Public Power - November/December 2007 - (Page 56)

FOR GOVERNING BOARDS The Board’s Role in Optimizing Distribution System Performance By William Atkinson third recommendation in 2002 of the American Public Power Association’s blue ribbon task force on Public Power in the 21st Century was “focus on distribution performance and opportunity.” Distribution systems are the common thread among all public power utilities. This last leg in the delivery of electricity is the most visible aspect of utility operations and represents a significant opportunity to enhance service. Public power’s excellent reputation for service has been built on the perfor- The lic power utilities have come a long way. “Overall, I think the industry is doing a good job in this area,” she said. “For example, I was looking at some of the systems that were up for APPA awards and I was recalling some of the articles I’ve seen in APPA publications. I’ve been really impressed with what’s going on.” Specifically, she praised Anaheim, Calif., for its underground substations and Concord, Mass., for its project to put lines and equipment underground. The task force identified nine requirements to assure optimum performance of electric distribution systems. Meet reliability requirements. Broaden understanding, data collection, and implementation of reliability-based operational methods to meet and the thousands of people who work around the clock to provide the electricity.” These days, Parrish believes it is important for utilities to make a greater effort to educate the public about how electricity and utilities work. This is especially true as more and more renewable energy resources become available. “When the sun goes down, what happens to solar? When the wind stops blowing, what happens to wind power?” he said. “Most members of the public don’t realize that you can’t store electricity. They need to understand that we have to rely on other sources of generation, such as hydro, natural gas, or nuclear. Integrating all of these are essential to make the distribution system work.” Utilities should assume responsibility not only In addition to ensuring safety internally, boards need to publicize their safety commitment to their communities. mance of distribution systems in delivering energy in a reliable, safe and cost-effective manner. As communities grow and implement technological changes, end-use consumers rely even more on the instantaneous delivery of electricity. As increased reliability is now demanded and expected, public power has risen to meet these demands. The distribution system is a key asset in the local infrastructure. In reviewing the impact of this recommendation five years after its creation, Sharon Staz, a member of the 2002 task force and general manager and treasurer of Kennebunk Light & Power in Maine, thinks pub56 NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2007 demand for near 100 percent reliable service. According to Vic Parrish, chief executive officer of Energy Northwest in Richland, Wash., and co-chair of the task force, the United States is becoming much more environmentally conscious. “As utilities, we need to try to meet as many of our growing generation needs as we can from renewables,” he said. This requires as much in the way of communication as it does in the way of engineering. “Our society has been conditioned to walk in a door, flip a switch that is about chest-high, and expect the lights to go on,” he said. “There is not a lot of understanding of what it takes for supplying electricity, but also for explaining to customers how the electricity supply system works, he said. Take the lead in infrastructure development. Promote local infrastructure improvements, so your community can keep pace with technology. Many public power utilities are making great strides with this. About 20 years ago, for example, Kennebunk L&P started installing “tree wire” (insulated wire that replaces bare wire) throughout its system. “It took about seven years to get everything replaced, but it has paid for itself a thousand times over in the reduction in the number of outages,” said Staz. PUBLIC POWER

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Public Power - November/December 2007

Public Power - November/December 2007 Contents Washington Focus 10 Questions Connecting with the Customer Through Automation AMR or AMI? The High Court’s Antitrust Thunderbolts California’s Push for Demand-Response Plug-In Partners Get Plugged In Wiring Up for Double-Digit Growth For Engineers Safety Community Broadband For Governing Boards DEED Customer Service Hometown Connections Index to Advertisers Parting shot

Public Power - November/December 2007

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