BUSINESS OPERATIONS – MARCH 14, 2017
Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). The Arkansas River Power Authority is in the process of preparing an Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), as required by the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) under its Energy Planning and Management Program (EPAMP). The IRP will consider all practicable energy efficiency and energy supply resource options to meet future needs. The IRP must adhere to several criteria, which are listed on the WAPA website under the IRP section. ARPA is working with an outside consultant to complete the IRP and submit it to WAPA by June 1, 2017.
One of the requirements of EPAMP is to “provide ample opportunity for full public participation.” ARPA will be accepting written and verbal comments from affected retail customers of the six ARPA communities at the March 30, and April 27, 2017 meetings and for a ten working day period following the April meeting. At the end of the comment period, all comments received from the public will be reviewed and, if necessary, changes will be incorporated into the IRP. The final IRP will be approved at a public meeting of the ARPA Board of Directors in May 2017.
Interested parties may provide written comments directly to ARPA outside of the listed public meetings by sending them electronically or via US Mail to the following address: Rick Rigel, General Manager, Arkansas River Power Authority, P O Box 70, Lamar, CO 81052, rrigel@arpapower.org
Summary of January 2017 Financial and Operating Statements. During the month of January, total operating revenues were better than budget by $100,122. Total cost of goods sold were over budget 7.5%, and A & G expenses for the month were over budget by $133,822. There were net revenues of $92,942 for the month. Member sales for January were 3.8% better than January of 2016 and better than budget by 5.3%.
Wind Generation Report. The wind turbine generator near Springfield is currently down due to a bearing failure. It is expected the generator will be repaired by mid to late March.
ARPA Scholarship Program. In 2000 the Arkansas River Power Authority Board of Directors established a College Scholarship Program. The Program is administered through our member municipalities of Holly, La Junta, Lamar, Las Animas, Springfield and Trinidad, Colorado. The scholarship is awarded to one high school senior in each member municipality. The total scholarship award is $1,000 funded equally between ARPA and the member municipality. Application forms, scholarship requirements, and eligibility criteria are available either through the counseling offices of the member high schools or at the local office of the electric utility. To be eligible, a student must reside with a family that receives electric service from one of the ARPA member municipalities.
Next ARPA Meeting. The next regularly scheduled ARPA board meeting is Thursday, March 30, 2017 at the Las Animas Bent County Fire Department, 435 W 5th Street, Las Animas. ARPA board meetings are open to the public.