Blog Archive

Friday, September 18, 2020

September 22, 2020 Regular EPB Board Meeting

10:57 AM | Posted by Billy Ray | | Edit Post

 GLASGOW ELECTRIC PLANT BOARD

This meeting will be exclusively via teleconference, with no members physically present and with no physical access available to the public. To provide access in compliance with all applicable laws and rulings, the meeting will be televised on EPB Cable6, and on Facebook (on the Glasgow EPB page at
https://www.facebook.com/glasgowepb/
)and YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyGfIohxwECtiY9M28IX6EQ). This meets the newest requirements for open meetings during the Covid-19 State Emergency.

TENTATIVE AGENDA,
6:00 PM, On EPB Cable 6 and EPB You Tube Channel

1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 2. CONSIDER MINUTES OF AUGUST 25, 2020 REGULAR MEETING 3. DISCUSS EPB COVID-19 RESPONSE, RESULTS, AND CITY’S $1M+ CARES ACT         FUNDING
4. CONSIDER MEDIATION COSTS AND ANY OTHER ORDERS FROM CIRCUIT COURT 5. 2020 RETAIL RATE EFFECTIVENESS REVIEW AND CONSIDERATION OF                      PROPOSED CHANGES Consideration of evaluating a rate structure based of the following: Flat base rate of $10.00 for residential customers. Flat base rate of $20 for all commercial customers (excluding industrial) Kilowatt costs are to be volumetric & flat with no peak, and no time-of-use based                   charges. Price per kilowatt hour determined by, the ratio of sum of all residential and                             commercial costs divided by the sum of the kilowatt hours used by commercial and                 residential customers. The monthly rate is to be set and stabilized by a running average over three or four                 months. There should be no net increase in total costs, Industrial kilowatt power costs are not to be subsidized by commercial or residential costs. 6. CONSIDER TVA BOARD ACTION REGARDING COMMUNITY CARE FUND 7. CONSIDER PURCHASE OF NEW CISCO ROUTER FOR JMYTC 8. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT A. AUGUST METRICS AND FINANCIAL METRICS REVIEW B. OCTOBER FCA C. CPD LEDGER D. RESULTS ON DISCONNECTION OF NON-ESSENTIAL SERVICES E. LARGE OUTAGE REPORT 9. OLD/NEW BUSINESS A. DISCUSS FORMAT OF FUTURE EPB MEETINGS 10. ADJOURN

September Main Topics

EPB Operations in COVID-19 Environment and Temporary Changes

Ø    Financial Impacts of COVID-19

Ø    Discuss ramifications of Circuit Court Rulings and Issues relative to upcoming mediation

Ø   Review of 2020 retail electric rate effectiveness, with new rate option for consideration

Ø   TVA Community Care Fund

 

The September meeting has a rather long agenda due to the inclusion of rather complicated rate discussion.  

We all know that the present legal status of the Board is tough due to rulings and orders issued by Barren Circuit Court. However, the EPB mission is still fixed and it is imperative that all members meet to discuss these matters on the agenda. I urge you to attend, and to approve an agenda so that we can keep moving forward.

Action Items

October 1 FCA

Ø  The October 2020 TVA FCA will increase sharply, to 1.428 cents per kWh. This is a sizable month-to-month increase.  COVID influenced August sales were surprisingly high, and hydro generation was unusually low, and those factors put upward pressure on the FCA.    

Ø  On October 1, the energy component of our retail rates will adjust to reflect this increase passed on by TVA.

COVID-19 and Glasgow EPB

Ø  Service disconnections for non-payment on essential services have been discontinued pending Board direction, and TVA/PSC directions on same. We have also temporarily waived the fee for call-in credit card payments. The matter became much more complicated a couple of months ago when Governor Beshear issued an order, which forbids utilities (and mentions municipal utilities, like ours, specifically) from resuming normal non-payment disconnects until after he lifts his Emergency Declaration for the state. Obviously, for a non-profit like EPB, the additional losses will have to be borne by all customers. This matter also has federal sovereignty implications since the Governor is usurping TVA’s regulatory role. This matter is very complicated. I will show you some results of this order and it is becoming quite clear that we have several customers who are amassing a debt that they will have a lot of trouble repaying.

Ø  We closed the EPB lobby to the public on Wednesday, March 18, and it is still closed. At the same time, we announced the cessation of services to broadband wiring inside customer premises. Since the number of Barren County COVID-19 cases is growing sharply, we do not see an end to these changes. We have been in contact with GWC, FRECC, and SCRTC regarding their lobby opening decisions. Right now, pending Board approval, we are planning to continue our present safety policies indefinitely.   

Ø  While TVA is giving us considerable latitude on how long this disconnect forbearance should last, they are determined for us to ultimately collect on all balances owed. Further, as mentioned above, they are carefully considering how long to cooperate with the Governor’s directive before they take action to re-establish themselves as the sole LPC regulator.

Ø  City of Glasgow was lucky to receive over $1 million in CARES Act funding from the Federal Government. We have asked City of Glasgow to pass a resolution which would authorize our customers, who are in arrears on their accounts with us, to apply for a portion of that funding to help them get back to even. We trust that the City will comply with this request.  

Ø  “Social distancing” steps have already been taken by the EPB team along with additional cleaning of the EPB office.  Personal protective equipment has been provided to EPB team members who interact directly with the public. The team has returned to normal shifts.

Ø  We look forward to reversing all these steps and moving back toward our normal operations when officials advise us of the safety of that action.

Mediation Costs and other Court Orders

Ø  Though this matter has gotten some discussion and opinions have been rendered, the Board has yet to act on certain issues. For example, since the Court ordered all parties to enter mediation (presently scheduled for October 20), there is a matter to be considered relative to the cost of legal counsel relative to the mediation process.

Ø  There is also the matter of outstanding issues that the Court is presently considering. Since new orders can be issued at any time, this matter should be on the agenda so that the Board can respond, if such orders are issued, at the upcoming meeting.

Retail Rates Review

Ø  We made a commitment to an Advisory Committee, and to the City of Glasgow, to conduct annual analysis of our retail electric rates. This is a sound business practice that should be followed, regardless of our commitments, and that preliminary review took place in the August meeting.

Ø  I had planned to start off with a brief review of the presentation on the history of the EPB rate evolution, which ought to get everyone on the same page as to where we have been and where previous boards have set our course to follow. However, other matters took a lot of the wind out of our sails, and no one seemed ready to spend that much time on the issue. I stand at the ready to conduct that review when, and if, the Board is ready.

Ø  I got some valuable feedback during the August meeting, regarding strong opinions on the retail rate architecture. In response, my team has spent a lot of time since the August meeting, developing a radical new rate option that might be more attractive to the present Board.

Ø  At the meeting we will have an analysis and a couple of recommended approaches to each of our six consumer retail rate tariffs. There are a lot of numbers you might want to consider, but we’ve prepared a pared down presentation for each tariff, one that you might find sufficient to approve.

Ø  As the reader can see from the modified agenda, Mr. Froedge has proposed his own version of rate design, and that will be considered in relation to the above.  

Ø  It will be the Board’s decision on how we should proceed, but if we hope to implement a change by January 1, it will be critical for you to render a decision this month.

New TVA Community Care Fund Grants

Ø  The TVA Board has approved another round of Community Care Grants in the amount of $2 million. This amount is equal to what they previously approved in April 2020.

Ø  As before, Glasgow EPB’s allotment of this money amounts to $10,000. To get that funding for one of our local non-profit agencies, EPB must put up a matching $10,000.

Ø  As before, TVA is willing to count the money we have already committed to Community Relief as our matching money. So, while you can elect to give this allotment to another non-profit agency, doing so would mean a new $10,000 expenditure of EPB funds.

Ø  At the meeting I will recommend that you authorize me to complete the agreement with TVA to apply for the $10,000 and award it to Community Relief when TVA grants our application.

Consideration of Recommended Hardware Upgrade to EPB NOC

Ø  Rampant growth in internet traffic has resulted from the pandemic and the changes to how we work and educate our children. Trying to keep the capacity of the Glasgow broadband network ahead of the demand has totally changed the pace at which we normally consider and execute improvements.

Ø  At the meeting Josh Francis will present his plan to add another Cisco Router to enhance our ability to survive the loss of one of our circuits to AT&T, Windstream, and/or Level 3.

Ø  The cost of this proposed addition is sizable, a bit over $100K, but the need is even more sizable as we continue to be the only link to normalcy that so many of our customers have during this pandemic.

Reports

Ø  August Metrics and Financial Review

Ø  October FCA

Ø  CPD Charge Reserve Fund Status

-       kW demand markup was implemented two years ago, to cover TVA wholesale cost for missed peak predictions

-       Updated calculations will be presented at the meeting. We are beginning a new year of this reporting, and so far, the fund is in acceptable shape due to overall accuracy of peak predictions.

Ø  Results from Board Authorization to disconnect non-essential services to accounts in arrears

Ø  Large Outage Report

 

Old/New Business

I put the matter of deciding whether to go back to a more normal meeting format on the agenda again. We have done some research and will have a clear set of guidelines we would need to follow, should you wish to go back to a face-to-face format for our meetings.

Conclusion

Please let me know if you have any questions before the meeting. Prepare for another meeting experience using Zoom.

0 comments
Friday, August 21, 2020

August 25, 2020 Regular EPB Meeting

12:22 PM | Posted by Billy Ray | | Edit Post

 August 25, 2020 Regular EPB Meeting

GLASGOW ELECTRIC PLANT BOARD
This meeting will be exclusively via teleconference, with no members physically present and with no physical access available to the public. To provide access in compliance with all applicable laws and rulings, the meeting will be televised on EPB Cable6, and on Facebook (on the Glasgow EPB page at
https://www.facebook.com/glasgowepb/
)and YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyGfIohxwECtiY9M28IX6EQ). This meets the newest requirements for open meetings during the Covid-19 State Emergency.

TENTATIVE AGENDA,
6:00 PM, On EPB Cable 6 and EPB You Tube Channel
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
2. CONSIDER MINUTES OF JULY 28, 2020 REGULAR MEETING AND AUGUST 3 SPECIAL              MEETING
3. DISCUSS EPB COVID-19 RESPONSE AND RESULTS
4. CONSIDER POLICY ON EPB NON-PAY DISCONNECT FORBEARANCE
     A. ORDER FROM GOVERNOR
    B. BUDGET IMPACT PROJECTIONS
    C. CONSIDER DISCONNECTS ON NON-ESSENTIAL SERVICES
5. CONSIDER APPOINTMENT OF NEW EPB COUNSEL FOR LITIGATION
6. CONSIDER MEDIATION AND OTHER ORDERS FROM CIRCUIT COURT
7. PRELIMINARY 2020 RETAIL RATE EFFECTIVENESS REVIEW
8. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
    A. JULY METRICS AND FINANCIAL METRICS REVIEW
    B. SEPTEMBER FCA
    C. CPD LEDGER
    D. PROPOSED TVA BOARD ACTION - AUGUST 27
9. OLD/NEW BUSINESS
A. DISCUSS FORMAT OF FUTURE EPB MEETINGS
10. ADJOURN
August Main Topics
 EPB Operations in Covid-19 Environment and Temporary Changes
 Consideration of Continued Forbearance on Non-Payment Disconnects
 Discuss ramifications of Circuit Court Rulings
 Preliminary review of 2020 retail electric rate effectiveness
The August meeting has a rather long agenda, due to the failure to convene a regular meeting to discuss business in July.
We all know that the present legal status of the Board has changed due to rulings and orders issued by Barren Circuit Court. It is imperative that all members meet to discuss these orders and the essential business of Glasgow EPB. I urge you to attend, such that we can put confrontation and politics aside, and deal with the matters most relative to the EPB mission.
Action Items
September 1 FCA
 The September 2020 TVA FCA will decrease sharply, to 1.271 cents per kWh. This is a sizable decrease in the FCA. COVID influenced July sales, combined with plenty of rain, resulted in far less fuel being used to produce power, and far less power being purchased from neighbors. In fact, TVA’s July fuel costs were the lowest since 2010.
 On September 1, the energy component of our retail rates will adjust to reflect this decrease passed on by TVA.
Covid-19 and Glasgow EPB
 Service disconnections for non-payment have been discontinued pending Board direction, and TVA/PSC directions on same. We have also temporarily waived the fee for call-in credit card payments. The matter became much more complicated a couple of months ago when Governor Beshear issued an order, which forbids utilities (and mentions municipal utilities, like ours, specifically) from resuming normal non-payment disconnects until after he lifts his Emergency Declaration for the state. Obviously, for a non-profit like EPB, the additional losses will have to be borne by all customers. This matter also has federal sovereignty implications since the Governor is usurping TVA’s regulatory role. This matter is very complicated. I will show you some results of this order and it is becoming quite clear that we have several customers who are amassing a debt that they will have a lot of trouble repaying.
 We closed the EPB lobby to the public on Wednesday, March 18, and it is still closed. At the same time, we announced the cessation of services to broadband wiring inside customer premises. Since the number of Barren County COVID-19 cases is growing sharply, we do not see an end to these changes. We have been in contact with GWC, FRECC, and SCRTC regarding their lobby opening decisions. Right now, pending Board approval, we are planning to continue our present safety policies indefinitely.
 While TVA is giving us considerable latitude on how long this disconnect forbearance should last, they are determined for us to ultimately collect on all balances owed. Further, as mentioned above, they are carefully considering how long to cooperate with the Governor’s directive before they take action to re-establish themselves as the sole LPC regulator.
 “Social distancing” steps have already been taken by the EPB team along with additional cleaning of the EPB office. Personal protective equipment has been provided to EPB team members who interact directly with the public. The team has returned to normal shifts.
 We look forward to reversing all these steps and moving back toward our normal operations when officials advise us of the safety of that action.
When to End Non-Payment Disconnection Forbearance
 Since the last meeting, we’ve gotten some important experience with the financial impact of our temporary forbearance on non-payment disconnects of electric power and broadband services. At this meeting we will show you some new metrics on how forbearance is building a lot of likely future bad debt.
 At a recent meeting, we talked about beginning to do disconnects on non-essential services at the homes of customers who have accumulated sizable unpaid balances over the last four months. At this meeting, I will be asking you to consider that recommendation again.
 At the meeting I will give you a lot of information about what has happened over the last five months. We will discuss actual performance versus the projections we made in previous meetings. We will also furnish you with external data on unemployment and the benefits coming to our customers who are impacted by this pandemic. Though you have seen these projections before, we will update them with new data and new projections, based on the recent order from the Governor.
 In order to provide better projections, the Superintendent will present projections based on assumptions as to when the Board might choose to end forbearance on non-payment disconnects, and when that forbearance termination might be allowed by the State. These assumptions are necessary, in order to provide realistic projections, but the decision on ending forbearance will continue to be totally up to the Board.
Appointment of Counsel to Represent EPB in Litigation
 Though this is a difficult and uncomfortable subject, I am placing this on the agenda in order to remind the Board that Judge Alexander has allowed Cole and Moore to withdraw its representation of EPB, but he also granted EPB 60 days to engage new counsel. A copy of the order is attached to this package. You will note that it is simple, and it does not direct EPB to engage new counsel. The order gives the Board 60 days to engage counsel, assuming they feel it proper for EPB to have independent counsel in the action filed against the Board by D.T. Froedge.
Court Ordered Mediation
 In another ruling by Judge Alexander, EPB is ordered to enter mediation in an attempt to settle the litigation already filed, and, hopefully, head off additional litigation relative to the matters well known to the Board, as well as most EPB customers.
 This item will be best discussed with counsel, but I am recommending that it be on the agenda for discussion until the Board has satisfied the order of Judge Alexander.
 It is my understanding that the attorneys involved in this matter have already been discussing who they might all agree on to manage the mediation, further, possible dates have also been discussed.
 Though the order places a stay on further Special Meetings, there is an exception that allows Special Meetings to be called in furtherance of the Mediation ordered.
 Hopefully, Ron Hampton has been included in these discussions and he might be able to fill the Board in on the details.
Preliminary Retail Rates Review
 We made a commitment to an Advisory Committee, and to the City of Glasgow, to conduct annual analysis of our retail electric rates. This is a sound business practice that should be followed, regardless of our commitments, and that review will begin to be shared with you at the August meeting.
 We will likely start off with a brief review of the presentation on the history of the EPB rate evolution, which ought to get everyone on the same page as to where we have been and where previous boards have set our course to follow.
 Melanie Reed will be there to furnish preliminary results of her analysis of the performance of our residential retail rates, since those are usually the most controversial, and your direction on those will give us an idea how you want to handle all of the tariffs.
 It will be the Board’s decision on how we should proceed during September, and maybe October, as we move toward any adjustments necessary to stay the course.
Reports
 July Metrics and Financial Review
 September FCA
 CPD Charge Reserve Fund Status
- kW demand markup was implemented two years ago, to cover TVA wholesale cost for missed peak predictions
- Updated calculations will be presented at the meeting. We are beginning a new year of this reporting, and so far, the fund is in acceptable shape due to overall accuracy of peak predictions.
 Proposed TVA Board Actions for August 27
Old/New Business
I put the matter of deciding whether to go back to a more normal meeting format on the agenda. Since the City Council has gone back to a face-to-face format with the distancing and mask requirements, I thought you might want to consider doing the same.
Conclusion
Please let me know if you have any questions before the meeting. Prepare for another meeting experience using Zoom.
0 comments
Friday, July 31, 2020

August 3, 2020, Special EPB Meeting

9:02 AM | Posted by Billy Ray | | Edit Post
This Special meeting will be exclusively via teleconference, with no members physically present and with no physical access available to the public. To provide access in compliance with all applicable laws and rulings, the meeting will be televised on EPB Cable6, and on Facebook (on the Glasgow EPB page at https://www.facebook.com/glasgowepb/)and YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyGfIohxwECtiY9M28IX6EQ). This meets the newest requirements for open meetings during the Covid-19 State Emergency.
AGENDA, 10:00 AM, On EPB Cable 6 and EPB You Tube Channel
  1. Election of Officers
  2. Consideration of the external legal counsel for GEPB
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Friday, July 24, 2020

July 28, 2020 Regular EPB Meeting

11:15 AM | Posted by Billy Ray | | Edit Post
This meeting will be exclusively via teleconference, with no members physically present and with no physical access available to the public. To provide access in compliance with all applicable laws and rulings, the meeting will be televised on EPB Cable6, and on Facebook (on the Glasgow EPB page at https://www.facebook.com/glasgowepb/)and YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyGfIohxwECtiY9M28IX6EQ). This meets the newest requirements for open meetings during the Covid-19 State Emergency.
TENTATIVE AGENDA, 6:00 PM, On EPB Cable 6 and EPB You Tube Channel

1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND ANY ADDITIONS
2. CONSIDER MINUTES OF JUNE 30, 2020 SPECIAL MEETING
3. DISCUSS EPB COVID-19 RESPONSE AND RESULTS
4. CONSIDER POLICY ON EPB NON-PAY DISCONNECT FORBEARANCE
A. ORDER FROM GOVERNOR
B. BUDGET IMPACT PROJECTIONS
C. CONSIDER DISCONNECTS ON NON-ESSENTIAL SERVICES
5. CONSIDER RAMIFICATIONS OF CIRCUIT COURT RULINGS
6. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
A. JUNE METRICS AND FINANCIAL METRICS REVIEW
B. AUGUST FCA
C. CPD LEDGER
7. OLD/NEW BUSINESS
A. DISCUSS FORMAT OF FUTURE EPB MEETINGS
8. ADJOURN

MEMORANDUM
TO: Members of Glasgow Electric Plant Board
FROM: William J. Ray, PE
DATE: 7/24/2020
SUBJECT: July Board Meeting Information
July Main Topics
Ø EPB Operations in Covid-19 Environment and Temporary Changes
Ø Consideration of Continued Forbearance on Non-Payment Disconnects
Ø Discuss ramifications of Circuit Court Rulings
Ø
The July meeting has a rather brief agenda – assuming no new items are added.
Of course, we all know that the present legal status of the Board and its officers presents another abnormal situation for the meeting. I urge you to attend anyway, such that we can set those issues aside and deal with the matters most relative to the EPB mission.
Action Items
📷
August 1 FCA
Ø The August 2020 TVA FCA will decrease slightly, to 1.414 cents per kWh. This is a small decrease in the FCA. COVID influenced June sales, combined with mild weather, resulted in far less fuel being used to produce power, and far less power being purchased from neighbors. In fact, TVA’s June fuel costs were near the lowest on record for a June. Abundant hydroelectric generation also impacted the fuel cost positively.
Ø On August 1, the energy component of our retail rates will adjust to reflect this small decrease passed on by TVA.
Covid-19 and Glasgow EPB
Ø Service disconnections for non-payment have been discontinued pending Board direction, and TVA/PSC directions on same. We have also temporarily waived the fee for call-in credit card payments. The matter became much more complicated a couple of months ago when Governor Beshear issued an order, which forbids utilities (and mentions municipal utilities, like ours, specifically) from resuming normal non-payment disconnects until after he lifts his Emergency Declaration for the state. Obviously, for a non-profit like EPB, the additional losses will have to be borne by all customers. This matter also has federal sovereignty implications since the Governor is usurping TVA’s regulatory role. This matter is very complicated. I will show you some results of this order and it is becoming quite clear, that we have several customers who are amassing a debt that they will have a lot of trouble repaying.
Ø We closed the EPB lobby to the public on Wednesday, March 18, and it is still closed. At the same time, we announced the cessation of services to broadband wiring inside customer premises. Since the number of Barren County COVID-19 cases is growing sharply, we do not see an end to these changes. We have been in contact with GWC, FRECC, and SCRTC regarding their lobby opening decisions. Right now, pending Board approval, we are planning to continue our present safety policies indefinitely.
Ø While TVA is giving us considerable latitude on how long this disconnect forbearance should last, they are determined for us to ultimately collect on all balances owed. Further, as mentioned above, they are carefully considering how long to cooperate with the Governor’s directive before they take action to re-establish themselves as the sole LPC regulator.
Ø “Social distancing” steps have already been taken by the EPB team along with additional cleaning of the EPB office. Personal protective equipment has been provided to EPB team members who interact directly with the public. The team has returned to normal shifts.
Ø We look forward to reversing all these steps and moving back toward our normal operations when officials advise us of the safety of that action.
When to End Non-Payment Disconnection Forbearance
Ø Since the last meeting, we’ve gotten some important experience with the financial impact of our temporary forbearance on non-payment disconnects of electric power and broadband services. At this meeting we will show you some new metrics on how forbearance is building a lot of likely future bad debt.
Ø At the Special meeting we talked about beginning to do disconnects on non-essential services at the homes of customers who have accumulated sizable unpaid balances over the last four months. At this meeting, I will be asking you to consider that recommendation again.
Ø At the meeting I will give you a lot of information about what has happened over the last four months. We will discuss actual performance versus the projections we made in previous meetings. We will also furnish you with external data on unemployment and the benefits coming to our customers who are impacted by this pandemic. Though you have seen these projections before, we will update them with new data and new projections, based on the recent order from the Governor.
Ø In order to provide better projections, the Superintendent will present projections based on assumptions as to when the Board might choose to end forbearance on non-payment disconnects, and when that forbearance termination might be allowed by the State. These assumptions are necessary, in order to provide realistic projections, but the decision on ending forbearance will continue to be totally up to the Board.
Rulings Which Might Be Made by Barren Circuit Court Before Meeting
Ø Though this is a difficult and uncomfortable subject, I am creating this marker on the Agenda so that we can discuss, and possibly act on, any rulings and/or orders that the court might issue during a hearing scheduled for July 24.
Reports
Ø June Metrics and Financial Review
Ø August FCA
Ø CPD Charge Reserve Fund Status
- kW demand markup was implemented two years ago, to cover TVA wholesale cost for missed peak predictions
- Updated calculations will be presented at the meeting. We are beginning a new year of this reporting, and so far, the fund is in acceptable shape due to overall accuracy of peak predictions.
Old/New Business
I put the matter of deciding whether to go back to a more normal meeting format on the agenda. Since the City Council has gone back to a face-to-face format with the distancing and mask requirements, I thought you might want to consider doing the same.
Conclusion
Please let me know if you have any questions before the meeting. Prepare for another meeting experience using Zoom.
0 comments
Monday, June 29, 2020

June 30, 2020 Special EPB Meeting

9:05 AM | Posted by Billy Ray | | Edit Post
This meeting exclusively via teleconference, with no members physically present and with no physical access available to the public. To provide access in compliance with all applicable laws and rulings, the meeting will be televised on EPB Cable6, and on Facebook (on the Glasgow EPB page at https://www.facebook.com/glasgowepb/)and YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyGfIohxwECtiY9M28IX6EQ). This meets the newest requirements for open meetings during the Covid-19 State Emergency.

TENTATIVE AGENDA, 10:00 AM, On EPB Cable 6 and EPB You Tube Channel

All,
I am calling a Special Meeting in order to deal with end of fiscal year issues that could not be dealt with at the May or June regular meetings, due to the lack of a quorum. The additional information relative to these items has already been sent to you, and said information is still available on the secure board server. It is my understanding that at least three board members will join in to accomplish this agenda on Tuesday. This meeting will be conducted via Zoom and it will appear on EPB Cable 6 and the EPB YouTube Channel, so that the public can see the meeting. Josh Francis will send sign in information, so that members can be prepared to participate.

Signed,

Tag Taylor, Chairman
Glasgow EPB


   1.  CONSIDER MINUTES OF APRIL 28, 2020 MEETING (NO OFFICIAL MAY OR JUNE MEETING)

   2.  RATIFICATION OF   PROGRAMMING COMMITTEE ACTIONS
                                                                                                           
   3.  CONSIDER 2020 BUDGET RECTIFICATION

   4.  CONSIDER 2021 BUDGET

   5.  BI-ANNUAL WRITE-OFFS

   6.  CONSIDER SOLAR PILOT PROJECT

   7.  2021 KLC INSURANCE PACKAGE RENEWAL

   8.  DISCUSS FORMAT OF FUTURE EPB MEETINGS

   9.  ADJOURN 

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Friday, June 19, 2020

June 23, 2020, Regular EPB Meeting

10:04 AM | Posted by Billy Ray | | Edit Post
This month we will meet exclusively via teleconference, with no members physically present and with no physical access available to the public. To provide access in compliance with all applicable laws and rulings, the meeting will be televised on EPB Cable6, and on Facebook (on the Glasgow EPB page at https://www.facebook.com/glasgowepb/)and YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyGfIohxwECtiY9M28IX6EQ). This meets the newest requirements for open meetings during the Covid-19 State Emergency.
TENTATIVE AGENDA, 6:00 PM, On EPB Cable 6 and EPB You Tube Channel
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND ANY ADDITIONS
2. CONSIDER MINUTES OF APRIL 28, 2020 MEETING (NO OFFICIAL MAY MEETING)
3. DISCUSS EPB COVID-19 RESPONSE AND RESULTS
4. CONSIDER POLICY ON EPB NON-PAY DISCONNECT FORBEARANCE
A. ORDER FROM GOVERNOR
B. BUDGET IMPACT PROJECTIONS
5. CONSIDER 2020 BUDGET RECTIFICATION
6. CONSIDER 2021 BUDGET
7. BI-ANNUAL WRITE-OFFS
8. CONSIDER SOLAR PILOT PROJECT
9. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
A. MAY METRICS AND FINANCIAL METRICS REVIEW
B. JULY FCA
C. CPD LEDGER
D. 2021 KLC INSURANCE PACKAGE RENEWAL
E. RATIFICATION OF OPEN MEETINGS COMPLAINTS RESPONSES
F. RATIFICATION OF PROGRAMMING COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
10. OLD/NEW BUSINESS
A. DISCUSS FORMAT OF FUTURE EPB MEETINGS
11. ADJOURN

TO: Members of Glasgow Electric Plant Board
FROM: William J. Ray, PE
DATE: 6/19/2020
SUBJECT: June Board Meeting Information
June Main Topics
Ø EPB Operations in Covid-19 Environment and Temporary Changes
Ø Consideration of Continued Forbearance on Non-Payment Disconnects
Ø 2020 Budget Rectification and 2021 Budget Approval
Ø Bi-Annual Write Offs
Ø Reconsideration of Proposed Solar Pilot Project
Ø Cable Television Contract Renewals and Other Programming Committee Recommendations
The June meeting is quite full of items. Since the June meeting is the last one of our fiscal year, there are items that must always be dealt with. Further, since we didn’t have an official meeting in May, due to the lack of a quorum, we have hold-over items from that meeting as well.
Of course, we all know that the present legal status of the Board and its officers presents another abnormal situation for the meeting. I urge you to attend anyway, such that we can set those issues aside and deal with the matters we must.
Action Items
📷
July 1 FCA
Ø The July 2020 TVA FCA will increase very slightly, to 1.497 cents per kWh. This is a very small increase in the FCA. COVID influenced May sales, combined with mild weather, resulted in far less fuel being used to produce power. In fact, TVA’s May’s fuel costs were near the lowest on record, since the creation of the FCA. Abundant hydroelectric generation also impacted the fuel cost positively.
Ø On July 1, the energy component of our retail rates will adjust to reflect this small increase passed on by TVA.
Covid-19 and Glasgow EPB
Ø Service disconnections for non-payment have been discontinued pending Board direction, and TVA/PSC directions on same. We have also temporarily waived the fee for call-in credit card payments. The matter became more complicated last month when Governor Beshear issued a new order, which forbids utilities (and mentions municipal utilities, like ours, specifically) from resuming normal non-payment disconnects until after he lifts his Emergency Declaration for the state. Obviously, for a non-profit like EPB, the additional losses will have to be borne by all customers. This matter also has federal sovereignty implications, since the Governor is usurping TVA’s regulatory role. This matter is very complicated.
Ø We closed the EPB lobby to the public on Wednesday, March 18. At the same time, we announced the cessation of services to broadband wiring inside customer premises. As the Governor is slowly allowing certain activities to return to normal, we are studying how we can begin to relax our policy of not entering customer homes, with proper PPE and procedures. This is a tough call, as so many of our customers are now huddled into their homes, and totally dependent on the broadband services we provide. We have been in contact with GWC, FRECC, and SCRTC regarding their lobby opening decisions. Right now, pending Board approval, we are looking at reopening on July 6, with new plexiglass barriers in the lobby and signage to urge minimal attendance in the lobby.
Ø While TVA is giving us considerable latitude on how long this disconnect forbearance should last, they are determined for us to ultimately collect on all balances owed. Further, as mentioned above, they are carefully considering how long to cooperate with the Governor’s directive, before they take action to re-establish themselves as the sole LPC regulator.
Ø “Social distancing” steps have already been taken by the EPB team along with additional cleaning of the EPB office. Personal protective equipment has been provided to EPB team members who interact directly with the public. The team has returned to normal shifts.
Ø We look forward to reversing all these steps and moving back toward our normal operations when officials advise us of the safety of that action.
When to End Non-Payment Disconnection Forbearance
Ø Since the last meeting we’ve gotten some important experience with the financial impact of our temporary forbearance on non-payment disconnects of electric power and broadband services.
Ø At the meeting I will give you a lot of information about what has happened over the last three months. We will discuss actual performance versus the projections we made in previous meetings. We will also furnish you with external data on unemployment and the benefits coming to our customers who are impacted by this pandemic. Though you have seen these projections before, we will update them with new data and new projections, based on the recent order from the Governor.
Ø In order to provide better projections, the Superintendent will present projections based on assumptions as to when the Board might choose to end forbearance on non-payment disconnects, and when that forbearance termination might be allowed by the State. These assumptions are necessary, in order to provide realistic projections, but the decision on ending forbearance will continue to be totally up to the Board.
2020 and 2021 Budgets
Ø Kentucky law requires that non-profits and municipal corporations, like Glasgow EPB, end each fiscal year with a balanced budget, and begin each fiscal year with a board-approved budget for the year.
Ø The Board will need to consider the staff recommendation to alter the FY 2020 budget to reflect actual revenues and expenditures for the fiscal year about to end.
Ø The Board will also need to consider and adopt a new budget for FY 2021. Since it is impossible to accurately predict revenue from the sale of electric power, these budgets are passed to meet the letter of the law, while knowing full well that they will need to be adjusted before the end of the fiscal year.
Solar Pilot Project
Ø This item is a repeat from the March and April meetings, in which the proposal was not adopted, but I was asked to bring it back again this month.
Ø The new Long-Term Partnership Agreement with TVA includes a provision that would allow us to provide up to 5% of our own electric power.
Ø This provision is exciting, but it is also something we have no experience at doing. In order to gain some experience, we are studying a possible pilot project, one that is manageable from an expense perspective, but robust enough for us to gain experience before moving forward.
Ø We have much to learn about installing and operating a solar array. We also have a lot of software issues to solve relative to metering, billing, and providing information to customers via our portal and the new application we are developing. For all of these reasons, a small pilot project might make a lot of sense.
Ø At the meeting I will bring you up to speed on what we have already learned, and just what sort of pilot project we are contemplating. We look forward to discussing this with you so that we will know your feelings on pursuing this pilot.
Bad Debt and Write-off Consideration
Ø Many years ago, Glasgow EPB adopted the policy of officially considering account balances which have not been paid, for official write-off on a bi-annual schedule. This is normally done in June and December.
Ø Though the board has adopted a matrix of procedures, deposit policies, and technology to mitigate bad debt, the battle is not won. Though this particular round of write-offs is from before the pandemic, you should be prepared for a large impact from disconnect forbearance this year. Even in normal times, we still struggle to keep the monthly cost caused by those who take our services, yet do not pay for them, below $10,000. This month’s list of half a year’s worth of those bad debts will echo that monthly goal.
Ø Bad debt is a significant part of our fixed costs, which our new rates attempt to recover through the customer charge. Since keeping the customer charge low is a constant goal of the EPB team, keeping bad debt low is directly related.
Ø We are certain that no EPB customer who pays their account fully, and on time each month, wants to be burdened with also paying a portion of the costs associated with these customers who do not pay, but each month a portion of their customer charge is earmarked for that purpose. That is a shame, but as a non-profit municipal corporation, Glasgow EPB has no other way to cover the cost of bad debt.
Ø The whole list of the proposed write-offs is included in your package. It is notable that the big contributors to this period’s bad debt came from surprise bankruptcies, for which we held insufficient deposits. We will go over details at the meeting.
Reports
Ø May Metrics and Financial Review
Ø July FCA
Ø CPD Charge Reserve Fund Status
- kW demand markup was implemented two years ago, to cover TVA wholesale cost for missed peak predictions
- Updated calculations will be presented at the meeting. We are beginning a new year of this reporting, and so far, the fund is in acceptable shape due to overall accuracy of peak predictions.
Ø KLC Insurance Package Renewal
- Our insurance package from KLC renews on July 1. The renewal proposal included some hefty cost increases, mainly for Workers Comp, due to a couple of possibly expensive outstanding claims. Luckily, they also include some significant reductions in the cost of property and casualty coverage, so overall, the increase is not huge. I will have more information on this at the meeting.
Ø Programming Committee Recommendations Ratifications
- The Programming Committee operated via email polling on a few matters, instead of bringing them together for a real meeting, but this month we got them together via Zoom to ratify their actions taken via email.
- The following networks: AXS, Turner Networks (several of these), and Stingray (the digital music product) had contracts which expired recently. The committee evaluated the products and the renewal offers (which will be explained in detail at the meeting) and recommended that the Board accept the renewal offers for all of these services. I am recommending that you ratify their decision.
- There was also the matter of our annual cable products rate adjustment. This has historically been an annual adjustment, effective July 1, which is essential to offset the annual increases in the cost of programming, passed along to us by the satellite services AND the local broadcast stations in Bowling Green. The Programming Committee recommended, and the staff concurs, that this rate adjustment can be delayed due to excellent product sales during the pandemic.
Ø Open Meetings Complaints
- After the alleged “Special Called Meeting” occurred on May 5, two Open Meetings Law Complaints were lodged against EPB. One was submitted by Joseph Trigg and the other came from Brennan Crain, with WCLU Radio. Copies of both complaints were included with last month’s narrative. These complaints require the Board Chairman to respond within three days. The responses were also attached. You should note the relief sought by both complaints, and that Chairman Taylor has agreed to that relief. For the most part, the complaints are both formed as violations of SB 150.
Conclusion
Please let me know if you have any questions before the meeting, and prepare for another meeting experience using Zoom.
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