KyMEA Board of Directors Approves Solar Project

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The Kentucky Municipal Energy Agency (KyMEA) and Ashwood Solar I, LLC, a joint venture between MAP® Energy and Open Road Renewables (ORR), executed an agreement on Thursday, August 23, 2018 to bring a new solar power plant to Kentucky. The plant will be located on approximately 800 acres in Western Kentucky and will be among the top 2 percent largest solar power plants in the nation and the largest in Kentucky by a factor of nearly 10x.

The solar power project, capable of tracking the sun across the horizon, will produce 86 MW at maximum output. When placed into service in late 2022, the project is expected to produce almost 200 million kilowatt-hours of electrical energy annually; roughly enough to meet the needs of 14,000 Kentucky homes.  The agreement calls for KyMEA to purchase 62.5% of the energy produced by the project over the 20-year term of the agreement.

Doug Buresh, President and CEO of KyMEA, said: “We are proud to add this clean, carbon-free, and economical resource to the portfolio of resources being assembled to provide the power and energy needs of our membership.” Ron Herd, General Manager of the Corbin City Utilities Commission and Chairman of the KyMEA Board said: “This is a very important step in our plan to provide affordable energy to our customers in a very environmentally responsible manner.”

The energy purchased by KyMEA from the solar project will supply approximately 8% of the energy needed each year by residents and businesses served by the Cities of Bardwell, Falmouth, Madisonville, Paris, and Providence, the Frankfort Plant Board, the Barbourville Utility Commission, and the Corbin City Utilities Commission. These systems are members of KyMEA’s All Requirements (“AR”) Project. KyMEA will begin supplying the AR Project Members in May 2019. Owensboro Municipal Utilities, the Benham Plant Board and the City of Berea also are members of KyMEA.

Chris Melton, Electric Superintendent of Madisonville Utilities Department and Chairman of the KyMEA AR Project Committee said: “There is more work to do, but now our portfolio includes purchases of energy from coal and natural gas-fueled plants, hydroelectric facilities, the solar project, and even small diesel engines located in Paris. We are truly building a diverse portfolio to provide more affordable power to our customers.”

ORR and its partner, MAP® Energy, bring vast experience in developing, financing, and operating solar and other renewable energy projects. Mike Volpe, Vice President of ORR, said: “This single 86 MW solar project is cost-competitive with fossil generation and will result in roughly 400 construction jobs to the region. This project should be seen as a win-win as it will provide both local economic development benefits to Western Kentucky along with affordable power for KyMEA members.  We are pleased to see in-state, utility-scale solar selected by KyMEA as part of their least-cost supply portfolio.”

About Kentucky Municipal Energy Agency
Kentucky Municipal Energy Agency was formed in 2015 under Kentucky statutes that provide for cooperation among municipalities and other governmental entities on endeavors that can be accomplished better by working together.  More information is available at www.kymea.org.

About MAP® Energy
MAP® Energy, through its joint venture with Open Road Renewables, initiated development of the Ashwood Solar Project in 2015.  MAP® Energy is a leading investor in the development of renewable energy projects and has funded more than 10,000 megawatts of operating wind and solar generating capacity located across the United States. More information is available at www.map-energy.com.

About Open Road Renewables
Open Road Renewables is a utility-scale renewable energy development company focused on deploying least-cost renewable energy throughout the United States.  More information is available at www.openroadrenewables.com.

CONTACT:
Michelle Hixon
Office Manager & Executive Assistant
Kentucky Municipal Energy Agency
Mobile: 502-693-5179

FPB votes to approve solar project

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Solar energy could soon be powering Frankfort Plant Board customers. At its monthly meeting Tuesday night, the FPB Board directed interim General Manager David Denton to approve the Renewable Power Purchase Agreement presented by consultants from the Kentucky Municipal Energy Agency (KyMEA). As FPB’s representative on the KyMEA Board of Directors, Denton will cast his vote of approval on the 20-year agreement for the solar project at the KyMEA meeting this Thursday in Bowling Green.

KyMEA consultants told the board this project meets the objectives of the group as they seek power portfolio sources that are reliable, flexible and diverse, competitive under a wide range of future scenarios, and provide more affordable-priced electric service.

In other business, the board set a public hearing to gather input from customers regarding increasing upload and download speeds for high-speed internet service, establishing a rate for whole-home wifi system, and establishing a rate for telephone seasonal disconnect.

The public notice proposes to increase the download and upload speeds of the Standard, Premium, Ultra and Elite levels at no extra cost to customers. Following upgrades in the field and at the headend, staff recommended increasing these speeds to improve the customer experience and to better position FPB in a competitive market.

The public notice also proposes to establish an optional whole-home wifi system at a rate of $9.95 per month for a modem and two access points and $3 per month for each additional access point. As customers’ needs are outgrowing the capability of the standard wireless cable modem, this solution will allow customers to connect more devices in more areas inside the home.

Lastly, the public notice proposes to establish a rate of $5 per month for customers who wish to place their telephone lines into a state of seasonal disconnect. FPB’s wholesale telephone provider charges FPB a $5 fee per month for customers who are temporarily disconnected. FPB staff proposes to pass through this charge.

The board set the public hearing for Tuesday, Sept. 4 at 5 p.m. at the FPB Administration Building in Frankfort.

The board also approved to solicit and evaluate proposals for an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system. This system of smart meters would enable immediate two-way communication between FPB and customer meters. It would increase efficiency, automatically alert FPB of specific outages and allow FPB to send commands back to the meter.

AMI would provide more information on energy usage and deliver more accurate billing. It would also give FPB flexibility for future changes in the way it bills.

In other actions, the board approved an Affirmative Action Plan, approved funding for compensation consulting, approved funding for new transformers, metering units, and substation equipment and approved funding for engineering work to replace two transformers.

The FPB Board of Directors’ next monthly meeting will be Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018 at 5 p.m. at the FPB administration building at 151 Flynn Ave in Frankfort.

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Notice of Construction - Murray Street

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Starting Aug. 22, the FPB Water Department will begin construction of a new water main along Murray Street. Construction will begin at the intersection with East Todd Street and end at Second Street. A 6" main will replace deteriorating mains and provide better water quality and fire protection in this area.

Detours will be in place at times to prevent delays, however some minor delays may be unavoidable. Proceed with caution through the work area. As with any construction project, the time frame is dependent upon the other underground utilities that are encountered. 

Please avoid parking on the east side of Murray Street between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

We appreciate everyone's cooperation. We realize construction of the new line and service re-locations will be an inconvenience, and it is our plan to minimize impact to affected residents and their property.

If you have any questions, please call the FPB Water Department at 352-4433.

Boil Water Advisory lifted for Shore Acres

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The Water Department of the Frankfort Plant Board is notifying you that the Division of Water of the Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection has now canceled the Boil Water Advisory.

This Advisory was issued 8/6/18 due to the loss of pressure in the water main caused by Plant Board crews repairing a water main break.

The area affected was:

• 1300 to 1960 Shore Acres Rd.

If you should have any questions or problems with normal service or water quality, please call 352-4372.

Water Service Interruption and Boil Water Advisory - Shore Acres Road

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Water service has been interrupted on Shore Acres Rd. in order to repair a water main leak. Water crews should have the repairs made by this afternoon. 

The Water Department of the Frankfort Plant Board advises to boil the water before drinking or using it for cooking. The advisory is in effect for the following area:

·       1300 to 1960 Shore Acres Rd

A vigorous boil for at least two minutes is recommended. This Boil Water Advisory is a precautionary measure due to a loss of pressure in the water main caused by Plant Board crews repairing a water main leak.

This Advisory will remain in effect until lab analysis of water samples taken confirms that the potable water supply in the effected area is safe to drink. You will receive a notice when this advisory is lifted.

If you have any questions concerning the Boil Water Advisory please call 352-4372

Boil Water Advisory lifted for Clay St.

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The Water Department of the Frankfort Plant Board is notifying you that the Division of Water of the Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection has now canceled the Boil Water Advisory.

This Advisory was issued 7/19/18 due to the loss of pressure in the water main caused by Plant Board crews installing a new main line valve.

The area affected was:

• Clay St

If you should have any questions or problems with normal service or water quality please call 352-4372.

Boil Water Advisory lifted for Alfa Drive Area.

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The Water Department of the Frankfort Plant Board is notifying you that the Division of Water of the Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection has now cancelled the Boil Water Advisory.


This Advisory was issued 7/19/18 due to the loss of pressure in the water main caused by Plant Board crews repairing a water main break.

The area affected was:

• Poa Dr from 560 to 504 Poa Dr

• Alpha Dr from 470 to 410 Alpha Dr

• 432 Grama Dr

• 600 Alpha Dr


If you should have any questions or problems with normal service or water quality please call 352-4372.

Water Service Interruption and Boil Water Advisory - 7/19/18

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Water service has been interrupted to repair a main break. The Water Department of the Frankfort Plant Board advises to boil the water before drinking or using it for cooking. The advisory is in effect for the following area:

• Poa Dr from 560 to 504 Poa Dr

• Alpha Dr from 470 to 410 Alpha Dr

• 432 Grama Dr

• 600 Alfa Dr

A vigorous boil for at least two minutes is recommended. This Boil Water Advisory is a precautionary measure due to a loss of pressure in the water main caused by Plant Board crews repairing a water main break.

This Advisory will remain in effect until lab analysis of water samples taken confirms that the potable water supply in the effected area is safe to drink. You will receive a notice when this advisory is lifted.

If you have any questions concerning the Boil Water Advisory, please call 352-4372.

Notice of Interruption of Water Service on 7/19/18

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On Thursday 7/19/18, there will be an interruption of water service from 9:30 A.M. until 2:30 P.M. in the following areas:

·       Clay St

Immediately following there will be a Boil Water Advisory.

A vigorous boil for at least two minutes is recommended. This Boil Water Advisory is a precautionary measure due to a loss of pressure in the water main caused by Plant Board crews installing a new main line valve.

This Advisory will remain in effect until lab analysis of water samples taken confirms that the potable water supply in the affected area is safe to drink. You will receive a notice when the advisory is lifted.

If you have any questions concerning the Boil Water Advisory, please call 352-4372.

FPB makes move to improve after-hours service

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The directors of the Frankfort Plant Board took the first step in developing a local Network Operations Center (NOC) at their monthly meeting Tuesday night. The move starts the process that will aim to improve after-hours service for customers and safety conditions for employees.

The board approved staff’s recommendation to hire a director to develop and manage a NOC. This department would be responsible for regular and after-hours dispatch, customer outage management, after-hours customer contacts, facility locates and emergency responses.

Recognizing the need to enhance these services, $535,000 in funding was included in the 2018-19 budget and approved by the board last month to develop the NOC.

In other news, the board heard an update on an energy efficiency study that began in May. Last year, FPB’s Board of Directors approved funds to study options of energy efficiency programs that would best meet the needs of FPB’s customer base. 

In March 2018, the board awarded a $120,000 contract to Vermont Energy Investment Corporation (VEIC) to lead this effort. This not-for-profit company based in Vermont assists utilities in the design and implementation of energy efficiency programs. 

In May, VEIC began assessing the efficiency needs of FPB’s electric customers. The firm began by researching FPB’s residential, business and industrial energy consumers. Consultants conducted a series of stakeholder meetings with representatives from each customer class. This process provided direct input to understanding customer interest and efficiency needs. Since May, the VEIC team has analyzed the interview data and has begun comparing the needs to possible programs. 

Tuesday night VEIC representatives Juliette Juillerat and Joananne Bachmann shared some of their assessments and discussed various program development ideas for possible consideration. These include options for residential, commercial and industrial customers including product rebates, appliance recycling, community education, energy efficiency kits, energy advising and technical assistance.

The VEIC consultants will return in September to present their final report and recommendations to the board.

In other business, the board approved funding to purchase new video equipment, ductile iron pipe, ductile iron fittings, tapping sleeves and transformers. The board also met in closed session to discuss progress of the search to fill the General Manager’s position.

The FPB Board of Directors’ next monthly meeting will be Tuesday, August 21, 2018 at 5 p.m. at the FPB administration building at 151 Flynn Ave in Frankfort.

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