TOP NEWS
COVID-19 Update
FMPA employees began working remotely last Friday in accordance with local stay-at-home orders due to the coronavirus situation. During this time, FMPA team members will continue to be available to serve members. The Power Resources Department is coordinating with plant personnel to offer support with any preparations. FMPA employees will work remotely until further notice.
Ten-Year Site Plan
FMPA filed the All-Requirements Project’s (ARP) Ten-Year Site Plan last Tuesday with the Florida Public Service Commission. The plan describes the ARP’s estimated power generating needs for the next 10 years and identifies the location and type of proposed long-term generation capacity and transmission additions. Based on recent load projections, the ARP is expected to meet its generation capacity requirements with existing resources through 2027. The 2020 Ten-Year Site Plan is available on the Portal. Contact: Navid Nowakhtar
MSAC Meeting
FMPA’s Member Services Advisory Committee (MSAC) met last Wednesday and moved an information item on Lineworker Safety Training to an action item. MSAC approved a motion to provide notice of withdrawal from the safety training program provided by Electric Cities of Georgia (ECG). The recommendation will be forwarded to FMPA’s Board of Directors for consideration in April and May. A recent request for proposal for safety training services elicited a couple viable alternatives to the current program. MSAC is aiming to enhance the safety training program, provide flexible options and reduce the overall cost. Under the terms of the ECG contract, FMPA must submit a termination notice no later than May 30, 2020, in order for the termination to be effective June 30, 2021. Mike McCleary will reach out to the current safety training participants with additional information.
Power Sale to Reedy Creek
FMPA’s All-Requirements Project (ARP) overnight sale of energy to Reedy Creek Improvement District that began in January has been extended through April. This arrangement allows for more optimal utilization of ARP’s generation that is online overnight. Contact: Chris Gowder
Hurricane Preparation
FMPA has begun storm preparation for the upcoming hurricane season and will conduct training and drills in early May. The exercise of FMPA’s hurricane plans will help employees prepare for hurricane season, which starts June 1. Contact: Ken Rutter
Plant Visit
Tobin LaBorde travels to Treasure Coast Energy Center on Tuesday and Wednesday to support pre-outage work on plant equipment. This preparation is in advance of the planned outage in May, which is expected to minimize the duration of the outage.
Virtual Human Resources Roundtable
FMPA hosts a virtual Human Resources Roundtable on Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. to discuss issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The roundtable will provide a forum for HR professionals to discuss and ask questions on the newly signed Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES). FMPA’s Labor Attorney, Chris Hammond with Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C., will be on the call to provide an overview of the new laws and answer questions. Teleconference information will be provided upon registration. Registration is free and members can register on FMPA’s website. Contact: Sharon Samuels
Pooled Loan Project
Members who are looking for tax-exempt borrowings or taxable operating and maintenance needs are encouraged to apply for loans through FMPA’s Pooled Loan Project. The Pooled Loan Project allows members to borrow money for utility projects in a cost-effective way. Tax-exempt borrowing includes items that have a useful life greater than three years such as new equipment, meters and hardware. Interested members can contact Rich Popp to apply.
CREAC Funds
All-Requirements Project members who have unused funds in the Conservation and Renewable Energy Advisory Conservation (CREAC) Program can use the funds to assist customers struggling to pay their bills due to the coronavirus situation. Members can contact Ann Beckwith to find out the balance of their accounts.
Planned Maintenance Outage
General Electric will support the Treasure Coast Energy Center planned outage in May. FMPA Power Resources team is assisting with preparation for the planned outage and will provide operational support to power plant staff. Contact: David Schumann
COMING UP
FMEA Virtual Customer Connections Roundtable
March 31 | 2 p.m.
FMPA Governing Board Meetings
April 16 | 9 a.m.
AMI Workshop
April 30 | 9 a.m.
TOP INDUSTRY NEWS
Legislation to Improve FEMA Reimbursement Process for Disaster Relief
TECO Customers Could Have Lower Electric Bills
Senate Passes Coronavirus Relief Bill that Includes $900 mil for LIHEAP
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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 Melanie Arsenault. Check out FMPA’s Glossary, for frequently mentioned terms.