Paris, Tenn. – At Tuesday’s meeting of the Paris Public Utility Authority, the board approved a $450,000 infrastructure upgrade plan.
CEO Terry Wimberley said this initiative aims to enhance service reliability and sustainability, with key projects including 55 three-phase distribution pole replacements, a combined 5.5 miles of conductor upgrades, and pole top switch installations.
Brian Horton, Vice President of Electric Operations, also gave a report to the Board on how crews are being utilized. The 10-month project will bring added reliability to our customers and improve the overall performance of our electric system.
In his President’s Report, Wimberley informed board members that the TVA Board approved action last week in which a 4.5% wholesale rate increase will go into effect October 1, 2023. TVA will use the added revenues to fund $15 billion in investments over the next three years to build additional generation and upgrade the existing system to ensure the region continues to benefit from reliable power.
No new revenues will come to Paris BPU with this increase, Wimberley said. The average Paris BPU residential customer will see a 2.82% increase in the monthly electric bill because of the rate action by TVA. The bill impact will be $3.70 per month.
Wimberley welcomed Corey Turner as the board guest. Corey joined the Paris BPU team in 2017, taking on the role of a Wastewater Operator. Since then, Corey has successfully risen through the ranks to become the Wastewater Manager. Corey’s tenure has been marked by his impressive array of skills, which have been instrumental in ensuring the efficient and seamless operation of the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Action was taken to approve the insurance renewal with Public Entity Partners. The Board also approved the motion to participate in the Public Entity Partners “Safety Partners” Loss Control Matching Grant Program.