The Paris Utility Authority (PUA) Board of Directors met for its regular monthly meeting on April 23 and the Board approved sending a 2.5% electric retail rate review to TVA. The utility is seeking to increase revenues to offset the growing operation and maintenance costs of running the electric system. The last electric rate increase was 2019. Inflation, since that time, has placed significant pressure on the financial health of the department. New revenues will also be used to support construction of a new 69 kV transmission line, upgrades to the Primary and India Road substations, and other projects to sustain a growing utility. Upon approval from TVA and adoption of the new rate at the May PUA meeting, the proposed increase would go into effect on August 1, 2024.
A series of bids for substation equipment were approved. Electric substation rehabilitation projects are scheduled at both the Primary and India Road substations. Bids for new breakers at both sites were approved as well as a new set of voltage regulators at the Primary Substation.
In other action, the Board granted Wimberley signatory authority for the sale of an easement regarding telecommunications equipment on the Volunteer Drive water tank. The Board also approved the quarterly write-off of delinquent accounts.
In his President’s report, Wimberley announced that the electric department has achieved Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3) Gold status for the fourth consecutive designation period dating back to 2015. Gaining the achievement is based on operational excellence in the areas of reliability, safety, workforce development, and system improvement. “Paris BPU is proud to be recognized with this national award. The RP3 designation is a sign of our dedication to serving the community at the highest level over the last decade”, said President & CEO Wimberley. Less than 15% of the nation’s 2,000 public power utilities hold the RP3 designation. Wimberley also announced that PUA will be hosting a Customer Academy this fall. Applications to be a part of the Academy will open June 1st.