The meeting was called to order by Board
President Nancy Towslee at 7 pm. All board members were in attendance.
A great deal of the meeting was spent on receiving a report and open discussion
with special guest Brian Furumasu from the Bonneville Power Administration
(BPA) regarding that agency's readiness and preparation for Y2K and its
potential impact on Salem Electric's customers.
Mr. Furumasu handed out a diagram of BPA's power grid and described BPA's
significant role in the Northwest as a primary power source. The handout
summarized BPA's preparedness and contingency plans for the onset of Y2K on
12/31/99 and the immediate 2-3 weeks following.
Like Salem Electric's preparation and planning, all of BPA's software and
hardware systems have been thoroughly tested as early as 3/31/99. Other testing
has taken place with a major test to be completed 9/9/99. A total of 250
employees will be on active duty on 12/31/99 in control centers throughout
their operational grid.
As New Year's eve and day fall on a weekend this year, further potential
problems might arise on Monday, January 3, when more power loads and equipment
come on-line following a long weekend of down time.
Mr. Furumasu noted the extensive communication his agency has had with Salem
Electric as we have worked through our own preparedness and contingency plans.
The board expressed its gratitude to Mr. Furumasu for his attendance and
informative presentation. Member Services Report Member Services Manager, Terry Kelly reported that SE is considering entering
into an agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the
Department of Energy to promote the Energy Star Program. The program
establishes a partnership with retailers, manufacturers and utilities to
increase awareness of high-efficiency appliances, electronics, office
equipment, windows and lighting products.
Kelly distributed a new brochure that lists all of Salem Electric's programs
and services.
General Manager Bob Speckman reminded board members that our September board
meeting will be held one week earlier on Tuesday, September 21, so as not to
conflict with other regional meetings taking place the last week of September.
The meeting adjourned at 8:23 p.m. Secretary/Treasurer
| Board Reports |
October 1999
Minutes of the Meeting Held on:
August 24, 1999
Curt Culver
