Summary of board’s meeting in November
- Chairman Tom Crowe called the Nov. 20, 2018, meeting to order at 6:30 p.m., and Jason Barnhorst kept minutes of the meeting.
- All members of the board were present. Also present was DCREMC CEO Brett Abplanalp.
- Upon motion by Jason Barnhorst, seconded by Lawrence Young, and carried, the agenda of the meeting was approved by unanimous vote.
- DCREMC member Gordon Smiley invited the board to his farm Nov. 30, 2018, to tour the new facilities and efficiency upgrades that have been made.
- The financial report was given by Brett Abplanalp and reviewed on Call to Order (CTO). Abplanalp reported operating margins are expected to be well ahead of the 2018 budget, however it was noted that these numbers will likely change dramatically by years end due to the mutual aide costs for the recent ice storm and related damages.
- Abplanalp reported the new rate implementation schedule is on track. Optional flat rates for the commercial classes were reviewed. One-on-one meetings will be offered to members of these classes to help them decide which rate structure is best for them. Members will be required to stay on their elected rate for a minimum of 12 months.
- Information on power factor penalty was presented by Brett Abplanalp and reviewed on CTO for medium and large commercial classes. The information showed the effect on members by dropping the penalty threshold from 95 percent to 90 percent.
- Upon motion made by Michael Brelage, seconded by Lawrence Young, and carried, the new tariffs were approved as prepared. Motion carried by a vote of 5-1, the dissenting vote was cast by Jeff Lawrence.
- Upon motion by Lawrence Young, seconded by Dale Wernke, and carried, the consent agenda was approved by unanimous vote.
- Hoosier Energy report was given by Tom Crowe. Crowe reported that Jan. 14, 2019, will be Steve Smith’s last day. At its November meeting, Hoosier Energy approved a five-year business plan including: annual work plan and budget, CEO authority limits, and capital credit retirements.
- Top ten project list update was given by Brett Abplanalp. 1.) Rate design and the power factor determination, 2.) IT lifecycle management and security consultation, 3.) New fence and gate on track last week of November, 4.) Prepay program feasibility.
- Old Business:
- EV and broadband committee will meet before the next regular board meeting.
- Upon motion by Lawrence Young, seconded by Steve AmRhein, and carried, the annual meeting of DCREMC will be held Friday, June 14, 2019, passed by unanimous vote.
- An action item was taken to inform the nominating committee of duties, responsibilities, schedules, and time commitments required of directors so potential candidates are aware before they agree to run.
- Board accountability strategic initiative committee outlined goals and objectives of this committee for the board. The directors will provide lunch for all DCREMC employees at headquarters on Dec. 10, 2018.
- New Business:
- Upon motion by Jason Barnhorst, seconded by Jeff Lawrence, and carried, the first quarter 2019 (January through March) power tracker was approved by unanimous vote as follows:
- For rates SP,SC,LP,LCP,ETS,SL and STL — $0.00769 per kWh
- For rates IPS,IPS-1-2, and IPS-1-3 — $0.006944 per kWh
- For rates IPTS-138/161 kV — $0.000287 per kWh
- For rates SP-DG and SP-TOU-DG — ($0.007273) per kWh
- Donna Walker, Hoosier Energy CEO, will be at DCREMC headquarters Dec. 27, 2018, prior to the next regular board of directors meeting to make a capital credit presentation.
- Upon motion by Lawrence Young, seconded by Brain Scheidler, and carried, the meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
