HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Light and Power Committee 1991-10-03RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
I Light and Power Committee
October 3,1991
Committee:Chairman Aldrich,Trustees Dickinson and HiX
Attending:All
Also Attending:Trustee Garrett,Town Administrator Kiapliake,
Ass’t.Town Administrator Widmer,Light &
Power Director Matzke,Finance Officer Vavra,
Fleet Manager Shanafelt,Clerk O’Connor
Absent:None
Chairman Aldrich called the Committee meeting to order at 2:04 P.M.
STRINGING TRAILER -REQUEST AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE.
$40,000 was included in the 1991 Budget for the purchase of a
stringing trailer.This is a new piece of equipment for the
Department and it will be used in the installation of overhead
conductors and underground cables.Greater care of the cable
during installation and improved personnel safety will be provided
by this equipment.Fleet Manager Shanafelt summarized the two bids
received,and,following a full evaluation,staff is recommending
the purchase of the Viking Utility Sales unit.As compared to the
Sauber Mfg.trailer,the Viking meets all Town specifications.The
Committee recommends staff be authorized to purchase the Viking
stringing trailer for $30,310.00.
RATE STUDY -PRESENTATION OF RECOMMENDATIONS.
Max Kiburz,Rate Consultant,presented an analysis of the rate
study for review:plot of peak days/minimum days,revenue and
expense allocation to rate classes,classification of winter and
summer operating expenses,operating statement,estimated monthly
demands and energy,and proposed rate schedules.
Residential Rate.It is proposed that the availability of
this rate schedule be changed to require existing electric
heat customers on this rate to be “phased”over to the
Residential Demand Rate.The only increase in this rate class
would be in the monthly customer charge--from $2.05 to $3.00.
Residential Demand Rate.This monthly rate would be modified
to include:a monthly customer charge of $3.00 from $2.05;
establishing a winter demand charge per KW of $7.50 and summer
demand charge per KW of $5.20--tlie existing residential demand
rate is $5.15 per KW of billing demand;and energy charge per
kWh of $.03 in lieu of $.03225.
General Service Small Rate.The only proposed change in this
rate class is the deletion of language allowing residential
customers.
General Service Large Rate.The monthly minimum bill is
currently $9.65 times the monthly minimum billing demand or
$55.00,whichever is greater.The proposed change is $9.65
times the monthly minimum billing demand or $200.00 whichever
is greater.In addition,the billing demand “lagging”
percentage would be changed from 95%to 90%.
Municipal Service Rate.No change.
Two new rate schedules are being proposed:
Residential Time of Day.Available to all residential
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Light and Power Committee -October 3,1991 -Page 2
consumers whose annual energy consumption is over 15,000 kwh.
The billing demand would be determined by suitable meter
measurement of the highest 15-minute integrated demand
occurring during the monthly time of day period,and service
under this schedule would be for not less than 12 months.
This rate would replace the existing Heat Storage Rate.
Purchased Power Rider.This schedule would be used to pass—on
the estimated cost increase resulting from changes in the
Platte River Power Authority base electric rates which are
applicable to service to the Town.
Mr.Kiburz suggested high priority be given to moving residential
consumers from the General Service Small rate to the Residential
Demand Rate.Approximately 160 consumers would lie affected.
Reasoning for this is to help the Town reduce its peak demand,as
occurred in December,1990.The consumer would have an initial
cost outlay of $900.00±for a demand controller.Staff is
researching the possibility of establishing a “loan program”to
assist customers in this purchase.If the rates remain constant,
payback to the consumer would be approximately 2—3 years.
Approximately 300 electric heat customers are now under the
Residential Rate,and they would also be moved to the Residential
Demand Rate.
At the time the rate study was being prepared,it was anticipated
the ski area would not be in operation.Should this not lie the
case,it would affect the rate study.
Staff stressed that the primary intent of the rate study is to
enable the Town to reduce its peak demand.Basic re—structuring of
the rates should provide assistance in this area.The Committee
emphasized the importance of explaining the rate change to all
electric consumers prior to adoption.
The Committee recommends:(1)staff proceed with the rate study as
recommended by the rate consultant,(2)reviewing implementation
procedure and proposed ordinance with the Town Attorney,and (3)
prepare and submit a proposal for the Loan Program,all to be
further reviewed by the Committee during its meeting in November.
REPORTS.
Ass’t.Town Administrator Widmer reported on the imminent rate
increase from the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA)to
Platte River.WAPA is contributing its increase to the cost of
environmental studies.A prior increase was absorbed by PRPA,
however,this practice cannot be continued.PRPA members may
experience a 5.94%increase in its purchase power rates,however,
the actual percentage increase has not yet been confirmed.
PRPA has presented its preliminary 1992 Budget.A revised budget
will include the potential rate increase.A briefing document
explaining said increase has been prepared for the news media.
Director Matzke provided a project update:the North End circuit
should be completed in the near future;the YMCA cable project
should be completed by November;a meter test board factory
representative is currently training Meter Department personnel;
the new bucket truck has been received;and Truck 25 is being
repainted.
As requested by the Committee,staff prepared various financial
reports for review.The Committee recommended staff refine the
reports similar to a profit and loss statement.
0
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Light and Power Committee -October 3,1991 -Page 3
There being no further business,the Committee unanimously
consented to enter Executive Session to discuss matters that may be
subject to negotiation.
There being no further business,Chairman Aldrich adjourned the
meeting to Executive Session at 4:15 P.M.
Vickie O’Connor,CMC,Town Clerk
¶,:
OCT8 199
Jr ESIES
BOtR[)OF ThUSIE$