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April 20, 2020 |
TOP NEWS
Providing Financial Relief for Customers
The number of public power utilities in Florida that will provide financial relief for customers in response to the COVID-19 pandemic has grown to 16. The American Public Power Association highlighted eight of these utilities in the April 16 issue of Public Power Daily. These 16 local utilities serve more than 3 million Floridians, who will benefit from approximately $50 million in savings over the next several months. While we understand not all cities can provide such savings, several additional cities are considering opportunities. FMPA’s team is available to assist members with a financial analysis and communications.
Board of Directors
FMPA’s Board of Directors met last Thursday and discussed five information items. The full agenda package is available on the Portal. Contact: Jacob Williams
Executive Committee
The ARP Executive Committee met last Thursday and approved one action item and discussed six information items. The full agenda package is available on the Portal. Contact: Jacob Williams
Bi-Weekly Member Compliance Calls
FMPA’s Regulatory Compliance Department held its bi-weekly Compliance Call with members last Friday. Participants discussed the North American Electric Reliability Corporation’s (NERC) proposed modification to the Rules of Procedures and COVID-19 impact on utility operations. The bi-weekly calls are open to all members. Members who would like to join the meetings can contact Truong Le.
ARP Telephonic Rate Workshop
The ARP Executive Committee held a rate workshop last Tuesday to review the March All-Requirements Project loads, costs and rates. Despite the economic impact from COVID-19, participant energy sales for March were 10.1% above budget due to warmer than normal weather. ARP rates for March also benefitted from monthly gas costs that were 40% below budget. The March average billed demand and energy cost to participants was $64.81 per MWh, which was the lowest billed cost for the month of March since 2016. The full agenda package is available on the Portal. Contact: Jason Wolfe
Annual Salary Survey
FMPA’s Human Resources Department emailed members the annual utility salary survey last week. The survey results will provide members with Florida-specific salary and benefit information. The deadline to complete the survey is May 1. Contact: Sharon Adams
GEAR Up Project
Stock Island’s GEAR Up team selected Taylor Coatings to perform the roof replacement on Combustion Turbine Unit 4. This project will result in the increase of reliability and value for the All-Requirements Project. Replacement of the roof will begin early May. Contact: Ken Rutter
Hurricane Preparation
FMPA’s Power Resources Department started storm preparations for the upcoming hurricane season. This year’s training will discuss how normal procedures and processes may be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Training and drills for FMPA employees will begin May 13. Contact: Ken Rutter
Clewiston City Commission Meeting
Navid Nowakhtar and Ann Beckwith attend the Clewiston City Commission meeting on Monday via teleconference. They will present the results of the financial modeling in support of the city’s budget.
Starke City Commission Meeting
Jacob Williams presents information on power cost reductions at the Starke City Commission meeting on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. via teleconference. Mark McCain and Mike McCleary will also attend the meeting via conference call.
Starke Storm Preparation
Mike McCleary assists the City of Starke with storm preparation and regulatory documentation Wednesday at 2 p.m. Members can contact Mike for assistance with storm preparation.
Mobile Substation Project Webinar
FMPA hosts a webinar on Wednesday at 2 p.m. to discuss options and next steps for the Mobile Substation Project. The goal of this joint purchase project is to have a backup in the event of an extended outage on a transformer. Contact: Cairo Vanegas
Capital Project Evaluation
FMPA’s Power Resources and Finance Departments are using a new capital project tool to assess the value of proposed projects for the 10-year horizon. The goal of the effort is to ensure capital is deployed appropriately and in priority of the highest value to FMPA members. Contact: Ken Rutter
Data Evaluation
A division of Burns and McDonnell, 1898, is continuing their effort to evaluate how FMPA captures and utilizes large amounts of data. The goal is to determine if there are any opportunities for process and value enhancements by utilizing new technology solutions to streamline recurring efforts. Contact: Ken Rutter
SPECIAL DATES
Anniversaries
Melisa Inanc | April 22 | 1 Year
COMING UP
FMEA Utility Operations Virtual Roundtable
April 22 | 1 p.m. | Teleconference
FMEA Mutual Aid Virtual Roundtable
April 24 | 10 a.m. | Teleconference
FMEA Utility Safety Virtual Roundtable
April 28 | 1 p.m. | Teleconference
APPA Public Power Preparations for COVID-19
April 30 | 3:30 p.m. | Teleconference
TOP INDUSTRY NEWS
Florida Utilities File Plans for Hurricane Protection
Public Power Utilities Sequester Workers Due to COVID-19
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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.