FPB eyes future savings

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KyMEA projects more than $7 million in savings next year

Big savings are on the horizon for the Frankfort Plant Board. At FPB’s monthly meeting Tuesday night, Doug Buresh, CEO of the Kentucky Municipal Energy Agency (KyMEA), discussed KyMEA’s projected electric rates and subsequent savings FPB could realize next year. Buresh reported that KyMEA estimates that FPB stands to save $6.3 million next year through its contract with KyMEA compared to its current contract with Kentucky Utilities (KU).

Buresh noted that FPB could also save another $800,000 annually by integrating FPB’s SEPA entitlement with KyMEA for 10 years. This would allow KyMEA to sell energy and capacity from Southeastern Power Administration’s hydropower projects on FPB’s behalf.

Buresh also presented information to the board concerning the Public Utilities Regulatory Policy Act (PURPA). As part of the National Energy Act passed in 1978, PURPA was passed in response to the energy crisis of the time. It was enacted to promote energy efficiency in order to reduce demand.

As a member of KyMEA, FPB has the option to approve a Joint PURPA Implementation Plan that would pass FPB’s PURPA purchase obligations to KyMEA. The board voted to delay this vote until next month’s meeting.

The board also voted to delay a final decision on FPB’s SEPA entitlement transfer to KyMEA until next month.

In January, the Frankfort Plant Board held a public hearing to discuss cable rate increases due to exponential increases from broadcasters for retransmission charges. FPB staff negotiated retransmission rates for all of the Lexington stations, (WTVQ, WKYT, WLEX and WDKY), the Louisville CBS affiliate (WLKY), the Louisville ABC affiliate (WHAS) and bringing back Louisville’s WDRB for its top-rated local news coverage.

After receiving one public comment after last month’s public hearing, the board gave final approval on the proposed rate change. Considering the increased rates would not go into effect until March, this change will raise the existing retransmission fees from $12.03 per month to $16.39 per month. The board tabled a vote to approve an increase in multi-service discounts until next month.

The board voted to amend an FPB frozen pension plan that will allow FPB to purchase individual annuities or arrange for lump sum distribution to the five participants in the plan.

In other business, the board approved a new accounting policy for obsolete inventory, approved costs for the repair of a vertical turbine raw water pump and awarded a contract to Herrick Company, Inc. for a high service pump station valve replacement project at the water treatment plant, and awarded a contract to Brownstown Electric Supply Company for a pad mounted transformer.

The FPB Board of Directors’ next monthly meeting will be Tuesday, March 20, 2018 at 5 p.m. at the FPB administration building at 151 Flynn Ave in Frankfort.

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Boil Water Advisory lifted for Walter Todd 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 canceled the Boil Water Advisory.

This Advisory was issued 2/20/18 due to the loss of pressure in the water main causedby Plant Board crews tying in the new water main.

The streets affected were:

• 901 to 909 Leestown Ln.

• Rosewood Ln.

• Redbud Ln.

• Cherry Dr.

• Greenbriar Ln.

• 106 to 590 Walter Todd 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 - Walter Todd Area

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The water will be turned off at 10:30 am, in the following areas in order to tie in the new water main. 

• 901 to 909 Leestown Ln

• Rosewood Ln

• Redbud Ln

• Cherry Dr

• Greenbriar Ln

• 106 to 590 Walter Todd Dr

A boil water advisory has been issued for the outage. The Water Department of the Frankfort Plant Board advises to boil the water before drinking or using it for cooking.

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 tying in the new water main.

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 Advisories lifted for McCracken Pike and Duncan Road

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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 due to the loss of pressure in the water main caused by Plant Board crews repairing a water main break.

The streets affected were:

 - 1440 to 2060 Duncan Rd

 - 3675 to 4060 McCracken Pk

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

Water interruption and Boil Water Advisory in effect for Duncan Rd.

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Water service has been interrupted on Duncan Rd. In order to make repairs on a water 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:

• 1440 to 2060 Duncan 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 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.

Water interruption and Boil Water Advisory for McCracken Pike

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Water service has been interrupted on McCracken Pike in order to repair a water main break. Once restored, 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:

• 3675 to 4060 McCracken Pk

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 causedby Plant Board crews repairing a damaged water main.

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.

PSC issues statement, cold weather causing higher electric bills

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The Public Service Commission today released a statement indicating cold weather has led to sharply higher electric bills for customers across the state. 

The National Weather Service (NWS) measure that tracks the need for home heating was, in December, about 75 percent higher than in November. January heating demand was up another 14 percent over December, or roughly double that in November.

The PSC also offered information for consumers on coping with home heating costs. This includes:

Budget billing: This option allows customers to pay the same amount each month, based on their average monthly usage during the year. Customers should contact their utility for more information.

Energy conservation measures: Simple steps such as turning down thermostats on furnaces (most people are comfortable at 68 degrees) and water heaters (120 degrees is hot enough for nearly all uses) can be big energy savers.

Weatherization: Consumers can do a number of things to reduce inflows of cold air and leakage of warm air, particularly around windows and doors. Some basic weatherization steps include:
• Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal cracks around windows, doors, pipes and other points where cold air can enter the home. This alone can reduce heating costs by 10 percent or more.
• Install energy-efficient doors and windows.
• Add insulation in attics, crawl spaces and walls.
• Cover windows, especially those with single-pane glass, with storm windows or plastic sheeting before the onset of cold weather.
• Clean or replace furnace filters monthly to improve airflow and efficiency.

Advice on conserving energy, including links to a wide range of information, also is available from the Kentucky Division of Efficiency and Conservation on the Web at: http://energy.ky.gov/efficiency/.

General information on energy programs to assist low-income Kentuckians can be found on the Community Action Kentucky website at: http://www.communityactionky.org/energy-assistance.html.

Weatherization assistance for low-income families is available in Kentucky. Many utilities offer weatherization assistance in conjunction with local social service agencies. Local social service agencies also offer assistance through a state program administered by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. For information on weatherization assistance, go to: http://www.communityactionky.org/weatherization.html

Low-income consumers may qualify for assistance with their heating bills through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). It is administered at the local level by community action agencies. Consumers who do not qualify for LIHEAP may be eligible for assistance through programs sponsored by their utility company or programs operated by local social service organizations. Consumers should contact their utility for more information. Information about LIHEAP is available on the Web at: http://chfs.ky.gov/dcbs/dfs/LIHEAP.htm. 

Read the full PSC statement here.

Boil Water Advisory for Peaks Mill Lane has been lifted

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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 lifted the Boil Water Advisory.

This Advisory was issued 1/21/18 due to the loss of pressure in the water main caused by Plant Board crews repairing a water main break.

The streets affected were:

• Peaks Mill Rd from Steadmantown Ln to 3795 Peaks Mill Rd

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

Water Interruption and Boil Water Advisory for Peaks Mill Lane 1/21/18

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Water service has been interrupted on Peaks Mill Lane due to a water main break. A crew is on site to make repairs. 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:

• Peaks Mill Rd from Steadmantown Ln to 3795 Peaks Mill 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 causedby 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.