FMPA Weekly
A weekly e-newsletter for FMPA members
October 12 2009
LAST WEEK
Progress Energy Settlement
FMPA reached an agreement last week with Progress Energy Florida regarding the 2009 OATT annual update to the Formula Transmission Rate. FMPA’s Power Resources Division identified items in Progress Energy’s filing that would have been detrimental to transmission rates for members. FMPA expressed these conces to Progress Energy, and the necessary changes were made. Contact: Michele Jackson
IT Steering Committee
FMPA’s IT Steering Committee held its inaugural meeting last Monday to begin reviewing the Protivity report. The Committee was created to collaborate on strategic issues related to the technology used at FMPA. Members of the Committee are Sharon Adams, Jim Atz, Steve Carroll, Frank Gaffney, Mark Larson, Mark McCain, Richard Montgomery, Tom Reedy and David Schumann. Non-voting staff members include Carter Manucy (Chair), Konrad Lisiewicz and Jeff Hanson. The meetings are open to all employees. Contact: Carter Manucy
Resolution for Jim Welsh
Vince Ruano and Nick Guarriello presented a resolution of appreciation to Jim Welsh last Wednesday at a meeting of the Kissimmee Utility Authority Board of Directors. The resolution, adopted by FMPA’s Board of Directors at the Sept. 24 meeting, recognizes Jim for significant accomplishments during his three-year tenure as FMPA Chairman, including guiding the Agency through a change in leadership, overseeing the modeization of the Agency’s goveance structure and assisting in the development of FMPA’s 2009 strategic plan.
CR3 Outage Update
The Crystal River Unit 3 nuclear plant refueling outage is currently on budget and three days behind its planned schedule. Steam generator replacement is scheduled to begin this week. A separation was discovered in the containment building’s concrete, which was reported in the Orlando Sentinel last week. Progress Energy representatives say the gap does not present any safety conces to employees or the public, and it is not expected to delay the outage. An assessment is underway to determine if any repairs are needed prior to retuing the unit to service. Contact: David Schumann
Conservation Workshop
Bud Boudreaux traveled to Chattahoochee last Thursday to present a free conservation workshop for the city’s utility customers. Participants leaed about a variety of energy saving strategies and received energy conservation kits. To schedule a workshop in your city, contact Mark McCain.
United Way
FMPA’s workplace giving campaign wrapped up last Thursday. Staff members gave a total of $13,005 to support the Heart of Florida United Way, helping the Agency exceeded its goal by $1,005. During these difficult economic times, we appreciate the continued generosity of FMPA staff.
Business Model Working Group
The ARP Business Model Working Group met last Friday. The group continued its discussion of hedging with a presentation from Rich Popp. The Working Group will meet again Oct. 22 at FMPA immediately following the ARP Executive Committee meeting.
Solar Kiosk Conference Call
Bree Balchunas, Diane Nelson and Sharon Smeenk met by conference call last Friday with representatives from Keys Energy Services and the Eco Discovery Center in Key West, Fla. The group discussed the process and timeline for developing an educational kiosk to accompany the solar demonstration project at the Center.
IT Horizon Plan
Representatives from KPMG interviewed FMPA’s managers last Wednesday through Friday to identify IT issues that make it difficult for employees to accomplish their goals. KPMG will provide a draft of its recommendations to FMPA near the end of October. Contact: Mark Larson
THIS WEEK
APPA Legal Seminar
Fred Bryant and Jody Finklea will attend the American Public Power Association’s (APPA) Legal Seminar Sunday through Wednesday in Savannah, Ga. The seminar will feature workshops on legislative issues facing public power utilities, including carbon reduction, renewable power, stimulus funds and regulatory changes.
FMEEC Meeting
Ann Beckwith, Mike Siefert and Sharon Smeenk travel to Gainesville this Tuesday to attend a meeting of the Florida Municipal Energy Efficiency Committee (FMEEC). Participants will discuss activities in areas such as stimulus funding, Smart Grid Investment Grants, State Energy Grants, energy efficiency and renewable energy. They will also tour Gainesville Regional Utilities’ South Energy Center (SEC). The SEC went into full operation Oct. 6 providing emergency power, chilled water, steam and medical gases to the new Shands Cancer Hospital.
Cane Island Unit 4 Issue Management and Crisis Communications Plan
Representatives of FMPA, KUA and Zachry will meet Tuesday at the Cane Island Power Park directly following the monthly owner’s meeting to review and discuss the project’s Issue Management and Crisis Communications Plan as well as Zachry’s Labor Relations Plan. Diane Nelson will present the communication plan. FMPA and KUA spokespersons Mark McCain and Chris Gent are also scheduled to participate.
Lineman’s Roundtable
FMPA holds its semi-annual Lineman’s Roundtable Wednesday in Mount Dora at 10 a.m. The roundtable will provide a forum for line crews to exchange ideas on operating practices, safety, training and tools and equipment. Contact: Sharon Samuels
All-Requirements Project Load
The weekly update of the All-Requirements Project historical load graph has been posted on the Member Portal. The graph is updated through Oct. 11. Contact: Jim Atz
COMING UP
Human Resources Roundtable
FMPA hosts a Human Resources Roundtable Oct. 20 at 10 a.m. Participants will discuss topics such as benefits, recruiting, employee retention, training and policies. A teleconference line will be available for those who are unable to attend in person. To register, visit FMPA’s” rel=”nofollow”>http://fmpa.com/index.php?option=com_registrationpro&Itemid=66&view=event&did=11>FMPA’s Web site to register. Contact: Sharon Samuels
Purchasing Roundtable
Participants in FMPA’s annual Purchasing Roundtable will meet Nov. 19 at 10 a.m. at KUA. The roundtable will provide a forum for purchasing personnel to meet with their peers from other member utilities to discuss work procedures, policies and practices, industry changes and other topics of interest. Visit www.cleanefficientenergy.orghttp://www.cleanefficientenergy.org/>www.cleanefficientenergy.org;, where successful strategies and case studies from energy efficiency programs will be available for use by public power managers. Since its launch in February, CEEP has already co-hosted a workshop on innovative financing for energy efficiency at the APPA Business & Financial Conference in September and plans to host an annual clean energy summit.
OUC Launches Pole-Mounted PV System
Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) and Petra Solar announced plans Sept. 27 for utility pole-mounted solar photovoltaic system. The solar panel demonstration project is expected to help enhance the smart grid capabilities and reliability of the electric distribution grid. Ten of Petra Solar’s SunWave photovoltaic solar systems are being installed on OUC utility poles, together generating up to 2 kilowatts, about enough to power a small home.
FMPA Weekly is published by FMPA for employees and goveing boards of FMPA member utilities. Questions or comments about this newsletter may be directed to Skye Guthrie or Diane Nelson in FMPA’s Public Relations Department.
Want more background on the names and terms used in this newsletter? Check out FMPA’s new Glossary, which features some of the most frequently mentioned committees, companies, places and terms, or contact the person named in each FMPA story to lea more. (Click here for the Staff Directory).
Have a question, comment or story idea for the newsletter? FMPA welcomes your feedback at any time. Contact: Skye Guthrie or Diane Nelson