TMEPA Overlook

Bristol Tennessee Essential Services is the first utility to be named winner of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. "This program is about much more than recognizing successful organizations or winning a single award," U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said. "The organizations which are given the Baldrige Award embody the competitive spirit which drives the American economy forward." The Baldrige Performance Excellence Program was established by Congress to enhance the competitiveness, quality and productivity of U.S. organizations for the benefit of all residents.

Visit http://www.heraldcourier.com/news/btes-wins-award-for-national-quality/article_7ebd785c-cb4e-11e7-9407-2bd4444ef61d.html to view the full article online.

The acting chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is considering regulatory language that would direct regional grid operators to update their market tariffs to keep at-risk coal and nuclear generators online while FERC further considers a cost-recovery proposal for baseload generation from the Department of Energy.

Visit https://www.utilitydive.com/news/exclusive-chatterjee-details-interim-plan-to-save-coal-nuclear-plants/511044/ to view the full article online.

TVA's CEO estimates it would cost $900 million and take 24 years to comply with a court order to move coal ash from unlined and leaking pits and ponds to a lined landfill on the site of a Tennessee power plant. A less-preferred option, moving the ash offsite from the Gallatin Fossil Plant, would cost $2 billion. TVA had mentioned the $2 billion figure during a federal trial in February over pollution claims at the plant about 40 miles from Nashville.

Visit http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/breakingnews/story/2017/nov/17/it-will-cost-900-million-move-power-plant-ash-landfill-tva-ceo-says/457274/ to view the full article online.

This time of year is ripe for thinking about collaboration. As many families come together for Thanksgiving, there is much to celebrate — growing families bringing new traditions, recipes, and perspectives to the table. APPA CEO Sue Kelly explains how collaboration in the electricity industry is a lot like a family gathering.

Visit https://www.publicpower.org/periodical/article/who-bringing-pie to view the full article online.

If you missed the Fall E&O Conference in Franklin, you missed a great event. The event was a huge success with more than 110 in attendance including 25 exhibitors, up from 85 and 15 respectively in fall 2016.

Visit http://www.naylornetwork.com/tmp-nwl/pdf/Fall_EO_2017_Article_final_draft_revised.pdf to view the full article online.

Public power is no stranger to collaboration, and since the formation of public power utilities, state and regional associations have been keeping an eye on legal, regulatory, and other issues that impact member utilities and advocating to help these utilities keep powering strong communities. Today, joint action agencies, and state and regional associations like TMEPA continue to serve their original purpose, while also expanding their roles. The article highlights TMEPA successful opposition to legislation that tried to change how Tennessee's public power utilities appoint board members.

Visit https://www.publicpower.org/periodical/article/public-power-wholesale-savings-and-quality to view the full article online.

Today’s customer expects instant everything. Communications from the companies they know and do business with should be personal, timely and relevant. Forward-thinking marketing and communications professionals also know an integrated marketing approach is most effective. Offering customers a choice through multiple channels gives the customer a sense of control, resulting in improved customer satisfaction and engagement.

Visit http://www.hometownconnections.com/news/how-to-make-your-customer-engagement-pop/ to view the full article online.

As a public utility, you likely hold events for your customers to help educate and engage them in the life of your power company. However, people's lives are busier than ever before, so it can be difficult to get a large turnout for an event, even if a significant amount of resources are put into it.

Visit http://www.naylornetwork.com/tmp-nwl/pdf/TMEPA_-_November_2017.pdf to view the full article online.

Sounds like the title of a paper of not less than 300 words for 8th grade English due on the Monday before Thanksgiving. But there are times when simple is better.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/tmp-nwl/articles/index.asp?aid=474058&issueID=51940 to view the full article online.

Have an important meeting or event coming to your town? Let us know and we'll put it on the TMEPA Calendar. Stay up to date with all the TMEPA meetings and other events around the state and even nationally for TMEPA Member Systems.

Visit http://www.tmepa.org/MeetingsEvents.htm to view the full article online.

TMEPA is excited to roll out our revamped associate member program for 2018. As the association representing two-thirds of the customers in Tennessee, it is important for us to engage quality vendors and consultants to provide services for our member utilities. Our associate members are an integral part of the association and are a key component to our mission of collaborating and providing services that support the operations of our municipal utility systems. I will personally be taking a lead role in building these partnerships to strengthen the association and its offerings. Our recent engineering and operations conference was a resounding success with an increase in participants from 85 to 120 over the 2016 fall event along with an increase from 15 to 25 exhibitors. Utility staff provided many raving comments about how much they enjoyed the interaction with the vendors and would like to see more attend in the future. At our annual event, one of our sponsors said, "I feel that I had a high level of exposure to the attendees and was able to interact with the group. I attend many meetings in other states that could learn a lot from TMEPA."

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/tmp-nwl/articles/index.asp?aid=474178&issueID=51940 to view the full article online.

The retirements and resignations have continued among Tennessee legislators, building up 2018 as one of the Tennessee's most active election years in decades. After 2018, Tennessee will have a number of new faces in statewide federal and state offices due to term limits, retirements, and public officials seeking other offices. As of now, the state will have new people serving as United States senator, governor, state House Speaker, state House minority leader, state Senate majority leader, state Senate minority leader, and in three United States congressional seats, along with a multitude of new state senators and representatives.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/tmp-nwl/articles/index.asp?aid=468351&issueID=51940 to view the full article online.

The running battle between cities and states over wireless carriers’ plans to deploy critical infrastructure equipment for ultra-fast networks continues to rage as the Federal Communications Commission weighs whether to step in. Texas, Ohio, and 11 other states have passed laws in recent months that dictate how cities should regulate small cells — communications equipment that companies such as AT&T Inc. and Verizon Communications Inc. are deploying to build the next-generation networks known as 5G.

Visit https://www.bna.com/states-cities-feud-n73014470599/ to view the full article online.

The municipal bond market would fare better in the Senate Republicans’ tax reform proposal released Thursday, which would preserve private activity bonds and even enhance them. But advance refundings would still be terminated after this year. Halting advance refundings after Dec. 31, which is also in the House tax reform bill, would generate $16.8 billion in tax revenue over 10 years, according to the Joint Committee on Taxation.

Visit https://www.bondbuyer.com/news/senate-tax-would-maintain-and-enhance-pabs-kill-refundings to view the full article online.

Behind every thriving city is a strong electric utility powering its success. So it should come as no surprise that as Murfreesboro, Tennessee, has become one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. Murfreesboro Electric Department has developed into one of the most reliable utilities on the TVA system.

Visit http://www.naylornetwork.com/tmp-nwl/pdf/Murfreesboro_TMEPA_Spotlight_November_2017.pdf to view the full article online.

For many, a smartphone is the very last thing they touch before going to bed and the very first thing they put their hands on the moment they wake up in the morning. While mobile devices are becoming such an important part of our lives, there are rising security concerns around them. From an organization perspective, those mobile devices that are being used by employees could keep IT/Network/Security Administrators up in the night. A malware could easily bypass those comprehensive and at the same time expensive perimeter security control devices and infiltrate into your network through one of those mobile devices that fall victim to the cyber criminals. The following are several simple tips to help you use your mobile devices with a security mindset.

Visit http://www.hometownconnections.com/news/cybersecurity-quick-tips-from-n-dimension-secure-your-mobile-devices/ to view the full article online.

A recently released guide by Utilities United Against Scams offers details on the types of scams facing utility customers these days, as well as tips on how customers can avoid scams. The guide notes that while scammers typically use three tactics (phone, in-person, and internet) to target utility customers, there are more than 10 types of known scams, "with new scams emerging almost daily, and scammers might use one, two, or all three tactics on customers for certain types of scams." The report offers details on the specific types of scams used in the areas of phone, in-person and over the Internet, while another section of the guide offers tips to avoid scams.

Visit https://www.publicpower.org/periodical/article/new-guide-details-strategies-address-utility-customer-scams to view the full article online.

Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience Month, observed in the month of November, builds awareness and appreciation of the importance of critical infrastructure and reaffirms the nationwide commitment to keep our critical infrastructure and our communities safe and secure. Securing the nation's infrastructure is a national priority that requires planning and coordination across the entire community.

Visit https://www.dhs.gov/cisr-month to view the full article online.

An active shooter is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and other populated area. In most cases, active shooters use firearms and there is no pattern or method to their selection of victims. Active shooter situations are unpredictable and evolve quickly. All employees can help prevent and prepare for potential active shooter situations. This course provides guidance to individuals, including managers and employees, so that they can prepare to respond to an active shooter situation. This course is not written for law enforcement officers, but for non-law enforcement employees. Free webinar available now to watch.

Visit https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-907 to view the full article online.

Utilities have confidential customer data, billing/financial data and other sensitive corporate data that needs to be protected for privacy and competitive reasons. No less important is the protection of the Operational Technology (OT) required for the monitoring and operations of the power system — EMS/SCADA systems, substations, smart metering, telecommunications, protection systems, monitoring systems, and physical protection systems. Data flows across many systems and this data needs to be trustworthy for these systems to function. Speakers will provide an overview of a report developed specifically for public power systems in this area. Results from public power surveys and recommendations and best practices to safeguard data and information in transit will be provided. Webinar is free to APPA webinars.

Visit https://www.publicpower.org/event/data-and-information-communications-cybersecurity-best-practices-public-power to view the full article online.

The Tennessee Job Training & Safety Training program is a joint venture between the Tennessee College of Applied Technology in Murfreesboro (TCATM), Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association (TECA), and the Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association (TMEPA). The program provides job training and training and support in health and safety issues for both municipal and cooperative utilities throughout the state of Tennessee. We are based at the TCAT Murfreesboro campus. JT&S is based at the TCAT Murfreesboro campus.

Visit https://tnjts.com/ to view the full article online.

Dyersburg Electric System has an open position for a general accountant. The position prepares and provides various reports to management, reconciles funds and accounts, performs audits, prepares and maintains accounts payable, etc. A bachelor's of science degree in accounting from an accredited college or university and/or equivalent experience is required. A CPA is a plus. Five or more years of accounting experience preferred.

Visit http://www.naylornetwork.com/tmp-nwl/pdf/Updated_Dyersburg_General_Accountant_2017.pdf to view the full article online.

The City of Trenton, TN, Light & Water Department is now accepting applications for a journeyman lineman. Interested applicants should contact Trenton Light & Water, P. O. Box 260, Trenton, TN 38382, 731-855-1561. Please click the link for more information.

Visit http://www.naylornetwork.com/tmp-nwl/pdf/Trenton_Light_and_Water,_Journeyman_Lineman.pdf to view the full article online.

Newport Utilities is actively seeking a motivated and dynamic business account executive -- broadband services. This position is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with NU business customers, specifically for broadband related services.

Visit http://www.naylornetwork.com/tmp-nwl/pdf/Newport_Business_Account_Executive_Ad_0917.pdf to view the full article online.

Leaders in Johnson City and Elizabethton are considering merging the two public utilities serving the communities, a move they say could help stabilize their core services in an unstable energy market. Jeff Dykes, CEO of BrightRidge, which until last month was known as the Johnson City Power Board, said merging BrightRidge and the Elizabethton Electric Department was a natural thing to study.

Visit http://www.johnsoncitypress.com/Business/2017/11/18/Merger-could-bring-close-electric-systems-closer.html to view the full article online.

Greeneville Light & Power System crews that responded to hurricane relief efforts in Florida and South Carolina received praise when the GLPS Board of Directors recognized them during a board meeting in October. The crews were sent in response to calls for assistance and were stationed in Concord, South Carolina, for Hurricane Matthew and Gainsville, Florida, for Hurricane Irma. The crews told the board that conditions were challenging, including heat and humidity with temperatures reaching as high as 105 degrees. Water, in some places thigh deep, was also a hazard. The crews worked an average of 17-hour days, beginning at 4 a.m. to be on site by 5 a.m. and returning to their rooms around 10 p.m.

Visit https://www.greenevillesun.com/news/local_news/glps-crews-get-praise-for-hurricane-relief/article_65897b0d-e598-59f6-a1f6-00d873701a9d.html to view the full article online.

CDE Lightband celebrated a pair of service milestones last month, announcing at a reception for government and business leaders that it had reached 20,000 broadband customers and 70,000 electric customers. "Years ago, our leadership took a leap of faith and made a plan to build a fiber network to improve our electric service and enter the broadband business," General Manager Brian Taylor said. "Today, we can announce that in the 10 years since installing fiber, our broadband division has reached 20,000 customers and the fiber network has helped us grow to 70,000 electric customers."

Visit http://www.theleafchronicle.com/story/news/local/communities/2017/10/27/cde-lightband-celebrates-growth-milestones/806965001/ to view the full article online.

Community officials, along with Newport Utilities staff members, gathered to celebrate the reopening of its lobby facility, as well as hear an update on the utility’s broadband internet project. The renovated lobby will greet customers entering the utility company on Cope Boulevard and was described by Newport Utilities General Manager Glenn Ray as the "broadband experience lobby." Unveiling this part of the project is the latest as Newport Utilities expects to roll out the service early next year. In an earlier meeting and broadband update, NU Marketing Director Sharon Kyser said that the first customers should be hooked up in early 2018, with most of the customers within the Phase I portion of the project receiving services by midyear.

Visit http://www.newportplaintalk.com/news/article_a59d93ff-8135-5cc7-89ed-fb0589f59337.html to view the full article online.

Over the last five years, David Wade, chief executive officer of EPB, has powered through three Ironman races in the name of health improvement and quality time with his son, a fellow running enthusiast. But when the Chattanooga businessman flew to Alaska in July to tackle a triathlon branded as one of the toughest on the planet, he wasn't doing it for himself, or even for his son. He was doing it for 17-year-old Mackenzie Crawford of Ringgold, Ga., and the handful of children like him living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Visit http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/local/story/2017/nov/01/epb-exec-braves-extremes-duchenne-muscular-dystrophy/455969/ to view the full article online.

The Athens Utilities Board hosted a safety demo day for the community on Saturday, Oct. 21, after holding training sessions with local emergency personnel the day before and on Saturday morning. AUB Director of Power Operations Kevin Goins organized the event and training days so that others can be aware of the real dangers of electricity. The Tennessee Job Training and Safety Trailer used for the two training days was reserved free of charge by AUB and gave the crews the ability to show those dangers associated with the power distribution system.

Visit http://www.dailypostathenian.com/news/article_fe46041c-ba5b-11e7-8086-10604b9f0ff8.html to view the full article online.

Jackson Energy Authority was recently awarded a two-megawatt solar generation project through the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Distributed Solar Solutions pilot program. JEA communication relations manager Bruce Dorris said this project will be an industrial community solar project and give local companies a renewable energy source in Jackson.

Visit http://www.jacksonsun.com/story/news/local/2017/10/31/jea-awarded-solar-energy-project/816921001/ to view the full article online.

Would you like to receive updates about Tennessee politics and electric utilities, delivered every morning to your inbox? Our Daily News Clips is a list of news articles curated from hundreds of news articles we believe are of interest to TMEPA members. If you would like to receive the clips, just send an email to any of the staff (bsolsbee@tmepa.org, susans@tmepa.org or jelrod@tmepa.org). You can also see the current and past six days on our website by clicking on the link below.

Visit http://www.tmepa.org/newspaperclips.htm to view the full article online.