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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Light and Power Committee 1993-02-11RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS -Light and Power Committee February 11,1993 Committee:Chairman Aldrich,Trustees HiX and Dekker Attending:Chairman Aldrich,Trustee Hix Also Attending:Town Administrator Kiapliake,Ass’t. Administrator Widmer,Light &Power Director Natzke,Clerk O’Connor Absent:Trustee Dekker Chairman Aldrich called the meeting to order at 10:00 A.M. ELECTRIC RATE UPDATE STUDY -AUTHORIZATION TO NEGOTIATE CONTRACT. The Platte River Power Authority recently passed a new wholesale rate which includes a seasonal coincident peak billing demand charge.This reduction in purchased power will be passed—on to the customers through the purchase power rider.Staff estimates the new rate will be $0.OOl4l/kWh less than the January 1,1992 rates and $0.00375/kWh less than the current rates.As the new rate will significantly affect the cost of providing service for the summer and winter seasons,staff is recommending the 1991 Electric Rate Study be updated.The update should address the following: Residential Demand Rate —Seasonal demand charges. Residential Time of Day Rate —Seasonal demand charges and possible expansion of off—peak period to include weekends, holidays,and mid-day.Possible elimination of off-peak demand charge. Large Commercial —Evaluate winter ratchet period.Consider seasonal demand charges. Large Commercial Time of Day Rate —Evaluate winter ratchet period and consider seasonal demand charges.Also evaluate off-peak period. In addition,a rate for security lighting may be developed.The 1993 Budget contains $5,000 to provide a rate study update.The Committee recommends staff be authorized to negotiate a contract with Max Kiburz,returning to the Committee for further review. Director Matzke presented a graph depicting coincident and non— coincident peak daily load curves which demonstrated the Town’s benefit from the seasonal rate concept. Staff noted that passage of the new seasonal rate could possibly prove beneficial to the operation of the Fall River Hydro Plant. 1993 CAPITAL PROJECTS. The 1993 Budget contains $180,000 for capital projects.Purchase of a potential substation site near Tunnel Road was deleted from the budget;however,discussions are taking place with PRPA and WAPA.The Highway 34 Upgrade remains a high priority--US West will be crossing the highway and staff has requested US West consider installing underground conduit for the Town on a cost—share basis. The majority of the project is being proposed using an overhead installation;however,the potential impacts to gateway visibility are being considered.If adequate funding can be supplied,the Spur 66 Rehab Project will be considered which includes an overhead installation to provide more reliable service to the YMCA area. The Honda School Project is being funded by the developer;however, RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Light and Power Committee -February 11,1993 -Page 2 pursuant to Amendment 1 ramifications,if utilities are not exempt, the “pass—through”funding may not be available for future projects even if they are revenue neutral. The Cable System Franchise Agreement was included in the 1993 Activity Plan.Administrator Kiaphake suggested that staff could proceed with research and prepare policy questions for the Franchise Agreement for the Committee’s consideration in April and that the forthcoming FCC Regulations could be incorporated into the ordinance prior to adoption.The policy questions will address all items under the Town’s jurisdiction and staff anticipates the FCC Regulations will address rate regulations and the like.Research will include gathering information from municipalities in similar area and customer size to Estes Park.By proceeding at this time, the Agreement could be discussed in April in lieu of November.The Committee recommends staff proceed as outlined above. A complete 5-Year Capital Improvements Plan will be submitted in the near future. RECOGNITION OF LEON H.SWEETLAND. The Committee recognized the late Leon H.Sweetland who served the Town as Light &Power Superintendent from 1950-1972.Mr.Sweetland was instrumental in the concept that formed the Platte River Power Authority. REPORTS. The Committee reviewed the Year—End Income Statement and associated graphs. Project Update:a portion of the site utility conduit has been installed at the Honda School and the Department will install transformers and cable beginning in March;the recently—approved Hospital Addition will require installation of an additional transformer;and discussions are underway with Golden Eagle regarding their expansion plans. An employee received minor injuries during an accident involving the snowcat.The accident occurred while patrolling electric service lines near Allenspark.The snowcat incurred $3,500 damage; the cab will be replaced with an equipment bed during repair. Administrator Klaphake emphasized that all such equipment should be equipped with roll protection. Director Matzke reported that as included in the 1991 Electric Rate Study,approximately 15 existing electric heat residential customers on the Small Commercial Rate using above 20,000 kwh/year were transferred to the Residential Demand Rate,and approximately 120 existing residential customers using under 20,000 kWh/year were transferred to the Residential Rate.Four (4)customers have taken advantage of the voluntary Residential Demand Control Rebate Program. Ass’t.Widmer briefed the Committee on Platte River Power Authority Activities:year—end financial report verified a net income of $3.6 million;a study is underway concerning refinancing of bonds and the best use of cash on hand;PRPA is involved in a partnership with PSCo on the Ault Substation and a spare transformer was needed.New transformers are $800,000;an existing installed spare transformer of similar specifications was located and PRPA was able to negotiate a joint utility sharing agreement with the owners for $65,000.Moff at County has introduced legislation which would require PRPA to pay for County taxes relative to the Craig Power Plant.The legislation will require any electric power authority C C RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Light and Power Committee -February 11,1993 -Page 3 established by contracting municipalities with property outside their jurisdiction to pay taxes to that affected County.PRPA staff is researching the purchase of additional land to increase the buffer zone around the Rawhide Plant.With the assistance of CSU,PRPA maintains a buffalo herd.A portion of the herd was sold during the National Western Stock Show netting $6,000 plus trophies.The herd is self-supporting with no cost to the public. There being no further business,Chairman Aldrich adjourned the meeting at 11:11 A.M. // Vickie O’Connor,CMC,Town Clerk FB23;9g3 S B jo r