PMLD spent 1999 improving its business operations, processes, and service quality, while maintaining the lowest possible rates for our customers. PMLD will continue to focus on these goals and business improvements as we enter the year 2000.
PMLD’s electricity rates remained lower than most of the surrounding municipalities and larger investor owned utilities. On average our residential rates are $.099 per kWh compared to the 1998 average of $.0108 per kWh for the investor owner utilities. The new deregulated market, mandated by state legislation is still transitioning to a truly open and competitive market place. PMLD feels it is important to prepare for this new market and has already begun the process to itemizing its utility bills into three major components; transmission, distribution, and energy, so that you can compare and potentially choose another provider of the energy component in the near future.
After six years of service, Commissioner Andy Olesin left the Board of Light Commissioners and was replaced by Brian Foley. Thank you Andy Olesin for your six years of dedicated community service and continued support in helping PMLD with Y2K issues, upgrading our computer system, and installation of a new customer billing software. PMLD welcomes Brian Foley to the Board and looks forward to Brian’s practical utility experience and knowledge.
This year the Town’s total energy load peaked at 3,916kW in January 1999. Our customers used approximately 16 million kWh in 1999 and that number continues to increase 4-6% annually due to new construction and increased energy consumption. At the end of 1999, PMLD had 1,417 customers, with approximately 92% of them residential homes.
The “Richard Wheeler Wind Farm”, constructed in 1984 is still owned, operated, and maintained by PMLD. This power plant is now 15 years old and all eight of the 40KW wind machines continue to provide renewable energy to the PMLD community. In 1999 the wind farm produced approximately 1.5% of our energy requirements and generated approximately 250,000 kWh, the equivalent annual consumption of 28 residents. This year’s generation was one of our most productive since 1995. PMLD received a Department of Energy grant for $51K this year to upgrade one unit. This led to a complete review of our generation costs and its impact to our customers. Through future public meetings and customer surveys, PMLD will review all available options for the future of our wind farm.
PMLD purchased approximately 27% of its energy requirements from various hydroelectric power plants. Our sources of hydroelectric power come from four small-scale hydroelectric plants in
As we successfully transition into Y2000, PMLD will continue to upgrade its distribution system, improve customer service, and explore and offer new services, while maintaining the lowest possible rates for our customer owners. Thank you for your support.
Respectfully Submitted,
General Manager
Board of Light Commissioners:
James Whitman, Chairman
Brian Foley, Secretary
Walter Zimmer, Commissioner