Paris, Tenn.–At today’s meeting of the Paris Utility Authority, members reviewed the budgets for Fiscal Year 2022 for the electric, water and wastewater departments. The budgets do not include recommendations for rate increases in any of the departments and also show positive net incomes for all three.
The budget will be formally voted upon at the June meeting.
In his President’s report, CEO Terry Wimberley provided a summary of damages and costs associated with the May 4 storm that impacted much of the area. The utility repaired 30 downed and/or damaged poles, several miles of downed wire and a multitude of tree limbs down or on power lines for a total cost of around $200,000.
He also noted that the utility received mutual aid from both Jackson Energy Authority and Milan Public Utilities.
Wimberley also took the opportunity to show board members the utility’s most recent award, TVA Energy Right Solutions Communicator of the Year.
As RadioNWTN reported last week, Paris BPU was presented the award by TVA representatives on May 10 at a small ceremony. The award honors the Local Power Company who has shown great success and enthusiasm in communicating the value of TVA EnergyRight programs and services to the Valley through one or more communication channels.
The board approved a LPC Interconnection, Operation and Maintenance Agreement with Silicon Ranch Corporation. In November 2020 the Board approved a Power Purchase Agreement with Silicon Ranch Corporation to purchase all energy output from a 6.936 MW solar installation in Puryear. This agreement establishes the terms and conditions of the interconnection of the solar array with the PUA electric system. It also defines responsibilities such as construction, cost, ongoing maintenance and testing.
Board members Terry Fuller and Butch Powers’ terms are both set to expire June 30, 2021. The Board voted to reappoint both Powers and Fuller to the board for a four-year term beginning July 1, 2021. This will now go to the City Commission for final approval.
“Both Terry and Butch have been such assets to the Board, especially over the last few years as we transitioned to PUA” Wimberley said. “Their years of experience, knowledge and roots in this community are so valuable. I look forward to working along side them both for another four years.”