Paris, Tenn.– At a busy session Tuesday, the Paris Utility Authority board heard reports on multiple projects that are underway.
Authority CEO Terry Wimberley delivered an update on the Paris Solar Farm – Puryear, which has an expected generation startup on December 8. About a month later, the utility with partners will hold the ‘Flip the Switch’ event on January 18, revealing the completion of the first solar farm in Henry County.
Wimberley gave an update on the now-live substation, Eagle Creek. Eagle Creek was energized on October 18 of this year and a ‘Make the Connection’ event was held on November 9 with partners on the project, signifying and sharing excitement of the newly completed substation being put in service.
Wimberley continued with an update on the data mining project located off Highway 641 North. He said, “After a delay, progress is happening on site.” Currently, 6MW of units are connected but not yet energized. The site is waiting on inspections, contract signature, and a security deposit.
The board considered a motion to approve participation in the Property Conservation Matching Grant Program. This program assists in the organization and efforts toward loss prevention and reduction, a crucial role in the protection of the utility from unforeseen property loss.
The next order of business was to consider a motion to accept the low bid for the relay control house at Paris Landing substation through KVA, Inc. at $275,575. The purpose of the relay control house is to provide an enclosure for substation equipment, protecting the equipment from natural elements. The purchase is part of a larger rehab project at the Paris Landing substation that will be completed in Fall 2023.
The board also approved an Agreement for Consulting Service for the DC Fast Charger project. A City of Paris owned parking lot between Uncle Billy’s and the Downtown Paris Plaza is the location of this DC fast charger. Implementing this DC fast charger in the downtown area can increase Henry County’s footprint on the EV charging map, encouraging tourists to visit local businesses while their EV batteries are replenished at the charging station, and also increase charging options for local residents who have EV’s.
Wimberley continued his report with information on Community Centered Growth, a TVA community assistance program that targets ten local businesses. Wimberley announced TVA would invest $500,000 in energy assessments and possible equipment upgrades to ensure the selected ten businesses operate with optimal energy efficiency. Wimberley shared that participating businesses have been identified and “are ecstatic”. Any work and/or upgrades to these businesses will take place in 2023.
Wimberley then introduced Board guest Jonathan Wheat. Wheat joined the utility in 2015 on the Right of-Way crew. Two years later, Wheat joined the Meter Shop as a Meter Technician, where he resides today. Wheat’s responsibilities include GIS mapping, AMI communications, OMS connectivity, and purchasing/inventory, all of which are imperative to the utility’s operations.
Last on the agenda was a reminder about the annual Christmas Lunch, taking place on Wednesday, December 14th.