
Treasure Coast Energy Center came back online last Saturday after a planned maintenance outage. Contact: David Schumann
Cybersecurity Services RFP
FMPA issued an interest memo to members last week seeking participants in a Request for Proposals (RFP) for cybersecurity services. The information will be collected for consideration in development of the upcoming bid. Contact: Sharon Samuels
FERC Settlement Conference
FMPA participated in an initial settlement conference with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regarding Florida Power & Light’s proposed transmission rate increase, which was filed earlier this year with the Commission. The parties will determine next steps and develop a meeting schedule for 2020. Contact: Jason Wolfe
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THIS WEEK
Operational Safety Programs and Training Opportunities
FMPA’s Member Services Department is researching operational safety and training opportunities for its members. This includes gathering feedback on the internal programs and external resources that members offer. An online survey was emailed Monday from Ryan Dumas to the Board of Directors and alternates and other interested parties. Feedback is being gathered now to begin planning in mid-January, so members are encouraged to respond as soon as possible. Contact: Mike McCleary
Holiday Office Closure
FMPA’s offices will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday in observance of the Christmas holiday. Best wishes to all for a safe and happy holiday.
Plant Visits
Tim Jackson and Konrad Lisiewicz travel to Treasure Coast on Thursday to conduct a transient cyber asset inventory. Tim and Carter Manucy conducted the same audit at Cane Island last week.
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 Dec. 22. Contact: Jason Wolfe
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COMING UP
Nissan Electric Vehicle Rebates
The American Public Power Association has partnered with Nissan to offer public power communities exclusive rebates on the 2019 all-electric Nissan LEAF. Public power customers and employees are eligible for a rebate of $3,500 on the 2019 Nissan LEAF 40 kWh Standard and $2,500 on the 2019 Nissan LEAF 62 kWh ePlus. Municipal utilities can also use the rebates for fleet vehicles. The rebates expire Jan. 2, 2020.
APPA Annual Awards
Applications are open for the American Public Power Association’s (APPA) annual awards recognizing excellence in leadership and electric utility operations. Members can visit APPA’s website for more information on the awards. Nominations are due Jan. 30, 2020.
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 attending utilities, where possible. Registration is $900 for the two-day session. Contact: Sharon Samuels
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INDUSTRY NEWS
No Evidence of Cancer Cluster Near Stanton Plant, Health Report Concludes
A Florida Department of Health investigation into concerns about a possible cancer cluster near the Stanton Energy Center found no evidence to substantiate the claims, according to a report released last week. A year after some residents filed a class-action lawsuit claiming combustion residuals from two coal-fired units were exposing area residents to dangerous chemicals, a new report from the Florida Department of Health concludes there is no evidence to support the claims. The Florida Department of Health sent a letter to Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings on July 16 detailing its findings. The report was made public last week after it was discussed at a board meeting of Orlando Utilities Commission.
JEA Board Terminates CEO Aaron Zahn, Appoints Interim CEO Melissa Dykes
The JEA board voted to terminate JEA CEO Aaron Zahn last Tuesday, putting him on administrative leave while city attorneys investigate whether the separation will be with or without cause. If Zahn is terminated without cause, his severance package would cost the utility at least $842,000, and Zahn could earn an additional $520,000 if JEA is sold. The decision comes after backlash over an employee incentive plan that city auditors say could have paid JEA’s executives hundreds of millions of dollars if the utility was sold. JEA’s board appointed Chief Operating Officer Melissa Dykes as interim CEO. She said her priority is to re-establish trust between JEA and the community.
Duke Energy Florida Files for Hurricane Dorian Reimbursement
Duke Energy Florida filed with the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) last Thursday to receive reimbursement for costs related to Hurricane Dorian and Tropical Storm Nestor. The utility spent approximately $171 million for Dorian and $400,000 for Nestor. If approved, residential customers would see an increase of $5.34 per 1,000 kilowatt hours on monthly bills, while commercial customers would see up to a 7.7% increase. The proposed rate increase would start in March 2020 and last for 11 months.
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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
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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. ®
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