Blackwell Municipal Authority Recertified in CUP Program

During the City of Blackwell’s City Commissioner meeting on May 6th, Mayor Mark Cordell was presented with a $20,000 check by Jennifer Rogers, OMPA Member Services Media Specialist, on behalf of the Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority’s (OMPA) Board of Directors, recertifying the Blackwell Municipal Authority as a Competitive Utility.

OMPA’s Competitive Utility Program (CUP) is a voluntary program, started in 1995, that provides the 39 member cities with a way to evaluate and improve the operation of their electric utilities, and make them better able to compete in the electric utility industry.  This program provides two types of reward – recognition in the form of certification, and financial rewards, which includes the check for $20,000.

The Blackwell Municipal Authority was first certified as a Competitive Utility on May 1, 2001.  The municipally owned utility is recertified from May 1, 2013 through April 30, 2015.

“For the citizens of Blackwell, CUP certification means that your community-owned electric utility is committed to excellence in its operation and delivery of safe, reliable and competitively priced electricity.  The Blackwell Municipal Authority is here to be of service and help to all of its consumers,” said Mark Skiles, City Manager.

The Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority (OMPA) is a wholesale power company owned by 39 municipal electric utilities.  OMPA provides economies of scale in power generation and related services to support community-owned electric utilities.  The members of OMPA serve approximately two-hundred and fifty-thousand Oklahomans.

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HMT Tank Receives DEEP Rebate Check for $2,211.36

During the City of Blackwell’s City Commissioner meeting on May 6th, Mark Skiles, City Manager, presented Tommy Wilhelm, Manager, HMT Tank Service, Inc., with a rebate check from Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority’s (OMPA) Demand and Energy Efficiency Program (DEEP) in the amount of $2,211.36 for lighting upgrades at the plant.  The company, located at 438 North 20^th Street in Blackwell, does tank inspections and testing.  Jennifer Rogers, OMPA Member Services Media Specialist, also was present for the check presentation.

According to Tom Willis, OMPA Member Services Energy Engineer, “The installation of the lighting upgrades in the plant reduced the electrical demand by 26.02kW, which will result in an energy reduction of 73,015kWh annually.  The reduction of these demands help keep energy rates as low as possible for our member cities and delays the need to add additional OMPA generation capacity to the system.  This allows member cities to hold the line on the electric rates that are charged to their customers.”  “It is a win-win situation for our cities and their electric customers,” added Willis.

DEEP assists OMPA’s 39 member cities with their qualified customers to reduce their electric service energy demands and costs.  This program provides rebates to commercial and industrial customers that implement retrofits that reduce their demand at peak times.  These projects include lighting, HVAC, refrigeration, commercial food service equipment, pumps and motors.  In 2012, DEEP set a record with 39 projects being completed for a load reduction of 1,578.6kW. The program paid $259,400 in rebate checks.

The funds available for approved projects are determined by the OMPA Board of Directors.  Funding for individual projects is determined through the submission of detailed project plans.  Applicants must be a customer of an OMPA member city.  For more information on DEEP, visit the OMPA website at www.ompa.com or contact Willis at twillis@ompa.com.

The Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority (OMPA) is a wholesale power company owned by 39 municipal electric utilities.  OMPA provides economies of scale in power generation and related services to support community-owned electric utilities.  The members of OMPA serve approximately two-hundred and fifty-thousand Oklahomans.

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OMPA To Hold Informational Meeting On The Charles D. Lamb Energy Center on May 14

The Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority (OMPA) will hold an informational meeting on the Charles D. Lamb Energy Center on Tuesday, May 14  at 6 pm at the Pioneer Technology Center, 2101 North Ash Street, in Ponca City.  The peaking plant will be constructed on a site comprised of 160 acres located  in Kay County, Oklahoma.  The site is approximately seven miles north of Ponca City and east of Blackwell. 

Ponca City, Blackwell, Tonkawa and Newkirk are served by OMPA, a wholesale power company owned by 39 municipal electric utilities.  The site was selected because of its access to a 345-kilovolt electric transmission line and the availability of a natural gas pipeline. 

The OMPA Board voted to name the facility the Charles D. Lamb Energy Center after current Board Chair Charles Lamb.  Since 2001, Lamb has served as the board chair and is the longest tenured elected official to serve as chair.

Construction is currently estimated to begin in January of 2014, with an estimated completion date of April 15, 2015.   

The Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority (OMPA) is a wholesale power company owned by 39 municipal electric utilities.  OMPA provides economies of scale in power generation and related services to support community-owned electric utilities.  The members of OMPA serve approximately 250,000 Oklahomans

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OMPA Launches New Website

On Wednesday, May 1, 2013 OMPA will launch its newly enhanced website.  The new website was designed with our members in mind.  The website will essentially be the same layout as our previous website but with a facelift.

The website will feature scrolling pictures of our member cities, emphasizing your ownership and the important role you play in OMPA.

This newly designed website is also smartphone and tablet friendly. This means that when our site is visited from a smartphone or a tablet the site will automatically recognize the device and condense to the appropriate dimensions.

Our website will also feature a Facebook scroll on the home page. This feature will show visitors our most recent social media posts.

Be sure to visit www.ompa.com, or find us on Facebook and Twitter and tell us what you think. 

Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority (OMPA) is a joint-action agency created for the purpose of providing an adequate, reliable and affordable supply of electrical power and energy to Oklahoma’s municipally owned electric systems. The Authority presently serves 39 municipally owned electric systems in Oklahoma. As a consumer-owned public power entity, OMPA is owned by the member cities it serves.

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Dedication Ceremony Held For OMPA’s Landfill-Gas-To-Energy Project

On April 17th, Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority (OMPA) General Manager Cindy L. Holman, Board Chair Charles Lamb, Director of Member Services Drake N. Rice, and Board Member John Ramey joined representatives from Tulsa LFG, LLC and Montauk Energy in the dedication of OMPA’s landfill-gas-to-energy project in Sand Springs, Oklahoma.  The project is the first landfill-gas-to-energy project to begin commercial operations in Oklahoma.

The OMPA Board of Directors previously approved a long-term purchase power contract with Tulsa LFG, LLC for a landfill-gas-to-energy project, which was signed on June 22, 2012.  The notice to proceed for construction was given on October 12, 2012. The project was funded by the project developer, Montauk Energy.  The project was completed and became operational on February 27, 2013.

“The LFG project provides our 39 member cities with another renewable resource of energy.  OMPA was the first Oklahoma utility to have wind power, another renewable resource in September 2003.  This project brings OMPA’s renewable energy resources (methane gas, wind and hydro) for 2013 to an estimated level of nearly 30 percent based on a normal water year,” said Charles Lamb, Board Chair.

“The Authority will continue to develop projects to meet the load growth needs of our members by providing them with cost efficient and reliable electricity while exploring the advantages of renewable resources. I appreciate the cooperation we have received from Tulsa LFG, LLC and Montauk Energy in making this unique project a reality,” said Cindy L. Holman, General Manager.

The $4 million municipal solid waste landfill project is small, but has the potential to grow.  Initially, the project will produce three-megawatts, but may grow to seven-plus megawatts in the future.

Traditionally, landfill gas escapes into the atmosphere and is considered a potent greenhouse gas. Landfill gas is comprised of approximately 50 percent methane.  The gas is generated through the slow decomposition of waste and contributes greatly to greenhouse gas emissions and local smog.  Usually, landfills flare, or burn off the methane gas as a means of controlling its release.

Landfill-gas-to-energy projects capture this gas for electricity and heat, turning a harmful source of waste into a beneficial source of renewable energy. Since a landfill has continuous inflows of waste, this produces additional methane for future generation.  Landfill gas is also the only type of renewable energy that directly reduces pollution to the atmosphere.

These renewable energy projects safely divert landfill gas through extraction wells and pipe it to a landfill-gas-to-energy plant, where it is cleaned before specialized engines convert it to electricity.  Landfill-gas-to-energy projects generate electricity more than 90 percent of the time, 24 hours a day, and seven days a week.

In addition to serving on the OMPA Board, Lamb is the Mayor of Edmond and Ramey is Okeene’s Town Administrator.

The Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority (OMPA) is a wholesale power company owned by 39 municipal electric utilities.  OMPA provides economies of scale in power generation and related services to support community-owned electric utilities.  The members of OMPA serve approximately 250,000 Oklahomans.

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OMPA Board Announces General Manager Holman’s Retirement and Names Assistant General Manager Osburn as Next General Manager

The Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority’s (OMPA) General Manager, Cindy L. Holman, has announced her retirement.   Ms. Holman will retire effective July 31^st after a 28-year career with OMPA.  OMPA Board Chair Charles Lamb said, “On behalf of the OMPA Board, I wish to express my deepest appreciation for Cindy’s unwavering commitment to OMPA.  Since assuming the General Manager position in 2007, she has been a strong advocate for promoting the value of public power not only in Oklahoma, but nationwide.  Under her outstanding leadership, OMPA has continued to be a progressive organization that has met the many challenges presented by the electric utility industry.  The Board is also pleased to announce that Dave Osburn, Assistant General Manager, will assume the responsibilities of General Manager effective August 1, 2013.”

“I have appreciated the opportunity to serve as OMPA’s General Manager for the past six years, and it has been an honor and privilege to assist with the growth of OMPA over the past 28 years.  I have enjoyed working with a dedicated board and staff that has consistently placed the emphasis on serving those in our member cities.  I will miss the relationships I have had with everyone both inside and outside the agency.  With the continuing guidance from the Board and the strong work ethic of the staff, OMPA will achieve even greater success in the future.  I believe Dave Osburn is a great choice to serve as the next General Manager.” Ms. Holman said.

Ms. Holman is OMPA’s second General Manager, succeeding Roland H. Dawson on February 1, 2007.   Mr. Dawson retired after serving 24 years as OMPA’s first General Manager.  The OMPA Board on October 27, 2006 unanimously selected her as the new General Manager, after conducting a six-month nationwide search.

Prior to being promoted to General Manager, she had served as the Director of Operations and Chief Financial Officer.  She assumed the position of Director of Operations and Chief Financial Officer in the summer of 2005, after having served as the Director of the Financial Services Department.

Dave Osburn came to OMPA in January 2007 from Richmond, Indiana, where he served as General Manager of Richmond Power and Light.  Mr. Osburn began his employment at OMPA as Director of Operations and was named Assistant General Manager in 2009.  Mr. Osburn has worked in public power for almost 30 years and previously served on the American Public Power Association Board.   “It has been a privilege to have worked with Cindy for the past six years, and I wish her the very best in retirement.  I would also like to thank the OMPA Board for allowing me the honor of serving our member cities and employees as General Manager.” Mr. Osburn said.

Accomplishments

During her six-year tenure as OMPA’s General Manager, Ms. Holman has overseen additions to the OMPA power supply including 41 megawatts of the John W. Turk, Jr. Power Plant, an additional 49 megawatt wind contract and a three-megawatt landfill-gas-to-energy project in Sand Springs, Oklahoma, which is the first such project to begin commercial operations in the state.

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Framin’ Gallery Receives DEEP Rebate Check for $286.08

On April 3rd, Framin’ Gallery in Edmond was awarded a rebate check from Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority’s (OMPA) Demand and Energy Efficiency Program (DEEP) in the amount of $286.08 for lighting upgrades at the picture framing store.  Michelle Gumaer, Edmond Electric Program Coordinator, Karne Beighle, Lighting Inc., and Tom Willis, OMPA Member Services Energy Engineer, presented the rebate check to Kelly Van Osdol, owner of the Framin’ Gallery, 416 West 15^th Street.

According to Willis, “The installation of the lighting upgrades in the store reduced the electrical demand by 1.8kW. The reduction of these demands help keep energy rates as low as possible for our member cities and delays the need to add additional OMPA generation capacity to the system.  This allows member cities to hold the line on the electric rates that are charged to their customers.”  “It is a win-win situation for our cities and their electric customers,” added Willis.

DEEP assists OMPA’s 39 member cities with their qualified customers to reduce their electric service energy demands and costs.  This program provides rebates to commercial and industrial customers that implement retrofits that reduce their demand at peak times.  These projects include lighting, HVAC, refrigeration, commercial food service equipment, pumps and motors.  In 2012, DEEP set a record with 48 projects being completed for a load reduction of 1,606.4kW. The program paid $262,463 in rebate checks.  This resulted in an estimated savings of $1,767,051 based on $1,100/kW cost of new generation.

The funds available for approved projects are determined by the OMPA Board of Directors.  Funding for individual projects is determined through the submission of detailed project plans.  Applicants must be a customer of an OMPA member city.  For more information on DEEP, visit the OMPA website at www.ompa.com or contact Willis at twillis@ompa.com.

The Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority (OMPA) is a wholesale power company owned by 39 municipal electric utilities.  OMPA provides economies of scale in power generation and related services to support community-owned electric utilities.  The members of OMPA serve approximately two-hundred and fifty-thousand Oklahomans.

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Contact: Drake Rice, Director of Member Services, 405.359.2500

Tips for Avoiding Hazards after Severe Weather

Storms with high-speed winds, heavy rains, and lightning can be frightening events. After a storm, your first instinct might be to return to life as usual, but safety is as important after the storm as it is during the storm.

“People may feel a sense of relief after a severe weather event,” says Molly Hall, director of the Safe Electricity program. “It is important that people know the dangers that linger after a storm and know how to stay safe.”

Safe Electricity recommends the following safety precautions:

• Just because power lines are damaged does not mean they are dead. Downed power lines, stray wires, and debris in contact with them all have the potential to deliver a fatal shock. Stay away, and instruct others to do the same.
• Never enter a flooded basement if electrical outlets are under water. The water could be energized.

• Do not turn power off if you must stand in water to do so. Call your power company, and have them turn off power at the meter.
• Before entering storm-damaged buildings, make sure electricity and gas are turned off.
• Do not use water-damaged electronics before properly restoring them. Electric motors in appliances should be cleaned and reconditioned before use. It may be necessary to replace some of your appliances and electronics. Have your water-damaged items inspected and approved by a professional before using them.
• If you are driving and come along a downed power line, stay away and warn others to stay away. Contact emergency personal or your utility company to address the downed power line. If you do come in contact with a downed power line, do not leave the car. Wait for utility and emergency professionals to make sure the power line is de-energized before exiting the car.
• If you clean-up outdoors after a storm, do not use electronic equipment when it is raining or the ground is wet.

For more information on avoiding electrical hazards, visit SafeElectricity.org.

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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Mary Rupp, City Manager, 336-9360

Perry Recertified in CUP Program

During the City of Perry’s City Council meeting on April 1st, Mayor Chuck Hall was presented with a $20,000 check by Drake N. Rice, OMPA Director of Member Services, on behalf of the Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority’s (OMPA) Board of Directors, recertifying Perry Municipal Authority as a Competitive Utility.  Mayor Hall serves as the Treasurer on the OMPA Board.  In addition to Mayor Hall, others attending the presentation were: Dixie Johnson, City Clerk; Brian Wheatley, Electric Superintendent; and Autumn Bolay, Utility Billing Clerk.

OMPA’s Competitive Utility Program (CUP) is a voluntary program, started in 1995, that provides the 39 member cities with a way to evaluate and improve the operation of their electric utilities, and make them better able to compete in the electric utility industry.  This program provides two types of reward – recognition in the form of certification, and financial rewards, which includes the check for $20,000.

The Perry Municipal Authority was first certified as a Competitive Utility on April 1, 2005.  The municipally owned utility is recertified from April 1, 2013 through March 31, 2015.

“For the citizens of Perry, CUP certification means that your community-owned electric utility is committed to excellence in its operation and delivery of safe, reliable and competitively priced electricity.  The Perry Municipal Authority is here to be of service and help to all of its consumers,” said Mary Rupp, City Manager.

The Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority (OMPA) is a wholesale power company owned by 39 municipal electric utilities.  OMPA provides economies of scale in power generation and related services to support community-owned electric utilities.  The members of OMPA serve approximately two-hundred and fifty-thousand Oklahomans.

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Planned Outage for the entire City of Newkirk

On Saturday, March 23^rd, there will be a planned outage for the entire City of Newkirk.  This outage has been scheduled to replace a transmission pole at the City of Newkirk’s substation site.  The outage will begin at 8:00 am, and the repairs will take approximately five hours to complete.  Power should be restored by 1:00 pm.

The Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority (OMPA) will have a contractor working on the transmission pole replacement.  “We appreciate the patience of the citizens of Newkirk during this planned outage.  We will do everything we can to ensure that power is promptly restored once the pole has been replaced.  This is a necessary repair that needs to be done to the transmission line and could not be worked when the lines are energized,” said Drake Rice, OMPA Director of Member Services.

The Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority (OMPA) is a wholesale power company owned by 39 municipal electric utilities.  OMPA provides economies of scale in power generation and related services to support community-owned electric utilities.  The members of OMPA serve approximately two-hundred and fifty-thousand Oklahomans.

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