Paris, Tenn.–This month’s tornado was costly to Henry County homeowners and the Paris Utility Authority alike, with CEO Terry Wimberley reporting at Tuesday’s Board of Public Utilities meeting that complete restoration of power took almost 90 hours with both BPU and four outside crews who replaced over 60 broken poles.
Early estimates from FEMA are projecting that the December 10 storm cost the utility over $900,000. Wimberley said, “Although a lengthy restoration process, our utility received high praise from the community for their efforts.”
Wimberley also updated the board on the arrival of the 90MVA transformer that was delivered to the Eagle Creek Substation last Wednesday. The transformer traveled from Idaho through Wyoming, making its way to Eagle Creek, he said. Showing pictures during his report, Wimberly noted the size of the transformer is over 165,000 pounds, “and really something to see.”
In other business:
–The board accepted the bid by Security Bank for the main electric general account for calendar year 2021. Wimberley said, “Paris BPU thoroughly evaluated three bids, all from local banks.” After providing the Board with information on each of the three bids, Wimberley made the recommendation to the Board to select Security Bank’s bid.
–In November 2020, the board approved a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Silicon Ranch. As part of the original PPA, Silicon Ranch is obligated to transfer all rights, title, and interest in the Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) associated with the 6. 75 MW energy output. The RECs are a valuable asset to companies/manufacturers who have stated renewable, carbon reduction, and sustainability goals.
“Paris BPU staff has spent the last 12 months exploring how to best put the RECs to use for the benefit of our utility, our customers, and our community,” said Wimberley. “We currently have ongoing discussions with a local industry and an EV charging company regarding how our RECs can help meet their goals while providing a value to Paris BPU and our community.”
If RECs are going to be used by an outside company, a portion of the RECs will need to be reallocated back to Silicon Ranch, he said. The Board voted to approve an amendment to the PPA to contain language that will accomplish that reallocation. The amendment has NO EFFECT on the amount of power Paris BPU will purchase (6. 75 MW).
–A motion to declare items as surplus equipment was approved by the Board. Items included in the motion are a 2003 Mc Tri-Axle Dump Truck, 2015 Terex Bucket, International Chassis, 2007 For Explorer XLT and a 2012 Ford Bucket Truck. The items will be sold on GovDeals website.
–Cody Craig was Wimberley’s employee guest for the meeting. Craig began with the utility in June of 2002 as a tree trimmer and back-up meter reader. In June of 2005, he became an apprentice lineman and then in 2009, a journeyman lineman. This past September, Craig was promoted to his current position of Foreman.
Photo: A view of some of the storm damage along Lampkins Road in Cottage Grove. Shannon McFarlin photo.