Paris, Tenn.–Meeting in regular session Tuesday, the Paris Utility Authority Board of Directors approved a wastewater rate increase and heard a report from CEO Terry Wimberley on the response of the local utility during the winter storm’s rolling blackouts, mandated by the TVA.
The new rate increases will be effective February 1. Wimberley said the rate increase will be higher than water rates as it costs more to treat wastewater, but charges will remain proportionate with wastewater usage.
In his President’s report, Wimberley reviewed the performance and response of the utility as it experienced its first ever rolling blackouts, mandated by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) during winter storm “Elliot” that produced uncommon cold temperatures in December 2022.
Wimberley said when TVA demanded power reduction in the form of power disruption to stabilize the grid, the utility was able to limit intentional interruption of power to 15-minutes for Paris BPU customers with their plan of action to support TVA’s request. Wimberley expressed gratitude to Paris BPU customers and employees as the utility navigated power disruptions.
Wimberley explained the importance of the partnership with TVA, commended TVA’s accountability regarding the events that transpired on December 23 and December 24, and anticipates the corrective actions TVA will take to better manage any future events.
In other business, the PUA approved participation in the Cyber Security Matching Grant program. The Cyber Security Grant is a 50/50 matching grant to aid organizations with the purchase of necessary cyber security tools, trainings, and services to enhance the protection from cyber attacks.
Wimberley then introduced Board guest Ben White. White joined the utility in 2006 on the Right-of-Way crew as a temporary employee. One year later, White applied for a full-time position as a tree trimmer. White then applied for a lineman position in 2008 and in October 2012, White became a Journeyman Lineman where he resides today.
White’s motivated by his wife, Amanda, and children, Ansley and Asher, and is highly committed to supplying power to Henry County.
The February meeting of the Board is scheduled for February 21, 2023.