Join electric energy industry senior ex-ecutives for RMEL’s 2012 Fall Executive Leadership and Management Convention Sept. 9-11 in Summerlin, NV.

The theme of RMEL’s 2012 Fall C o n v e n t i o n is Gambling on Our Future with Uncertain R e s o u r c e s , and presenta-tions will help electric energy e x e c u t i v e s keep the lights on while dealing with regulations, renew-able impacts and affordability.

The RMEL Fall Convention attracts over 300 senior-level utility managers and executives. Find chief executives, company officers, vice presidents, general managers, decision makers and senior management of energy companies at this event. Attendees represent the many utility ownerships in-cluding IOU, G&T, municipalities, coopera-tive and government agencies.

Former NBA All Star, Mark Eaton, Pres-ident, 7ft4.com LLC, will kick off the edu-cational sessions with strategies to lead your team to greater heights in performance and achievement. In this high energy insightful presentation, Mark shares how he rose from auto mechanic to NBA All Star, and after twelve amazing years with the Utah Jazz reinvented himself and became a business

leader, entrepreneur, radio and TV personal-ity and subject of a soon to be released film.

In this economy, most utilities are not seeing any residential growth, and some

aren’t able to grow revenue at all. David Eves, President & CEO, Public Ser-vice Co. of Colo-rado, Xcel En-ergy, will share ways utilities can grow revenue in this environment.

Predicting what’s on the horizon for the electric energy industry isn’t easy, but Hank Courtright, Sr. VP, Global Strat-

egy & External Relations, EPRI, Dr. John Caldwell, Director of Economics, EEI and Dennis Pidherny, Senior Director, Sector Head, Public Power, Fitch Ratings will pro-vide important details for a utility roadmap to the future.

During a CEO Panel, Gary Gates, CEO, Omaha Public Power District; Luis Reyes, CEO, Kit Carson Electric Cooperative ; Lar-ry Weis, CEO, Austin Energy; Mark Ruelle, CEO, Westar Energy; and Michael Yackira, President & CEO, NV Energy, will share their strategies for moving forward with to-day’s biggest industry challenges.

Over the next quarter century the natu-ral gas-fired generation share of the North American energy market is expected to grow to more than 45% of total installed

capacity. Phil Wright, Sr. VP, Corporate De-velopment, Williams Pipeline, will present key strategic, operating and financing issues that could smooth the power industry’s tran-sition to increased natural gas use.

Thomas Casey, Managing Principal, Discussion Partner Collaborative LLC, will discuss the emerging talent shortage and the need for innovative human capital practices

July 2012

Vol. 51, No. 3

Inside

Fall Executive Leadership and Management Convention: Gambling on Our Future with Uncertain Resources

continued on page 9

2 2013 Spring Conference Planning

2 August Safety Roundtable

3 Movers & Shakers

3 Utility Members List

6 NERC Conference Recap

7 Renewables Conference

7 OSHA Update Workshop

8 2013 Events Sneak Peek

10 Underground Distribution Design and Protection Workshop

11 RMEL Foundation Awards 21 Scholarships

12 2012 Spring Conference Recap

15 New Members

9

RMEL ~ 6855 S. Havana St, Suite 430 ~ Centennial, CO 80112 ~ (303) 865-5544 ~ FAX: (303) 865-5548 ~ www.RMEL.org

Page 2

July 2012

RMEL is holding a Safety Roundtable on Friday, August 24, 2012 at Platte River Power Authority (PRPA) in Fort Collins, CO. The Safety Roundtable begins with a short presentation, and is mainly focused on an open discussion period. Each attendee has the opportunity for participation and dialogue on their particular safety issue, and all par-ticipants will receive a continuing education certifi cate.

Claude Chapman, OSHA Certifi ed Safe-

ty Consultant, Utility Industry, Chapman Consulting

will review the requirements for electrical testing of bucket trucks being used in distri-bution voltages. The requirements of OSHA on using dielectric rated bucket trucks to work on energized distribution voltages will be covered. Claude will also discuss OSHA’s requirement for ANSI testing in the 1926.453 rules.

August Safety Roundtable to Focus on Rating and Dielectric Testing of Insulated Bucket Trucks

OFFICERS

President Kelly Harrison Westar Energy VP, Transmission

President Elect Andy Ramirez El Paso Electric Company VP, Power Generation

Past President Larry Covillo Yampa Valley Electric Association, Inc. President

Vice President, Membership Dan Schmidt Black & Veatch Corp. VP, Energy

Vice President, Education Tony Montoya Western Area Power Administration COO

Vice President, Finance Stuart Wevik Black Hills Corporation VP, Utility Operations

Vice President, Vital Issues Richard Peña CPS Energy Sr. VP, Energy Development

Vice President, Member Services Mike McInnes Tri-State Generation and Transmission Assn. Sr. VP, Production

Board of Directors

DIRECTORS

Doug BennionPacifi CorpVP, Engineering Services & Capital Investment

Tim BrossartXcel EnergyVP, Construction Operations & Maintenance

Mike DeConciniUniSourceSr. VP, COO

Scott FryMycoff, Fry & Prouse LLCManaging Director

Jon HansenOmaha Public Power District VP, Energy Production & Marketing

Mike HummelSRPAssociate General Manager

Tom KentNebraska Public Power DistrictVP & COO

Mike MorrisZachry Holdings, Inc.VP, Business Development, Engineering

Jackie SargentAustin EnergySr. VP, Power Supply & Market Operations

Pat ThemigPNM ResourcesVP, Generation

Secretary Richard PutnickiRMELExecutive Director

RMEL events are by RMEL members for RMEL members, and your input is important in planning the 2013 Spring Management, Engineering and Operations Conference. The planning session for this event is your oppor-tunity to help develop and plan the education topics in the conference agenda next year.

The planning session will take place on September 27, 2012 at the Denver Marriott South in Denver, Colorado. This collabora-tive half-day meeting will last from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The 2013 Spring Management, Engineering and Operations Conference is slated for May 19-21, in Vail, CO.

All RMEL members are invited and en-couraged to participate and bring topic ideas, names of possible speakers, or both. This meeting is crucial in the development of next year’s Spring Management, Engineering and Operations Conference. Topics for the 2012 event’s agenda will be brainstormed, dis-cussed and voted upon. Topics for the tradi-tional breakout sessions will be determined and although technically-oriented content is preferred, select general industry-related is-sues are also needed.

Now is the time to get involved with

RMEL educational planning. Your opinion about the direction of the Spring Manage-ment, Engineering & Operations Conference will be heard at this planning session.

RMEL encompasses a vast variety of industry interests. The wide selection of breakout sessions is designed to address this diversity. Sessions will include generation, transmission and distribution topics. Other sessions will focus on safety, management topics or customer service issues, among others.

Following the selection of breakout ses-sion content, participants will brainstorm potential speakers for each of the approved topics. All attendees are encouraged to utilize their connections within the electric energy industry to help RMEL recruit the best and most knowledgeable presenters possible.

For more detailed information regarding the 2013 Spring Management, Engineering & Operations Conference Planning Session, please visit the RMEL web site.

There is no registration fee to attend and lunch will be provided. Please RSVP with RMEL at (303) 865-5544.

Share Your Ideas for the 2013 Spring Conference

continued on page 6

Page 3

Basin Electric Staff Receive National Communication AwardsBasin Electric’s External Relations and Communications Department received several “Spotlight on Excellence” awards during the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association CONNECT® ‘12 Conference and Innovative Showcase held in New Orleans in May.

Black Hills Corp. Announces Senior Management Change and Investor Relations RealignmentBlack Hills Corp. announced the departure of Lynn Wilson, Senior Vice President – Communications and Investor Relations. After nearly 15 years of dedicated service and numerous contributions to the company’s employees, customers and shareholders, Wilson has decided to pursue the next chapter in her career and left BHC on June 1, 2012.

Rokeby Generation Station Staff Receive Two Best Practices Awards Leading industry magazine Combined Cycle Journal named Lincoln Electric System’s Rokeby Generation Station staff the recipient of two best practices awards: one for safety equipment and systems and another for environmental stewardship. Best practices awards recognize valuable contributions made by plant staff - and headquarters engineering and asset-management personnel - to improve the performance of gas turbine-based generating facilities.

continued on page 4

Utility MembersComplete member list at www.RMEL.org

Arizona Electric Power Cooperative, Inc.Arizona Public ServiceArkansas River Power AuthorityAssociated Electric Cooperative, Inc.Austin EnergyBasin Electric Power CooperativeBlack Hills CorporationBlack Hills Electric CooperativeBoone Electric CooperativeButler Public Power DistrictCarbon Power & Light, Inc.Center Electric Light & Power SystemChimney Rock Public Power DistrictCity of Alliance Electric DepartmentCity of Aztec Electric DepartmentCity of CodyCity of FarmingtonCity of FountainCity of GilletteCity of ImperialCity of YumaCo-Mo Electric CooperativeColorado Springs UtilitiesContinental Divide Electric Cooperative“County of Los AlamosDept. of Public Utilities”CPS EnergyDelta Montrose Electric Assn.El Paso Electric CompanyThe Empire District Electric CompanyEmpire Electric Association, Inc.Estes Park Light & Power Dept.Fort Collins UtilitiesGarden City Municipal UtilitiesGlenwood Springs Electric SystemGrand Island UtilitiesGrand Valley Rural Power Lines, Inc.Heartland Consumers Power DistrictHigh Plains Power, Inc.Highline Electric Assn.Holy Cross EnergyHomer Electric Association, Inc.Howard Electric CooperativeIndependence Power & LightIntercounty Electric Coop AssociationIntermountain Rural Electric Assn.Jemez Mountains Electric Cooperative, Inc.Kansas City Board of Public UtilitiesKit Carson Electric CooperativeLa Junta Municipal UtilitiesLa Plata Electric Association, Inc.Lake Region Electric Coop Inc.Lamar Utilities BoardLane-Scott Electric Cooperative, Inc.Lincoln Electric SystemLongmont Power and Communications

continued on page 4

Volga Earns Energy Effi ciency Grant from HeartlandThe city of Volga, South Dakota was recently awarded a $2,000 grant from Heartland Consumers Power District for upgrading lighting at the city’s pool and park. Grants are offered as part of Heartland’s energy effi ciency program, Power Forward, and are designed to fi nancially support projects that will improve energy effi ciencies within customer communities.

Homer Electric Expects Rate Decrease 3rd Quarter of 2012Homer Electric Association (HEA) members should see a rate decrease beginning July 1st. HEA has submitted a fi ling with the Regulatory Commission of Alaska that lowers the Cost of Power Adjustment (COPA) from $0.04997 per kilowatt hour to $0.03603 per kilowatt hour. COPA refl ects the cost of the fuel used to generate electricity purchased by HEA from Chugach Electric and is adjusted on a quarterly basis.

Austin Energy Named 2012 Public Power Utility of the Year; Celebrates Occasion with Completion of Carver Solar SystemAustin Energy has been selected as the 2012 Public Power Utility of the Year by the Solar Electric Power Association for solar innovation. The utility marked the occasion with a media tour of a just completed 105-kilowatt solar system on the roof of the George Washington Carver Museum and Branch of the Austin Public Library in East Austin - the 41st municipal facility in Austin now powered in part by a solar array.

& ShakersMoversThe latest news from RMEL members

Page 4

July 2012

Utility MembersMovers & Shakers continued from page 3

Loup River Public Power DistrictLoveland Water & PowerMissouri River Energy ServicesMorgan County Rural Electric Assn.Mountain Parks Electric, Inc.Mountain View Electric Assn.Navopache Electric Cooperative, Inc.Nebraska Public Power DistrictNMPP EnergyNorris Public Power DistrictNorth Platte Light & PowerNorthwest Rural Public Power DistrictNV EnergyOmaha Public Power DistrictOtero County Electric CooperativePacifi CorpPanhandle Rural Electric Membership Assn.Pioneer Electric Cooperative, Inc.Platte River Power AuthorityPNM ResourcesPoudre Valley Rural Electric Assn.Provo City PowerRaton Public ServiceSan Isabel Electric Assn.San Luis Valley Rural Electric CooperativeSan Miguel Power Assn.Sangre De Cristo Electric Assn.Sierra Electric Cooperative, Inc.Sierra Southwest Cooperative Services, Inc.South Central PPDSoutheast Colorado Power Assn.Southern Pioneer Electric CompanySouthwest Transmission Cooperative, Inc.Springfi eld Municipal Light & PowerSRPSulphur Springs Valley Electric CooperativeSunfl ower Electric Power CorporationTri-State Generation and Transmission Assn.Trinidad Municipal Light & PowerUnited Power, Inc.UNS Energy CorporationWestar EnergyWestern Area Power AdministrationWheat Belt Public Power DistrictWheatland Electric CooperativeWheatland Rural Electric Assn.White River Electric Assn., Inc.White River Valley Electric CooperativeWyrulec CompanyXcel EnergyY-W Electric Association, Inc.Yampa Valley Electric Association, Inc.

continued from page 3

Fountain Utilities Reaches Key Milestone in Smart Grid ProjectFountain City Council approved a $3.6 million vendor contract with Cooper Power System, LLC as part of the Fountain Utilities Smart Energy Connections Project. In 2009, the City of Fountain received a $2.13 million matching grant award after applying for the Smart Grid Investment Grant made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

Nearly 20 MW Solar Project Brings Water and Electricity TogetherCPS Energy’s President and CEO Doyle Beneby, Mayor Julian Castro and other leaders ceremoniously cut a unique bowtie-styled ribbon to dedicate the utility’s newest source of solar energy - the William R. Sinkin Centennial Solar Farms 1 and 2. Named after local solar energy advocate Bill Sinkin, who is known for wearing bowties, the 19.8 megawatt project will produce enough clean power for an estimated 2,550 average Texas homes annually.

South Canal Hydroelectric Project Under ConstructionThe President’s stimulus package has led to a new, economical renewable energy development on Colorado’s Western Slope. The president spoken of, however, is not Barack Obama; it is William Howard Taft. Delta-Montrose Electric Association together with the Uncompahgre Valley Water Users Association offi cially broke ground on the South Canal hydroelectric power plant on May 25, 2012, a day that has been envisioned for many years.

El Paso Electric and SunEdison Inaugurate Las Cruces Centennial Solar FarmLas Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima and offi cials from El Paso Electric Company the regional electric utility for the area, and SunEdison, a leading worldwide solar energy services provider and subsidiary of MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc. gathered to offi cially inaugurate and name the 12 megawatt solar power plant located near Las Cruces International Airport.

NPPD Completes Fourth Phase of Five-Phase Aurora Conversion ProjectTrucks with orange bumpers were in abundance on June 20 in Aurora. Nebraska Public Power District brought in crews from York, Kearney and the Humbolt area to begin fi nal work on the fourth phase of a fi ve-phase project to upgrade Aurora’s electric system.

Electric Fleet Trucks Make Their Utah DebutRocky Mountain Power is testing an extended range electric hybrid vehicle to see if this technology would save on fuel costs and benefi t its fl eet and the communities it serves. Through a partnership with Orem-based VIA Motors, Rocky Mountain Power will have access to a hybrid truck for four months to evaluate its performance.

SRP Purchases RECs from Navajo Tribal Utility Authority for Solar InvestmentsIn an effort to support solar for more residents of the Navajo Nation, Salt River Project has agreed to purchase solar photovoltaic Renewable Energy Certifi cates from the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority, an enterprise of the Navajo Nation. The $220,000, fi ve-year purchase agreement will be used to acquire additional off-grid systems for tribal residents.

Page 5

Centennial West Clean Line, Western Sign Agreement for Transmission Project Development Centennial West Clean Line LLC, an affiliate of Clean Line Energy Partners LLC, and Western Area Power Administration have entered into an advance funding agreement that outlines a working relationship to advance the development of the proposed Centennial West Clean Line Transmission Project.

Xcel Energy Identifies Substation Site in Summit County Xcel Energy announced that it has identified a site for a new electric distribution facility, to be known as the Ptarmigan Substation. The substation, which is to be completed in the fall of 2014, would help meet the current and growing demand for electricity in Summit County.

APS Announces Senior Management Changes Arizona Public Service announced senior management changes that strengthen the company’s leadership team and enhance its ability to provide customers with reliable, affordable electricity. APS President and Chief Operating Officer Don Robinson, 58, who has been on medical leave since December 2011, will hand off his day-to-day operational responsibilities and continue with the company as a senior advisor.

Tri-State Official Warns on EPA Regs Barbara Walz, Senior Vice President for External Relations and Environmental, Tri-State G&T, told Congress that the Environmental Protection Agency’s new greenhouse gas regulations run afoul of existing law and will hurt rural America. Walz said this regulation taken together with the EPA’s recent Mercury and Air Toxics Standards rule, threaten projects such as Tri-State’s $70 million investment in a planned coal unit near Holcomb, Kan.

OPPD Project to Maintain Reliability and Serve Future Growth Unlike some areas of the country, the nation’s current economy has not seemed to curb growth in Omaha’s metropolitan area. To accommodate and support the progressive growth and development of the area, the Omaha Public Power District Board of Directors has voted to clear the way for a new substation to be built near 180th and Blondo Streets.

NV Energy Installs Program’s Largest Solar Water Heating System at Senior Living Apartments Reno’s Community Services Agency (CSA) will celebrated the installation of two solar water heating systems in May. Both systems were installed at the Rev. Willie J. Wynn Orvis Ring Senior Living apartments in Reno. Project costs were partially offset with a $60,000 rebate from NV Energy’s Renewable Generations incentive program.

PNM, RETA Request to Clear the Way for Merchant Transmission Line PNM, the N.M. Renewable Energy Transmission Authority and Power Network New Mexico filed a joint request with federal regulators that would clear the way for construction of a new merchant transmission line to deliver renewable energy from eastern and central New Mexico to western markets.

UniSource Energy Shareholders Approve New Name for Company Shareholders of UniSource Energy Corporation approved at the company’s annual meeting changing the company’s name to UNS Energy Corporation. The company’s new name and a new logo are intended to strengthen its brand identity and to differentiate it from unrelated companies with similar names.

ABB Completes Acquisition of Thomas & Betts ABB Ltd the leading power and automation technology group, and Thomas & Betts Corporation, a North American leader in low voltage products, announced that ABB has completed its previously announced acquisition of Thomas & Betts. The acquisition of Thomas & Betts advances ABB’s strategy of expanding its Low Voltage Products division into new geographies, sectors and products.

Honeywell to Launch Smart Grid Solutions Enterprise Honeywell has announced the formation of a new global enterprise that centralizes its existing smart grid resources. The new Smart Grid Solutions enterprise to be part of Honeywell’s Building Solutions business unit, will collage existing expertise and meet growing needs of energy providers and users alike.

Burns & McDonnell Completes Design of Innovative Microgrid Project for U.S. Military Burns & McDonnell has received approval from Naval Facilities Engineering Command Hawaii to begin construction of the Smart Power Infrastructure Demonstration for Energy Reliability and Security Phase I project at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam.

SunZia Transmission Project Receives Draft Federal Permit SunZia announced that the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (Draft EIS) has been issued by the US Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for its proposed “SunZia Southwest Transmission Project.” This milestone achievement comes after three years of environmental analysis and represents a major step towards the BLM issuing a Final Environmental Impact Statement (Final EIS) under the National Environmental Policy Act.

Page 6

July 2012

RMEL held the NERC Planning Operations and Compliance Conference June 21-22, at the Denver Marriott South at Park Meadows in Denver, CO.

Multiple instructors from utilities and consultant companies covered NERC Rules of Procedure, audit ready vs. investigation ready, NERC alert culture, culture of compliance and communication, staffing strategies for compliance, IT support for document management, CIP Standards, the impact of CIP Standards on field operations, the Bright Line Test, technology for compliance, LiDAR, getting and us-ing data to be compliant, NERC Advisory on facility ratings and vegetation management, understanding the relationship between WECC, MRO, NERC and FERC and support resource groups. Attendees also had a chance to discuss top concerns during a round-table on June 22.

Laurent Webber, Reliability Compliance Pro-gram Manager, Western Area Power Administra-tion, kicked off the program with a description of Western Area Power Administration’s Compliance Program, summarizing the components and charac-teristics of compliance programs. He also discussed some benefits of having such a program.

Julie Lux, Manager, NERC Reliability, Westar Energy, described Westar’s experience in this area. She covered NERC expectations, timelines, pro-cesses, scope of data requests and lessons learned.

NERC has issued a number of “Alerts”. Many of the alerts are informational and others require specific information and updates from companies. David W. Hilt, VP, Regulatory Services, Quanta Technology, LLC, reviewed the alerts, the required responses, and the obligations involved.

What is the compliance culture, and why has this taken center stage in world of NERC compliance? Janet Eschenbrenner, Manager, NERC Reliability Compliance, El Paso Electric Company, covered the regulatory perspective on the culture of compliance and mitigation value during regulatory settlement negotiations. She also covered tactics to overcome challenges and strategies for communicating the culture of compliance within a world of competing

NERC Audit Lessons Learned Roundtable Provides Compliance Clarity

continued on page 13

Page 7

RMEL’s Renewable Planning and Operations Conference will be held on October 16, 2012 at the Denver Marriott South at Park Meadows in Denver, CO.

All personnel involved in green, sustainable and renewable programs in-cluding technology, planning, storage, project development and implementa-tion, operations and maintenance should attend this event, along with those involved in the planning, development, siting and construction, operation and management of new and existing renewable facilities.

Confirmed topics and speakers include:

Federal Incentives for Renewable Energy – 2013 and Beyond Joe Condo, VP & General Counsel, Invenergy LLC

Combined Cycle Plant with Integrated Solar Thermal David McWright, Project Engineer, Lauren Engineers

Maintaining VARs on the System with New RenewablesGary Zevenbergen, Electrical Engineer, Western Area Power Administration

Cost Comparison of Different Renewable OptionsJoe Fritton, Director, Operations Strategy & Performance, Westar

Easily Pushing Power Between ERCOT, WECC and SPPPeter Esposito, Sr. VP & COO, Tres Amigas LLC

Utility Scale PV PlantTom Rerucha, P.E., PMP , Zachry Engineering Corporation

Connecting a Renewable Generator to the GridDavid Crowell, Sr. Analyst, SRP

Update on Large Scale Energy StorageJohn Swanson, Generation Strategies Manager, Nebraska Public Power District

Attendees will receive a continuing education certificate worth 6.0 Profes-sional Development Hours.

For event registration and information, download a brochure at www.RMEL.org or call the RMEL office at (303) 865-5544.

Renewable Planning and Operations Conference to Cover Transmission and Generation Topics

RMEL is offering an OSHA Update Workshop on October 2, 2012 in Denver, CO. Registration can be completed online at www.RMEL.org or by calling (303) 865-5544.

This workshop will cover OSHA 1910.269 issues, OSHA and safe work practices for capital and outage projects, fall arrest and aerial lifts, cranes and derricks, universal chemical marking and identification systems, noise protection and other new safety topics.

This course is for personnel with responsibility for the development, implementation, monitoring and oversight of electrical safety programs.

Course instructors, John Grizzy and Frank Perrino, will utilize their past experience with OSHA along with the latest OSHA updates and information.

All attendees will receive a continuing education certificate worth 8.0 Professional Development Hours (PDHs) by RMEL, upon completion of the course.

More information for this course is available online. Registration is available at www.RMEL.org, by down-loading a brochure or call (303) 865-5544.

Attend RMEL’s OSHA Update Workshop

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July 2012

January 19, 2012Introduction to the Electric Utility WorkshopDenver, CO

February 7-8, 2012New Distribution Engineers WorkshopDenver, CO

February 24, 2012Safety RoundtableDenver, CO

March 1-2, 2012Power Supply Planning and Projects Conference Denver, CO

March 2, 2012Generation Vital Issues RoundtableDenver, CO

March 6-7, 2012Transmission Planning and Operations ConferenceDenver, CO

March 7, 2012Transmission Vital Issues RoundtableDenver, CO

March 8-9, 2012Distribution Overhead and Underground Operations and Maintenance ConferenceDenver, CO

March 9, 2012Distribution Vital Issues RoundtableDenver, CO

March 20, 2012Electric Utility Workforce Management RoundtableDenver, CO

April 11-13, 2012Distribution Overhead and Underground Design and Staking WorkshopDenver, CO

April 24-25, 2012Health, Safety and Security Conference Denver, CO

April 25, 2012Safety RoundtableDenver, CO

May 20-22, 2012Spring Management, Engineering and Operations ConferenceOmaha, NE

June 14-15, 2012Plant Management Conference and Plant TourLas Vegas, NV

June 15, 2012Plant Management Roundtable and Plant TourLas Vegas, NV

June 21-22, 2012NERC Planning, Operations and Compliance ConferenceDenver, CO

July 10, 2012RMEL Golf TournamentWestminster, CO

August 24, 2012Safety RoundtableFort Collins, CO

September 9-11, 2012Fall Executive Leadership and Management Convention Summerlin, NV

September 27, 20122013 Spring Management, Engineering and Operations Conference Planning SessionDenver, CO

October 9, 2012OSHA Update WorkshopDenver, CO

October 16, 2012Renewable Planning and Operations Conference Denver, CO

November 2, 2012Underground Distribution Design and Protection WorkshopDenver, CO

November 16, 2012 Safety RoundtableWestminster, CO

2012 Event Calendar

Whether you are starting your 2013 bud-get process now or are already in process, make sure to budget for RMEL in 2013! Continuing education and networking are valuable and cost-saving investments.

Here’s a Preview of the Preliminary 2013 Event Schedule:

• Introduction to the Electric Utility Workshop• Utility Financing for Non-Financial

Personnel Workshop• Distribution Engineers Workshop• Safety Roundtable - February 2013• Power Supply Planning and Projects

Conference• Generation Vital Issues Roundtable• Transmission Planning and Operations Conference• Transmission Vital Issues Roundtable• Distribution Overhead and Underground Operations and Maintenance Conference• Distribution Vital Issues Roundtable• Electric Utility Workforce Management Roundtable• Arc Flash Low Voltage and High Voltage Workshop

• Distribution Overhead and Underground Design and Staking

Workshop • Health and Safety Conference• Safety Roundtable - April 2013• Spring Management, Engineering and

Operations Conference• Plant Management Conference• Plant Management Roundtable• Transmission Overhead and Management Conference• Safety Roundtable - August 2013• Fall Executive Leadership and Management Convention• Executive Vital Issues Forum• 2014 Spring Management, Engineering and Operations Conference Planning Session• Distribution Automation Conference• OSHA Reporting, Workforce Regulations, FMLA Seminar• Renewable Planning and Operations

Conference• 2013 Fall Executive Leadership and

Management Convention Planning Session

• Safety Roundtable - November 2013

Preliminary Planning for 2013 Events Has Begun

Page 9

that incorporate approaches aligned with the four separate and distinct demographic co-horts in the global workforce.

As power producers and distributors in-vest in new digital systems targeting smart grid, smart meters, or portfolio management applications, planning to manage the infl ux of new data is critical. Martin G. Travers, President, Telecommunications, Black & Veatch, will show examples of how some utilities are successfully navigating these new challenges and opportunities will be discussed.

Even with the prospect for longer term competitive natural gas pricing, coal genera-tion remains a highly competitive and key fuel resource across much of the country. Grant E. Grothen, P.E., Principal, Burns & McDonnell, will explore the fundamental

economics of coal versus gas, impact of both planned and likely retirements on the energy markets, and prediction of industry environmental regulatory compliance in-vestments through 2020.

The Fall Executive Leadership and Man-agement Convention is a three-day event that begins on a Sunday with a golf outing followed by an evening reception hosted by the RMEL Champions. Monday is a full-day of educational presentations ending with an RMEL Champions reception, dinner and the RMEL Foundation Silent Auction. The fi nal day includes the RMEL annual meet-ing and a half day of presentations. A guest program, awards presentation and plenty of time to relax and network are also part of the tradition. Go to http://www.RMEL.org for more information and registration.

Fall Conventioncontinued from page 1

John Caldwell

Director of Economics, EEI

Thomas Casey

Managing Principal, Discussion

Partner Collaborative LLC

Hank Courtright

Sr. VP, Global Strategy & External

Relations, EPRI

Mark Eaton

President, 7ft4.com LLC

David Eves

President & CEO, Public Service Co.

of Colorado, Xcel Energy

Gary Gates

CEO, Omaha Public Power District

Grant Grothen

Principal, Burns & McDonnell

Dennis Pidherny

Sr. Director, Sector Head,

Public Power, Fitch Investments

Luis Reyes

CEO, Kit Carson Electric Cooperative

Mark Ruelle

CEO, Westar Energy

Marty Travers

President, Telecommunications,

Black & Veatch Corp.

Larry Weis

CEO, Austin Energy

Michael Yackira

President & CEO, NV Energy

Phil Wright

Sr. VP, Corporate Development,

Williams Pipeline

2012 Fall Executive Leadership and

Management Convention Presenters

Power GenerationBenchmarkingAsset OptimizationManagement Consulting

M³ — Measure. Manage. Maximize.

www.SolomonOnline.com

Ed Platt, VP Power | (972) 739-1757Tony Carrino, Manager Power | (972) 739-1725

Page 10

July 2012

RMEL is offering an Underground Distribution Design and Protection Workshop on November 2, 2012 in Denver, CO. Registration can be complet-ed online at www.RMEL.org or by calling (303) 865-5544.

The Underground Distribution Design and Pro-tection Workshop is a one-day workshop with two panels of four utility speakers each. Panelists will cover electric distribution system design schemes, cost considerations, reliability, power quality, maintenance challenges, equipment types and uses, coordination basics, equipment standards, installa-tion considerations and enhanced designs for in-creased reliability.

Workshop Topics will Include:Electric Distribution System Design Schemes and Coordination Basics a) Radial -vs-Loopedb) Overhead Distribution –vs- Underground a. Aesthetics discussion c) Cost Considerationsd) Softwaree) Power Qualityf) Maintenance and Construction

Challengesg) Feeder size/ Fault levelsh) Coordination Basics

Equipment Types and Uses a) Switchgearb) Reclosers (Station type and pad type)c) Fusesd) Sectionalizerse) VFI Transformers (experience/applications)f) Reactors (experience/applications)g) Insulation (SF6, Oil, Air, Solid Dielectrics)h) Below grade or above grade equipmenti) Fused elbows and their safety and

performance

RMEL Underground Distribution Design and Protection Workshop to be Held in November

Equipment Standards and Updates a) IEEE, NEMA, ASTM, Etc.b) Overhead switchgear,

reclosersc) Standards Updates a. process to implement new

standardsd) Arc Flash Considerations a. Arc Flash Resistance /equipment to mitigate arc flash

Installation Considerationsa) Direct Buried –vs- CIC Conduit Systemsb) Joint Trench Considerationsc) Run lengths/Pulling methodsd) Pulling Tensions e) Cable types: EPR –vs- TR-XLPE Etc.

continued on page 14

Page 11

Eric DePintoHighlands Ranch,

COColorado School of

Mines.

Jennifer HuLas Cruces, NM

New Mexico State University

Matthew DyerPrescott, AZArizona State

University

Jordan LandwerlenTucson, AZ

University of Arizona

Ryan FehrColumbus, NEUniversity of

Nebraska

Stacey LyneCambridge, MA

Harvard University

Jay GarciaGalina, NMNew Mexico

Institute of Mining and Technology

Michael MancinelliLakewood, CO

Harvard University

Ryley GardnerPagosa Springs, COMissouri University

of Science and Technology

Matthew McCannFalls City, NEUniversity of

Nebraska

Lindsey GreerPleasant Grove, UT

Brigham Young University

Chris PerkinsLogan, UTUtah State University

Trevan HintonKimball, NE

Western Nebraska Community College

Michael HjermstadLakeville, MN

University of North Dakota

For the 2012-2013 academic year, the RMEL Foundation has awarded $63,000 in scholarships to 21 deserving students pur-suing careers in the electric energy indus-try. With students applying from across the United States and pursuing many worth-while degrees and careers in the electric energy industry it was very difficult for the committee to select the recipients out of such a high caliber pool of applicants.

Scholarships were awarded to bacca-laureate degree seeking students as well as those entering craft or certificate programs. Black & Veatch Corp., Kiewit Industrial Group - Power, Kiewit Power Engineers, Ulteig Engineers, Wärtsilä North Ameri-ca, Inc., Zachry Holdings, Inc. supported

scholarships awarded by the Foundation. All scholarship recipients are high

school seniors or college undergraduates pursuing an undergraduate or associate degree, or an electric utility position cer-tificate with the intent to enter the electric energy industry. Recipients were chosen by the RMEL Foundation selection com-mittee based on goals and aspirations in the electric energy industry, motivation to suc-ceed, service to community and school, and academic ability.

RMEL members support the RMEL Foundation by participating in events such as the annual Golf Outing at the Spring Electric Energy Conference and the Silent Auction at the Fall Convention.

Over the past 12 years the Founda-tion has awarded 117 scholarships total-ing $240,500. The RMEL Foundation is proud to award funding to these deserv-ing students for continued education in the electric energy industry. The scholarship donations have been established through individual and corporate donations, as well as contributions from the Silent Auction and Spring Conference Golf Outing. To learn more about the RMEL Foundation, visit www.RMEL.org.

RMEL Foundation Awards 21 Scholarships

Adam PineauEaston, KS

Wichita State University

Tyler SchrageNeligh, NENortheast

Community College

Landon ShafferIdalia, COMesa State University

Corbin TaylorSedgwick, KSWichita State

University

Andrew UrkoskiColumbus, NE

Northeast Community College

Aaron PetersenDelta, UT

Southern Utah University

Jacob VirglYutan, NENortheast

Community College

Page 12

July 2012

A record 335 electric utility industry professionals attended RMEL’s 2012 Spring Management, Engineering and Operations Conference in Omaha, NE, May 20-22 – utility attendance specifically increased. The 30 technical sessions and networking events scored high marks among attendees.

The educational program began on Monday with a general session presented by Kimball Rasmussen, CEO, Deseret Power. Kimball discussed ways to com-municate a rational look at climate change, green jobs and renewables. Utilities face many regulatory impacts in meeting targets and requirements to install re-newable energy. But many questions remain unresolved. Will replacing fossil fu-els with wind and solar make an appreciable reduction in carbon emissions? Can we expect millions of green jobs? Is wind a real contender to reduce CO2? This fact-based presentation analyzed these questions with a rational look at the issues.

The next general session, on Tuesday morning, focused on issues and chal-lenges from the FCC’s Pole Attachment Order. Thomas B. Magee, Partner, Keller and Heckman LLP, analyzed the numerous issues and challenges being faced by electric utility pole owners after the Federal Communications Commission’s decision last year to dramatically revise pole attachment regulations to the detri-ment of electric utilities. The FCC’s Pole Attachment Order establishes make-ready deadlines, lowers pole attachment rates, imposes FCC jurisdiction over the “joint use” relationship between electric utility and telephone company pole own-ers, and imposes other operating constraints, all in a misguided effort to promote broadband services.

Attendees built their ideal conference by customizing sessions split into a three tracks: generation, transmission and distribution and management.

Break-out presentation selections included: Environmental Regulation and the Utility IndustryDistributed Generation: Grid Impacts and Interconnection StrategiesCustomer of the Future – The Convergence of Customer Operations, Integrated Demand Side Management, Marketing and the Smart Grid Nuclear Energy and the Role of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)Layered Intelligence for the Distribution GridData Capture and SecurityIs Coal Plant Life Extension Feasible via Biomass or Natural Gas?AMI Makes Cents (and Dollars, too) – DMEA’s Business Case for Ongoing Grid UpgradesOmaha Public Power District (OPPD) Successfully Handled a 500 Year Historic FloodModern Concepts in Makeup Water ProductionFERC Order 1000: Impacts to Transmission Planning and Cost AllocationFocus on Executive Leadership as part of an Aging Workforce StrategyBuilding Our Future Workforce – One Classroom at a TimeCoal Fired to Combined Cycle RepoweringTaking the Guesswork Out of Aged Underground Decisions

Transformation of the Coal FleetWorkforce Management Success - Growing

Your own WorkforceManaging Safety through Leading Indicators - A Utility and Contractor PerspectiveOPPD Nebraska City Station 2011 Flood

PreparednessOPPD T&D/Substation 2011 Missouri River

Flood EffortsNebraska Public Power District for the 2011

FloodPipeline Repair Technologies, Current and

FutureLarge Scale Medium Voltage Power ProtectionIntegrating Renewables into the CPS Energy

PortfolioMarrying Government to Private Enterprise

Maximizes Solar GenerationPower Availability PanelLife Span Analysis Procedure (LSAP) – Determining Realistic Retirement Dates

for Generating Plants

RMEL members may download a copy of pre-sentations at the RMEL Library.

Attendees met with 25 exhibitors from a variety of electric industry suppliers, vendors and partners. Other conference networking events included the New Member Breakfast hosted by the RMEL Board and Executive Director and the evening Champions Receptions featuring a hosted bar provided by the RMEL Champions. The RMEL Foundation for-mally announced the 2012 scholarship recipients during the Monday evening dinner program and re-quested support for the upcoming Silent Auction at the 109th Fall Executive Leadership and Manage-ment Convention.

Mark your calendar now for the 2013 Spring Management, Engineering and Operations Confer-ence, May 19-21, at the Vail Marriott Mountain Re-sort & Spa in Vail, CO.

Spring Management, Engineering and Operations Conference Sees Record-Breaking Attendance

Page 13

organizational priorities. Sara McCoy, Director, Electric Reliability Compliance, SRP,

gave a “Staffing Strategy for Compliance” presentation, which in-cluded an overview of Salt River Project (SRP) and SRP’s electric reliability compliance program. The presentation described the SRP compliance staffing structure, identification of SRP resources com-mitted to electric reliability compliance strategy and roles and re-sponsibilities needed to ensure compliance with NERC Reliability Standards. Discussion included the benefits and challenges of com-pliance staffing structure.

Attendees saw a case study presentation of SRP’s in-house effort to manage compliance, evidence documents in a managed informa-tion system of Microsoft SharePoint. Marc Grayson, Senior Infor-mation Consultant, SRP, provided lessons learned on the planning, implementation and execution of the system to manage one instance of a document that may be applicable to many NERC standards and requirements, along with versioning of documents for electronic au-dit trail of changes to evidence documents over time.

Lawrence H. Dolci, JD, Senior Organizational Associate Con-sultant, Corporate Risk Solutions, Inc., presented on reducing the impact (pain) of a NERC CIP audit through effective preparation, and discussed the NERC Audit timelines regarding both pre- and post-audit initiatives. This presentation helped attendees understand what to expect in a NERC CIP Audit by understanding the NERC auditor’s perspective. The goal of this presentation was to help utili-ties recognize specific areas to improve upon prior to undergoing an actual NERC Audit in order to be more successful.

On the second day of the conference, Lynn P. Costantini, CIS-SP, CIO, Utility Risk Management Corporation, described a new thermal imaging technology that provides electric utilities with the

methodology to replace the calculated, or estimated, temperature of their conductors with the precise, actual temperature.

All owners of bulk electric system transmission lines are be-ing required to reevaluate ratings based on actual field conditions. Compliance issues with respect to clearances have been widespread. James Hunt, Sr. Principal Engineer, SRP, described several ways to bring facilities into compliance, including retensioning, raising structures, designating areas “pedestrian only,” reshaping the topog-raphy beneath a line, reducing clearance requirements by evaluat-ing switching surge factors, and forcing SSF down by installing arresters.

Duncan Brown, Sr. Project Manager, SAIC, addressed The Roles of the Regional Reliability Organizations, NERC and FERC and the interaction between these organizations at the working level, as they jointly seek to improve the reliability of the Bulk Electric System in North America through the creation of standards and the enforce-ment of compliance through a system of financial penalties.

LiDAR is a powerful technology which can effectively be used to assist transmission owners in managing and maintaining their as-sets. Like any technology the principals, capabilities, and limitations are important to understand when considering it for particular ap-plications. Torin Haskell, GISP, Director, Infrastructure/GSS, Mer-rick & Company, discussed important LiDAR concepts and con-siderations that transmission owners should be familiar with when considering LiDAR.

The NERC Planning and Operations Roundtable was held im-mediately following lunch on the second day of the conference. This roundtable was a unique forum to share experiences and expertise in the area of NERC compliance and audit experiences.

NERC Conferencecontinued from page 6

Page 14

July 2012

Enhanced Designs or Increased Reliability and Outage Protection(a) Network Systems(b) Transfer Switches(c) Distribution Automation(d) Fault Indicators(e) Arrestors

All attendees will receive a continuing education certifi cate worth 8.0 Profession-al Development Hours (PDHs) by RMEL, upon completion of the course.

Registration is available at www.RMEL.org, by downloading a brochure or calling (303) 865-5544.

Distribution Workshopcontinued from page 10

TheMany Sides ofFoster Wheeler

SERVICINGall types of steam generating equipment

SERVICESCONSTRUCTION SERVICESMAINTENANCE SERVICESFIELD INSPECTION SERVICESCONDITION ASSESSMENT SERVICESENGINEERING SERVICESstoCKing program

PRESSURE PARTSSUPERHEATERSREHEATERSECONOMIZERSWELD OVERLAY PANELS

AQCSLOW-NOX BURNERSSCR / SNCRCIRCULATING DRY SCRUBBERSBAGHOUSES

August Safety Roundtablecontinued from page 2

Immediately after the presentation, at-tendees will participate in an open forum to provide or request information. All at-tendees are encouraged to bring safety is-sues for discussion and materials for shar-ing. Safety Roundtables are an excellent opportunity for RMEL members to share challenges and hear actual experiences and hot topics focused on safety in the industry today.

The Safety Roundtable is open to all RMEL members and is recommended for those with responsibility for the develop-ment, implementation, monitoring and oversight of safety programs for electri-cal utilities, as well as safety consultants. There is no registration fee to attend, how-ever an RSVP is required. All attendees completing the course will receive 1.0 Pro-fessional Development Hour.

Page 15

Wagner Equipment Company18091 E. 22nd AveAurora, CO 80011(303) 739 3095(303) 739 3190www.wagner.comRick GroomsProduct Support Sales Representativergrooms@wagnerequipment.comElectrical Power Generation. Standby Gen-erators.

AZCO INC.806 Valley RdMenasha, WI 54952(920) 734 5791(920) 734 7432www.azco inc.comDon ValentyneManager, Business Developmentdvalentyne@azco inc.com AZCO INC. performs a complete range of in-tegrated construction services including new power plant construction and maintenance, gas and steam turbine/generator installa-tions, boiler installations and rebuilds, power and process pipe fabrication and installation, structural steel erection, machinery moving and installation, as well as environmental compliance equipment installation.

Electrical Reliability Services610 Executive Campus DrWesterville, OH 43032(614) 841 5604(614) 410 8593www.electricalreliability.comDale LayManager, Regional Salesdale.lay@emerson.com Electrical Reliability Services, Inc. (a division of Emerson Network Power) is the nation’s leading independent electrical testing and engineering Service Company. With over 350 qualified technicians and professional engi-neers throughout the USA, we offer a broad range of services to help you maintain the re-liability of one of your most important assets: your Electrical Distribution System.

Our “core competencies include:• Comprehensive Electrical Testing & Mainte-nance• Acceptance Testing• Electrical Engineering Services• Power System & Coordination Studies• Predictive/Preventative Maintenance• Retrofits and Life Extension Services• 24 x 7 Emergency Services• Arc Flash Safety Assessments/Studies• Safety Training• Conformity Assessment Services• Forensic EngineeringIt has been proven that proper electrical test-ing and maintenance will help you achieve minimal service disruptions, no “un planned” outages, and life extension of your critical electrical equipment.

Encompass Energy Services LLC121 Salmon StPortland, OR 97204(503) 471 1348(303) 446 9111www.encompassservices.comRick HaglundManager, Northwest Regionr.haglund@encompassservices.com Encompass Energy Services is here to support the needs of transmission projects around North America including Canada. We provide preliminary design survey, high resolution li-dar, aerial mapping, easement preparation, siting and right of way acquisition, bound-ary surveys, ALTA ACSM Land Title Surveys, title research, crossing exhibits, construction staking, and as built surveys to meet all of our client’s development requirements. In addition we are familiar with PLS cad and the technical data delivery our clients expect. With our background and years of experience, we will support and ensure the success of our client’s projects from conception to the final stages of development. With our multiple of licenses, we have the professional staff and field resources to maintain continuity on any given project by delivering a quality product on schedule, and still maintaining our rigid safety plan and quality control measures through the life of the project.Rick HaglundManager, Northwest Regionr.haglund@encompassservices.com

Mitsubishi Power Systems Americas, Inc.100 Colonial Ctr PkwyLake Mary, FL 32746(407) 688 6200www.mpshq.comSharon PraterAnalyst, Sales & Marketingsprater@mpshq.comMitsubishi Power Systems Americas, a Mit-subishi Heavy Industries Group Company, is a large scale power generation equipment and services provider in North and South America. With a focus on the U.S. and Canada, MPSA is among the leading manufacturers of ad-vanced combustion based generating tech-nologies as well as environmentally friendly power solutions in the Americas.

Storm Technologies Inc.PO Box 429Albemarle, NC 28001(704) 983 2040(704) 982 9657www.stormeng.comRichard StormPresidentrichard.storm@stormeng.com

Welcome New Members

RMEL News July 2012 Issue

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