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Public Power Utilities Help Cooperatives with Power Restoration Efforts in Florida

September 6, 2023

by Paul Ciampoli
APPA News Director
September 6, 2023

Public power utility crews have been helping electric cooperatives in Florida restore power in the wake of Hurricane Idalia, which hit the state in late August. 

“Florida public power is incredibly grateful for the more than 360 personnel from 58 utilities in Florida and from 13 other states including Alabama, Louisiana, Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Texas, Missouri, Arkansas, Georgia, Tennessee, and Iowa, along with hundreds of contractors and tree crews, that worked around the clock to restore power to more than 99.99% of public power customers within 48 hours of Hurricane Idalia making landfall,” said Amy Zubaly, Executive Director of the Florida Municipal Electric Association.

“After getting the lights back on in our own communities, public power again answered the call to help neighboring communities that are continuing to recover from the storm,” she said.

“While some of our mutual aid crews were released back to their hometowns, FMEA was happy to be able to redeploy some of our mutual aid crews, along with our own public power crews to assist other utilities as they restore power for communities in need,” Zubaly noted.

“We greatly appreciate the hard work of our lineworkers and all the mutual aid crews who spent long hours in the heat and humidity to get power flowing back to customers as quickly as they could and continue to do so for other utilities in need,” she said.

FMEA on Sept, 6 provided an overview of how public power utilities have assisted cooperatives with restoration efforts.

After initially deploying to help Florida public power utilities, crews from Riviera Utilities, the City of Fairhope and City of Troy Utilities — all from Alabama – joined crews from Florida public power utility Gainesville Regional Utilities and the public power communities of the City of Newberry and City of Starke to help restore power to Central Florida Electric Cooperative, headquartered in Chiefland.

Since then, Central Florida Electric Cooperative has restored power and the original contingent of three Alabama and three Florida crews have been redeployed. Most all of those listed above — both the Florida and Alabama crews (with the exception of Fairhope) — were reassigned to Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative, based in Live Oak, Fla.

Meanwhile, the City of Fairhope, Ala., joined the City of Andalusia, Ala., to help Tri-County Electric Cooperative, based in Madison, Fla. Andalusia was already assisting TCEC after being released from Green Cove Springs, Fla., on day one.

In addition, AMP (Orville, Cuyahoga Falls, Westerville, Bowling Green, Wapokoneta, Bryan, Lebanon, Wadsworth and Piqua – all Ohio public power communities – and Wyandotte, MI); Paducah and Owensboro, KY; Lincoln Electric System, Grand Island, and OPPD, NE; Grand River Dam, Skiatook, and Edmond, OK; were all assigned to Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative as well after being released from Tallahassee, Fla.

Also after being released from Tallahassee, Louisiana public power utility Lafayette Utilities System, Florida public power utilities Orlando Utilities Commission, Lakeland Electric, and the Kissimmee Utility Authority joined Tallahassee crews and were all deployed to help Tri-County Electric Cooperative.

More than 300 public power personnel were helping Tri-County Electric Cooperative and Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative — the two hardest hit utilities, FMEA reported on Sept.6.

And after Florida-based public power utility JEA in Jacksonville restored power to its customers, their crews traveled to Georgia to help investor-owned Georgia Power with its restoration efforts.

Department of Energy to Provide Hawaii with $95 Million for Grid Hardening

August 31, 2023

by Paul Ciampoli
APPA News Director
August 31, 2023

In the wake of wildfires on Maui, Hawaii, President Biden on Aug. 30 announced that the Department of Energy will provide $95 million through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to harden Hawaii’s electric grid, improve service, limit damage during future events, and help prevent failures in the future that could lead to severe events.

In early August, wildfires swept across Maui’s Lahaina community. More than one hundred residents of the community died as a result of the wildfires.

On Aug. 24, the County of Maui filed a lawsuit against Maui Electric Company, Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc., Hawaiʻi Electric Light Company, Inc., and Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. for civil damages to the county’s public property and resources caused by recent Maui fires, including fires in Lahaina and in Kula.

The DOE funding will:

This investment will help reduce the likelihood of outages, reduce restoration times following outages, reduce risk of wildfire events, and increase grid operational resilience, DOE said.

Hawaiian Electric responded to the County of Maui lawsuit on Aug. 28 through a news release in which it outlined events that occurred on Aug. 8.

The utility said that a fire at 6:30 a.m. appears to have been caused by power lines that fell in high winds. The Maui County Fire Department responded to this fire, reported it was “100% contained,” left the scene and later declared it had been “extinguished,” the utility said.

At about 3 p.m., a time when all of Hawaiian Electric’s power lines in West Maui had been de-energized for more than six hours, a second fire began in the same area. The cause of the devastating afternoon Fire has not been determined, the utility said.

Groups Urge Congress to Pass FEMA Reimbursement Legislation

August 28, 2023

by Paul Ciampoli
APPA News Director
August 28, 2023

The American Public Power Association and other trade groups on Aug. 28 sent a letter to key lawmakers urging swift passage of legislation that calls for the Federal Emergency Management Agency to reimburse local governments and cooperative electric utilities for interest expenses of loans used to fund activities for which they receive assistance under FEMA’s public assistance program.

The groups wrote in support of the FEMA Loan Interest Payment Relief Act (H.R. 2672, S. 1180), sponsored by Representatives Neal Dunn (R-Fla.), Darren Soto (D-Fla.), and Garret Graves (R-La.) and by Senators Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Rick Scott (R-Fla.)

“Collectively, we represent the counties, cities, and non-profit electric utilities that are on the front lines responding to natural disasters throughout the country. We urge the committees to consider and pass this bipartisan legislation without delay,” the letter said.

The letter was sent to Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.), and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Ranking Member for the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, Rep. Sam Graves (R-Mo.), Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and Rep. Rick Larsen (D-Wash.), Ranking Member on the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

The groups noted that following a disaster, line workers, locally-elected officials, public works employees, and emergency managers are first on the scene and play a key role in coordinating recovery and rebuilding efforts.

“As the frequency, severity, and cost of disasters continues to increase, we have learned that even the most well-resourced communities may not have the funds needed to adequately respond to a disaster. Therefore, our members are often forced to take out large loans or lines of credit to cover the immediate costs of recovery to return their communities and residents’ lives back to normal as quickly as possible,” the letter said.

The groups said that they appreciate the eventual reimbursement offered through FEMA’s Public Assistance program. However, this process “can often be arduous and time consuming, with final payments sometimes not made until years after the fact. And when communities must borrow to cover these recovery costs until reimbursement is made, that means years of accumulating interest, all of which must be paid by local residents.”

They noted that on October 10, 2018, Hurricane Michael made landfall at Mexico Beach in Bay County Florida as a devastating Category Five storm with sustained winds of 160 miles per hour. “Fifty-six months later, local communities and utilities that took out hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of loans to cover the costs of recovery are still paying interest while they await FEMA reimbursement.”

The FEMA Loan Interest Payment Relief Act would mitigate this additional burden by requiring FEMA to reduce the cost of loans taken out while the public assistance process is completed.

“Specifically, in an approach that enjoys broad bipartisan support, FEMA would reimburse local governments and cooperative electric utilities for interest expenses of loans used to fund activities for which they receive assistance” under the public assistance program, the groups said.

This reimbursement would be limited to the lesser of the actual interest paid or the interest that would be paid at the prime rate.

NPPD Sends Crews to Help Omaha Public Power District with Power Restoration Efforts

July 12, 2023

by Paul Ciampoli
APPA News Director
July 12, 2023

The California Independent System Operator recently reported that more than 5,000 megawatts of battery storage capacity is now online and fully integrated into the electrical grid.

As of July 1, total battery storage on the grid had increased to 5,600 MW. Just three years ago, “we had about 500 MW on the grid and this rapid growth of energy storage in California has significantly improved our ability to manage through challenging grid conditions,” said Elliot Mainzer, the ISO’s president and CEO.

Since the summer of 2020, the ISO has seen a ten-fold increase in storage on the grid. The major driver behind the influx has been a series of storage procurement orders authorized by the California Public Utilities Commission requiring regulated utilities to add storage to their portfolios, CAISO said. These orders also call for significantly more storage in the coming years.

The CPUC’s plans call for a buildout of more than 10,000 MW in aggregate storage capacity on the grid by 2026.

In coming years, the ISO is expecting to see the emergence of new storage technologies as well as longer-duration storage resources that will be able to provide additional value to the grid.

Legislation Offers Reimbursement for Interest Expenses Incurred for FEMA-Related Loans

April 24, 2023

by Paul Ciampoli
APPA News Director
April 24, 2023

Lawmakers in the Senate and House recently introduced legislation that would reimburse local governments and electric cooperatives for interest expenses incurred on loans taken out to cover costs that are to be covered by disaster assistance payments from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Last week, Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Rick Scott (R-FL) re-introduced the FEMA Loan Interest Payment Relief Act (S.1180) in the Senate, while Reps. Neal Dunn (R-FL), Darren Soto (D-FL), and Garrett Graves (R-LA) on April 18 introduced companion legislation (H.R. 2672) in the House.

The bills would amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. The amount of interest to be reimbursed is capped at the lesser of the amount of interest paid or the prime rate.

The American Public Power Association strongly supports the proposed legislation. Similar legislation introduced last year failed to advance.

Public Power Officials Briefed by Department of Energy on Supply Chain, Other Key Issues

April 19, 2023

by Paul Ciampoli
APPA News Director
April 19, 2023

Officials from public power utilities and American Public Power Association staff were recently briefed by Department of Energy officials on a number of key issues including supply chain challenges.

Members of APPA’s Mutual Aid Committee attended the DOE meeting at the federal agency’s headquarters in Washington, D.C.

APPA members raised significant supply chain concerns. DOE officials discussed the current threat environment facing the power sector. The officials also addressed state, local, tribal and territorial programs and federal energy emergency response activities.

DOE officials addressed the agency’s Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Grant and Technical Assistance Program. In late 2022, APPA told DOE that there are a number of ways in which APPA can help DOE successfully implement the Rural and Municipal Utility Advanced Cybersecurity Grant and Technical Assistance Program.

Along with the meeting at DOE, members of the Mutual Aid Committee also held a meeting at APPA’s headquarters in Arlington, Va.

The Mutual Aid Committee meeting was led by Santee Cooper’s Neil James, who is chair of the committee. Mike Willetts (MMUA) is the Vice Chair. JT Flick (NYPA), Kenny Roberts (ElectriCities of North Carolina), and David Hefner (GRDA) are At-Large members. The committee nominated and elected Grand River Dam Authority’s David Hefner to serve a second term as an “At Large” member of the Mutual Aid Executive Council until June 2026.

At the meeting, Mutual Aid Committee governance materials were reviewed. The mutual aid state coordinator roster was also reviewed and updated.

The APPA mutual aid agreement document was discussed and a working group was established to assess the need for an update or an addendum to the mutual aid agreement.

In addition, Mutual Aid Committee members shared lessons learned from 2022 disasters including hurricanes, tornadoes and wildfires.

The committee discussed recent Light Up Navajo activities. Light Up Navajo is a joint effort between the American Public Power Association and the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority. Light Up Navajo IV started in April and runs through June 2023. Light Up Navajo is a project to extend electric service to households on the Navajo Nation.

The Mutual Aid Committee was established in 2022 at APPA’s National Conference in Nashville, Tenn. Acting Co-Chairs of the MAWG, Amy Zubaly (FMEA) and Kenny Roberts, oversaw establishment of the Mutual Aid Committee and the elections for the Mutual Aid Committee Executive Council

Previously, national-level public power mutual aid efforts had been conducted under the auspices of the Mutual Aid Working Group, which coordinated and facilitated the mutual aid program for APPA for well over a decade.    

The creation of the Mutual Aid Committee formalized APPA member oversight of the mutual aid program and the Mutual Aid Committee remains focused on networking, supporting emergency response, facilitating mutual aid, and sharing ideas and resources.

Public Power Utility Crews Head to Arizona for Project to Bring Power to Navajo Nation Households

March 31, 2023

by Paul Ciampoli
APPA News Director
March 31, 2023

Public power utility crews have started to deploy to Arizona to participate in Light Up Navajo, a project to extend electric service to households on the Navajo Nation.

Light Up Navajo is a joint effort between the American Public Power Association and the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority. Light Up Navajo IV starts in April and runs through June 2023.

In April, crews from the following public power utilities are scheduled to take part in the effort:

Crews from the following public power utilities are scheduled to deploy in May and June:

During April-June 2022, 69 volunteers from 14 utilities in 10 different states worked to electrify 137 Navajo Nation homes.

California’s SMUD Receives Help from Public Power Community in Restoration Efforts

January 10, 2023

by Paul Ciampoli
APPA News Director
January 10, 2023

California public power utility SMUD this week worked to assess damage, make repairs, and restore power in the wake of recent storm-related damage and is receiving a helping hand from a large number of public power utilities from California and other states.

On Jan. 8, SMUD reported that the Sacramento region was hit by heavy rains and 70 mph-winds by the latest storm that ripped through Northern California overnight. Storm damage knocked out power to more than 345,000 SMUD customers at its height around 2 AM. As of 3:45 PM on Jan. 8, approximately 60,000 customers remained without power. 

The most recent storm was the worst storm in more than 30 years, eclipsing a New Year’s Eve storm. So far, SMUD has identified more than 80 downed power poles and dozens of downed trees impacting utility equipment, SMUD said on Jan. 8. “These numbers will grow significantly as assessments are completed,” it said.

SMUD line crews, troubleshooters and other field personnel will work 24/7 to restore power to customers if it’s safe to work, it said.

Crews made steady progress throughout the day last Sunday to assess damage, make repairs and restore power.

SMUD on Jan. 9 said that 100 teams were working to restore power after Sunday night’s storm brought hurricane force winds to parts of our region.

It said that many other utilities have come to support SMUD and its customers, including:

SMUD also said that it has received assistance from the California Utilities Emergency Association, Western Energy Institute and the Western Region Mutual Assistance Group.

The American Public Power Association has also been providing mutual aid assistance.

“I want to give a shout-out to SMUD’s field crews and staff across the company who are supporting this effort,” said SMUD CEO and general manager in a Linkedin post on Jan. 9. “Team SMUD, I couldn’t be prouder of you. Thank you for being safe and for working so hard for our customers. It has been a challenging time for all of us, but together we’re stronger and I’m proud to stand with you,” he wrote.

Public Power Utility Crews Deploy to Help with Florida Power Restoration Efforts

November 9, 2022

by Paul Ciampoli
APPA News Director
November 9, 2022

Crews from public power utilities on Nov. 9 traveled to various locations in Florida prior to the arrival of Tropical Storm Nicole, which is expected to turn into a hurricane.

Amy Zubaly, Executive Director of the Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA), on Nov. 8 said that FMEA and its members were closely watching and monitoring Nicole.

Florida public power utility Keys Energy Services (KEYS) on Nov. 9 said it had mobilized six linemen to assist with post-Hurricane Nicole power restoration efforts in Ft. Pierce, Florida.

KEYS’ crew will assist personnel from other regional utilities and contractors with regional power restoration in the aftermath of the storm.

KEYS’ linemen, along with three bucket trucks, one digger truck, one material trailer, and one utility pole trailer, departed for Ft. Pierce on Wednesday, November 9, and will be pre-staged to begin assisting with power restoration once the storm has passed.

“Our crew is looking forward to lending their unique hurricane restoration experience to Fort Pierce Utilities Authority, a fellow public power utility,” said Lynne Tejeda, KEYS’ General Manager & CEO.

Also on Nov. 9, Louisiana public power utility Lafayette Utilities System (LUS) reported that LUS line crews headed out early that morning to travel to Tallahassee, Fla., a public power city, ahead of Tropical Storm Nicole. “LUS crews will ride out the storm with the Tallahassee crews and will assist in restoration once weather conditions are safe,” LUS said in a tweet.

Meanwhile, crews from Alabama public power utility on Nov. 9 headed out for Ocala, Fla., to arrive in advance of Nicole and be ready to work as soon as weather permits.

Another Alabama public power utility, Riviera Utilities, reported that 14 of its linemen and two engineering technicians on Nov. 9 departed for Gainesville, Fla., a public power city. “Our mutual aid crews will be on-site and ready to help once Nicole makes landfall,” Riviera Utilities said.

“Tropical Storm Nicole continued to strengthen as it swirled across the western Atlantic from Tuesday to Wednesday, and AccuWeather meteorologists said the massive storm will make landfall as a Category 1 hurricane along Florida’s east coast early Thursday morning,” AccuWeather reported on Nov. 9.

Public Power Utilities Prepare for Arrival of Tropical Storm Nicole

November 8, 2022

by Paul Ciampoli
APPA News Director
November 8, 2022

Public power utilities are preparing for the arrival this week of Tropical Storm Nicole, which is expected to turn into a hurricane.

Amy Zubaly, Executive Director of the Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA), on Nov. 8 said that FMEA and its members were closely watching and monitoring Nicole.

“Like all storms, the where and when landfall will occur is still a fluid situation, but Nicole is likely to make landfall along the central to south-central east coast of Florida,” she said.

Zubaly said that FMEA has been in communication with all of Florida’s public power communities to discuss anticipated needs in advance of and following the storm.

“In addition, we have been in touch with our mutual aid partners across the southeast,” she noted.

Zubaly said that crews from Lafayette, La., Alabama, Paducah, Ky., and Keys Energy, Fla., were being pre-staged in various Florida public power utilities in advance of the storm, “and several others on standby to come in post storm, once conditions are safe and depending on Florida public power’s needs.”

Florida public power utility Kissimmee Utility Authority said it has activated its Emergency Operations Plan.

The utility is currently operating at Alert Level 3 and will advance to Alert Level 4 once the storm is within 24 hours of impacting its 85-square-mile service territory in Osceola County. Once the storm passes, its crews will begin their damage assessment analysis to determine if additional assistance is needed.

“Nicole may be capable of causing power outages and flooding. In addition, restoration may be hampered by flooding, downed trees, high winds, or other obstacles. KUA crews are prepared to work long hours after the storm passes, restoring service to customers as quickly and as safely as possible,” KUA said.

Meanwhile, South Carolina’s Santee Cooper on Nov. 8 said its team members were making preparations for the anticipated effects that Tropical Storm Nicole may have on Santee Cooper’s service territory.

As of noon on Nov. 8, Santee Cooper went to Operating Condition (OpCon) 4 alert status. This means there is a possible threat to Santee Cooper’s electric system, but effects may be limited or uncertain.

At OpCon 4, the utility is primarily checking and fueling vehicles, including line trucks, making sure communications equipment is in proper working order and taking inventory and procuring supplies as needed, such as utility poles, electric transformers and associated equipment.

A hurricane warning was issued along the central part of Florida’s east coast on Nov. 8 as Tropical Storm Nicole “churned across the Atlantic and showed signs of further strengthening as it tracked toward” the state, AccuWeather reported. AccuWeather “meteorologists expect this sprawling storm to take a turn and hit Florida’s east coast — as a hurricane — later this week before it takes a run up the Eastern Seaboard.”