FMPA Weekly | Oct. 5, 2020 | Member Edition

Oct. 5, 2020

TOP NEWS

Ocala Community Solar Program
The Public Service Commission (PSC) approved the Ocala Electric Utility Community Solar Subscription Service last Thursday, which had been previously approved by the Ocala City Council. The program allows Ocala’s customers to receive affordable solar power, generated from the Florida Municipal Solar Project, without the upfront and maintenance costs of a private rooftop solar system. Ocala customers have already started subscribing and receiving energy from the program. FMPA assisted Ocala in drafting solar rate tariff sheets and seeking approval from the PSC. Contact: Dan O’Hagan

FWELF Podcast
Linda Howard appeared on the Florida’s Women in Energy Leadership Forum (FWELF) podcast last Wednesday. The interview highlighted Linda’s career in the energy industry. Interested members can watch the podcast on FWELF’s Facebook or YouTube.

Cane Island Planned Outages
Cane Island Unit 3 came back online last Thursday after its planned fall outage. Cane Island Unit 4 began its planned fall outage last Saturday and is scheduled to come back online on Oct. 17. Contact: David Schumann

Fall Compliance Workshop
FMPA hosted its annual Compliance Workshop last week, with more than 40 people in attendance. A post-workshop survey and link to the presentation will be sent to participants this week. Members interested in receiving the presentation and recordings can contact Truong Le.

Utility Tree Trimming and Vegetation Management Bid Award
The Utility Tree Trimming and Vegetation Management bid has been awarded to ABC Professional Tree Services, Kendall Vegetation Services, and Lewis Tree Service. This solicitation followed the FEMA procurement process and is a new joint purchase project for FMPA. Twelve cities are participating in the joint bid, which will help them enhance the reliability of their electric systems. The bid award is effective through Oct. 31, 2025. Contact: Sharon Samuels

Public Power Week
Municipal electric utilities across the nation celebrate Public Power Week this week to share the value of public power in their communities. Follow FMPA on Facebook and Twitter to see how our members are celebrating the annual event.

MSAC Training and Safety Subcommittee
FMPA’s Member Services Advisory Committee (MSAC) Training and Safety Subcommittee meets Thursday at 9 a.m. through Microsoft Teams. The meeting will discuss one action item on the Lineman Safety and Training Services request for proposal and one information item on the proposed approval process for the new Lineworker Safety Program. In addition to the subcommittee, members that participate in the Lineworker Safety Program are invited to attend. Contact: Mark McCain

Lineman License Plate
The bill creating the Florida Thank a Lineman license plate went into effect last Thursday and the plates will be available to preorder on Oct. 16 through county tax collector offices or private license plate agencies. Three thousand vouchers must be sold before the state can manufacture the license plates. All proceeds from the sales of the specialty plates will fund scholarships for Lake Sumter State College’s electric distribution training program. Interested members can visit Florida Municipal Electric Association’s website.

Safety by Design
FMPA hosts its fifth “Safety by Design” webinar on Nov. 13 via distant learning. The session, “Safety Drift,” will define safety drift, the importance of understanding when and how it occurs and what can be done to eliminate it. Interested members can register on FMPA’s website. Contact: Sharon Samuels

SPECIAL DATES

Anniversaries
Jody Finklea | Oct. 8 | 19 Years
Jaye Godin | Oct. 8 | 8 Years

COMING UP

Finance Committee
Oct. 14 | FMPA’s Orlando Office

FMPA Governing Board Meetings
Oct. 15 | FMPA’s Orlando Office

APPA Customer Connections Virtual Conference
Oct. 27 – 28 | Teleconference

TOP INDUSTRY NEWS

NextEra Energy Pursues Duke Energy Takeover

Duke Energy to Start Dismantlement of Crystal River Plant

Legislators Oppose Disconnection Moratorium

Florida to Resume In-Person Meetings in November

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FMPA Weekly is published by FMPA’s Public Relations Department for staff and members. Questions about this newsletter may be directed to Melisa Inanc or Eda Kutsal. Check out FMPA’s Glossary, for frequently mentioned terms.