Paris, Tenn.–At Tuesday’s meeting of Paris Board of Public Utilities, President Terry Wimberley shared with the Board how the utility fared last week during the winter storm. The Paris Utility Authority saw no damage to the electric system and maintained system stability during the high energy demands caused by the frigid temperatures.
The system did set an all-time winter peak of 124.75 MW. The water system escaped with little water main issues. The water plant did experience a high demand for water due to customers dripping water and burst water lines on the customer side of the meter, he said.
Like many other water utilities, Paris BPU is seeing a large demand for water at the water treatment plant. It has stayed well within its capacity to serve the community, but BPU is needing the public’s help. As the temperatures rise and remain above freezing, they ask that you stop dripping water in your homes and businesses. They also ask that you check for any burst water pipes. Please check crawl spaces and vacant homes and buildings for any leaking water.
Vice President of Water and Wastewater Operations Tony Brown educated the Board on the unfunded regulatory mandate to conduct a survey of lead and copper lines within the water system. At all 5,400 water meter locations, BPU must identify the water line material on the utility and customer side of the meter. The task is monumental for a limited staff and has placed a significant burden on the water department.
In other business, the Board took action on Aid to Construction fees for the second time in the last year. After a complete overhaul of the fee schedule in April 2023, staff recommended adjustments to only five items for this meeting. Transformer, pole, and wire costs have continued to escalate resulting in the latest modification to the fee schedule.
Two engineering assignments were awarded to Fisher Arnold of Memphis for upcoming electric substation rehab projects. Both the India Road and Paris Primary substations will see upgrades over the next 2-3 years. Long lead times for substation equipment require that the engineering work begin way ahead of scheduled construction. The not to exceed dollar amount for the two projects is $255,000 and $195,000 respectively.
In other action, the board declared three items for surplus and approved the quarterly write-off of delinquent accounts.
The employee board guest was Gatlin Primrose. Gatlin hired in as an apprentice lineman in 2014 and topped out as a journeyman in 2018. He currently fills the role of lead lineman on his crew and is a valuable member of the Electric Operations team.