Wade Durham

The meeting commenced with a mandatory safety briefing detailing evacuation procedures and emergency contact personnel. Following a moment of reflection emphasizing renewal and stewardship, the session welcomed two new commissioners, Dr. Bridget Williams and Phil Brown. The approval of the minutes from the January 20th meeting was deferred to the April 7th meeting. Key segments included presentations recognizing employee service awards for 30 years of service (Albert Cockerham) and 20 years of service (Alex Roman). Additionally, recognition was given to OUC for being named a 2025 Residential Customer Champion by Escalant, ranking highly in Florida, the South, and nationally, noting improvements across service satisfaction, brand trust, and product experience. The main agenda item involved the presentation and recommendation for approval of the capital expenditure amount for a critical transmission project (Item A8), a project concerning a new 230 KV source into the downtown corridor to improve reliability and resiliency, which has been in planning for over a decade.

The strategic plan for OUC is dedicated to providing high-quality, safe, and reliable electric and water services at an affordable price. Its primary focuses include maintaining top-tier electric reliability and water quality, fostering deep community connections through various programs, developing customer-focused solutions for efficiency and convenience, and driving sustainable innovation. A central pillar is the commitment to achieve Net Zero CO2 emissions by 2050, supported by initiatives in solar power, electric vehicle infrastructure, and smart grid technology. The overall vision is to enhance the quality of life for customers and the community as a responsible and forward-thinking utility partner.

The meeting commenced with safety and security protocol review. Key agenda items included the presentation of OUC's proud volunteer program results for 2024-2025, recognizing top volunteers, and a recap of the successful annual OUC Orlando Half Marathon Weekend, highlighting its growth, sustainability focus, and increased runner participation. Additionally, a resolution of appreciation was read in honor of President Mills, who was concluding his official tenure on the governing board, acknowledging his leadership, support, and achievements related to advancing strategic plans, expanding clean energy portfolio milestones (including solar energy centers and battery projects), modernization of pricing, customer trust recognition, community impact through energy assistance, and strengthening employee well-being initiatives.

The agenda for the OUC Commission Meeting includes several key actions and discussions. Affirmative items cover extensive business across Electric & Water Production, Electric & Water Distribution, Transmission, Transformation & Technology, Digital & Technology, Financial & Support Services, Marketing & New Products, Customer Experience, and General Counsel. Specific topics include ratification of fuel procurements, replacement projects for cooling tower materials, approvals for reclaimed water agreements and pilot studies, various construction and replacement projects at Stanton Energy Center and Osceola Generating Station, consultation services for AMI evaluation, energy management system replacements, and funding changes for multiple IT and support projects. New Business involves nominations for two Commissioner vacancies (Mills' and Chapin's). The meeting will conclude with presentations on the Financial Report and Legal Issues.

The meeting included a moment of reflection and the pledge of allegiance. Key discussions centered on the Affirmative Items, where Commissioners approved ratifications for fuel procurements in June and July 2024 totaling approximately $29.48 million for natural gas and coal purchases. Several Capital Expenditure Estimates were approved, including one for the Stanton Energy Center Spare Generator Rotor Rewind Project and various engineering and construction support services for other projects. Employee and community recognition segments highlighted a 25-year service award, Veterans Day observance activities, the PROUD Volunteer program recap, and Customer Service Appreciation Week activities. The Audit-Finance Committee Report covered an internal audit update, including the approval of the Fiscal Year 2025 Audit Plan, updates on hurricane restoration costs, and information regarding proposed tariff changes for the December agenda. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to an informational update on the PeakSHIFT roadmap proposal, including stakeholder feedback regarding changes to net metering (TruNet Solar), Time-of-Day pricing (Shift & Save), and demand-based charging (DemandLevel). The General Manager concluded by emphasizing OUC's commitment to balancing sustainability, affordability, and reliability.