FMPA Weekly
A weekly e-newsletter for FMPA members
Dec. 6, 2010
LAST WEEK
Communication Tool for End of Hurricane Season
The Atlantic hurricane season ended last Tuesday, and this event is an opportunity to remind customers of municipal utilities’ commitment to service reliability and quick power restoration year-round. In early November, FMPA and FMEA distributed a brief opinion article that utilities can publish as a guest column in their local newspaper or as a letter from the utility director in a city newsletter. A copy of the column can be downloaded from FMPA’s Member Portal. Contact: Mark McCain
THIS WEEK
AROC Telephonic Meeting
FMPA’s Audit and Risk Oversight Committee (AROC) meets Monday at 11 a.m. via conference call. The meeting’s action item is a risk review and recommendation for the city of Quincy’s power purchase agreement with FMPA’s All-Requirements Project. Contact: Rich Popp
Member City Visit
Bud Boudreaux travels to Kissimmee Utility Authority on Tuesday for a member city visit.
Net Metering, Billing and Interconnection Workshop
FMPA’s net metering, billing and interconnection agreements workshop for small customer-owned renewable generation is Tuesday in the Board room from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The workshop provides guidance to All-Requirements Project member cities regarding program policies, and participants will discuss customer-owned renewable generation interconnection contracts. The Florida Solar Energy Center also will present information on solar incentives and installation requirements. Lunch will be provided. Contact: Ann Beckwith or Mike Siefert
Compliance Peer Review
Doug Smith participates in a WebEx meeting this Tuesday and Wednesday to assist the city of Homestead in its compliance peer review. The review is in preparation for the city’s forthcoming audit by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and Florida Reliability Coordinating Council. The focus of NERC’s compliance program is to ensure that utilities have the right practices in place to improve reliability of the bulk power system in North America.
ARP Telephonic Rate Workshop
All-Requirements Project participants meet Wednesday at 10 a.m. for the monthly rate workshop conference call. The workshop agenda includes: 1) an update on natural gas markets and liquidity, 2) an overview of November loads, costs and rate calculations, and 3) estimated rates for December through February. Contact: Jim Atz
Goveance Training
FMPA’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee members are encouraged to attend a free one-day training program on goveance topics this Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at FMPA’s Orlando office. FMPA’s Strategic Plan Action Item 5.3.1 calls for FMPA to provide training for its goveing board members that focuses on a review of fiduciary and policy responsibilities, a discussion of how boards can operate with maximum effectiveness, a review of FMPA’s strategic plan, and an introduction to a board self-assessment process. Jean Freeman of Jean Freeman & Associates, who facilitated FMPA’s strategic planning process, will lead the program. Contact: Nick Guarriello or Mark McCain
Solar Project RFP
FMPA receives proposals this Tuesday for solar projects on behalf of five members that are working together on an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant. The five cities include Green Cove Springs, Mount Dora, Newberry, St. Cloud and Starke. The project is scheduled to be awarded on Jan. 14. Contact: Sharon Smeenk
Board of Directors
FMPA’s Board of Directors meets Thursday in the Board room at 9 a.m. following the meeting of the Florida Municipal Electric Association’s Board of Directors. FMPA’s Board will consider action items including: 1) approval of a lobbying contract with Bill Peebles, and 2) approval of the Electric Cities of Georgia contract.
ARP Executive Committee
The ARP Executive Committee meets Thursday in the Board room at 9:30 a.m. or immediately following the Board of Directors meeting. The meeting’s action items include: 1) approval of the 2011 meeting schedule, 2) approval of a lobbying contract with Bill Peebles, 3) approval of revisions to the net metering renewable generation credit calculation, 4) approval of Cane Island Unit 4 contractual service agreement with GE, 5) approval of fiscal year 2007-2008 Cane Island audit report, 6) approval of a line of credit with JPMorgan Chase Bank, 7) approval of Progress Energy network transmission service agreements, 8) approval of Keys TARP agreements, 9) approval of the city of Quincy power purchase agreement, and 10) approval of extension for Gulfstream Natural Gas transportation agreement.
Joint Purchase Project
The Joint Purchase Project meets Thursday in the first floor conference room to elect its 2011 chairperson and discuss the technical and framing specifications for concrete poles. 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 Dec. 5. Contact: Jim Atz
COMING UP
Professional Development Hours for Engineers
FMPA has partnered with SunCam Continuing Education to offer a training program on rules and laws for Florida engineers. The online course provides professional development hours for professional engineers. For information about this cost-effective and convenient way to ea professional development credits, contact Mike Siefert.
INDUSTRY NEWS
PSC Approves TECO Conservation Plan
The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) approved a conservation plan last Tuesday for Tampa Electric Co. (TECO). The plan is expected to save enough electricity over 10 years to power about 52,000 homes. The PSC previously rejected TECO’s proposed plan and ordered the utility to develop a new one with more power savings to meet goals set by the Commission. The new plan includes a variety of conservation methods, such as rebates for energy efficient appliances and audits to show consumers how to shift power consumption to times when demand is lower.
Gulf Power Opens Landfill Gas Project
Gulf Power’s $5.3 million landfill gas-to-energy facility has produced 3,200 kilowatts of renewable energy since beginning commercial operation in October, enough to power more than 900 homes. It is Gulf Power’s first renewable energy generation facility, and the first landfill gas facility by Gulf Power’s parent company, Southe Company. The facility’s generating capacity can be expanded as landfill methane gas production grows in the future.
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 Ryan Dumas or Lance Larsson.
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