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May 3, 2021 |
TOP NEWS
Behind the Switch Social Media Campaign
FMPA wrapped up its annual Behind the Switch social media campaign, which included short videos that highlight the people who generate power and help keep the lights on for Florida’s public power customers. The videos were posted on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter in April. In the four videos, FMPA’s social media followers met customer service representatives, local elected officials, lineworkers and power plant operators. Thank you to the people from Fort Pierce, Havana, Kissimmee, Leesburg, Mount Dora, New Smyrna Beach and Wauchula, who participated in the campaign.
ARP Bond Closing
FMPA closed on the sale of Series 2021A and 2021B bonds for the All-Requirements Project (ARP) last Tuesday. The sale of the Series 2021A bonds generated $40 million and will fund a portion of the ARP’s capital needs. The sale of the Series 2021B bonds replaced $100 million in lines of credit and provided more flexible terms and conditions. Restructuring debt is a management goal for the Agency with the intent to keep power costs below $70 per megawatt hour. Contact: Linda Howard
FMPP Strategic Planning
Executives with the Florida Municipal Power Pool met last Wednesday and Thursday for a strategic planning session. The power pool consists of FMPA, Lakeland Electric and the Orlando Utilities Commission. Discussion topics included the current landscape, reliability enhancements, optimization of the power pool structure and services, and goals for future initiatives. Contact: Aaron Casto
AMI Roundtable
FMPA held a roundtable for its members last Wednesday on Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI). Forty-three people from 18 utilities participated in the session, which included discussion topics on AMI deployment, operations, staffing, system integration, data management, analytics and more. FMPA presented a document with recommendations for the minimum AMI system requirements that could be included in a request for proposals for an AMI system. The roundtable participants agreed to have FMPA create a working group to continue the discussion on meter data management and data analytics. Contact: Sharon Samuels
Value of Municipal Utility Presentation
Jacob Williams is attending the Bartow City Commission meeting on Monday and will present on the value of the local utility. FMPA is working with members to highlight key benefits including community support, faster power restoration, local economic impact, low-cost power and more. Members are encouraged to contact Susan Schumann for a presentation or report for their city.
Purchasing Roundtable
Thursday is the deadline to register for the Purchasing Roundtable scheduled for May 13 at 10 a.m. at FMPA’s Orlando office. The roundtable provides a forum for purchasing personnel to meet with peers from other member utilities to discuss work procedures, policies and practices, industry changes and other topics of interest. A teleconference option will be available. Contact: Sharon Samuels
Heavy Equipment RFP
FMPA plans to issue a request for proposals (RFP) for heavy equipment and related services. Members interested in participating in the RFP should contact Sharon Samuels.
SPECIAL DATES
Anniversaries
Lindsay Lister | May 8 | 15 years
COMING UP
Finance Committee
May 19 | 2 p.m. | FMPA Orlando Office
Governing Board Meetings
May 20 | 9 a.m. | FMPA Orlando Office
Distribution Reliability Roundtable
June 17 | 10 a.m. | FMPA Orlando Office
FMEA Annual Conference
July 20 – 22 | Naples Grande Beach Resort
TOP INDUSTRY NEWS
Florida Utilities Invest in Smart Meters
Bill Giving PSC Oversight of Utility Poles Awaits Governor’s Signature
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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 Amy Raleigh. Check out FMPA’s Glossary, for frequently mentioned terms.