Public Power - January/February 2008 - (Page 22) The Midwest Powers Up IMPA’s Rao agreed. “Working together is easy to say, but not to do.” But with a common goal—providing low-cost, reliable and environmentally responsible power to customers—it can be done. Southern Illinois Power Cooperative’s Ramsey thinks people need to evaluate their expectations before getting into such a project. “When you have a lot of people at the table trying to make a common decision, it can be difficult.” The lesson of the Prairie State project, said Rao, is that joint action agencies should assume a leadership role. “We should not be dependent on anyone, an independent power producer or an IOU. We need to make sure we’re building a plant that meets our customers’ needs for the next 20 years.” Prairie Power’s Harbour thinks the Prairie State project could encourage other cooperative and municipal utilities to consider doing something similar. Southern Illinois Power Cooperative’s Ramsey agreed. “Projects like Prairie State present an opportunity for smaller consumer-owned utilities—co-ops and municipals.” The concept of a super joint action agency has great potential, said Duncan Kincheloe, general manager and CEO of Missouri Joint Municipal Electric Utility Commission. “We’re closely aligned with the Oklahoma and Kansas [joint action] agencies, and we’re encouraging joint action with Arkansas,” he said. The challenge, said Earl, is to work collaboratively without losing independence. He thinks the fact that no one participant dominates the Prairie State project gives everyone a voice. Joint ownership brings a lot of benefits, said Southern Illinois Power Cooperative’s Ramsey. It also presents challenges. “You have to work closer together as a team.” But the diversity of that team can be its strength, with everyone working toward the betterment of the plant.” ❚ Your Total IT Solution FAST ACTING, LONG LASTING ntrollable ay cause unco WARNING: M e of mind, prolonged peac satisfaction, ssible tion, or irrepre sudden relaxa lead to use may also relief. Extended job anxiety. a decrease in At Associated Systems Incorporated (ASI), we know that system efficiency is vital to success. So, we provide utilities with innovative, versatile solutions to best meet their individualized needs. From accounting and finance to billing and customer service, ASI provides value by allowing you to service your customers better. For more information, visit www.assocsys.com or call 888-232-1239. Take a pill to relax? How about an entire engineering firm? POWER Engineers is just what the doctor ordered for relief from job stress due to complex and overwhelming projects. All projects have risks, but we choose to identify and manage those risks with a proven, project-driven approach. • • • • • • • • • • • • • Overhead Transmission Underground Transmission Substations Electrical Systems Studies Routing & Siting Construction Management Testing & Commissioning Geographic Information Systems Utility Automation Gas Turbine Plant Design Coal & Solid Fuel Plants Renewable Power Telecommunication Systems www.powereng.com • 208.788.3456 22 JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2008 PUBLIC POWER http://sterlingpadlocks.com/content/SterlingPadlocks.aspx http://www.powereng.com http://www.assocsys.com
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