By Shannon McFarlin WENK/WTPR News Director
Paris, Tenn.—Paris Board of Public Utilities (BPU) General Manager Terry Wimberley said utility relocation has begun in the widening of Hwy. 641 N “and we’re close to moving the poles” as the project moves along. Wimberley gave the report at this morning’s BPU meeting.
Wimberley said BPU staff will be “very involved” in the project as it progresses.
Director of Water and Wastewater Operations Tony Brown reported Phase 1 of the water plant project is “basically complete. All that is left is cosmetic, punch-list items to be completed,” he said.
The design of Phase 2 of the project is complete “and the drawings will be sent to the state in February and we’re hoping to bid the project in March,” Brown said.
Wimberley said, “Our goal all along was to move as quickly as possible from Phase 1 to Phase 2 and that’s what is happening. Good progress is being made.”
Upon recommendation of Wimberley, the board approved an amendment to the Pole Attachment Regulation with TVA. Wimberley noted the BPU has a wholesale power agreement with the TVA and the amendment regulates anytime another agency attaches to the power poles. “Someone like cable or other telecoms. This further defines how those rates are established. Discussion on this has been ongoing between us and TVA for a couple of years,” Wimberley said.
TVA has and continues to serve as the regulatory agent. Wimberley said TVA seeks to ensure that each Local Power Company like BPU operates for the benefit of electric consumers and that rates are kept as low as feasible.
In other business, Wimberley noted that all three departments of the BPU “are in very fine shape” financially. “Our financials are looking very strong, very stable,” he said.
Photo: BPU GM Terry Wimberley provides reports for board members. (McFarlin photo)
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