News and Information
MBLP Families Participate in Spring Cleaning
The Marquette Board of Light and Power recently participated in the annual
Adopt-A-Highway spring cleanup. The MBLP branch of the International
Brotherhood of Electrical Workers has adopted and is responsible for an
area of US Highway 41 along the
rock cut between Marquette and Harvey. This year, fierce winds made
the event particularly challenging.
In addition, MBLP employees also took part in the city-wide cleanup last spring The volunteers picked up litter at the South Beach and along Lake Street from the Shiras Steam Plant to the Carp River Bridge. This marked the 11th consecutive beach clean-up for mascot Benny the dog.
Both events have been part of MBLP community service for decades. Participants have included members of the IBEW, MBLP Management, retirees and family members
BLP Evaluates Hybrid Truck
The distribution department at the MBLP is currently looking to buy a plug-in hybrid
electric truck to save money while being more eco-friendly and energy
efficient. They
are quiet, use fewer natural resources and help reduce the Marquette
Board of Light and Power's carbon footprint. Recently, they had the
opportunity to evaluate one of these trucks.
MBLP Linemen Earn Journeyman Status
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The
Board Members Honored
Craig G. Stien, left, and Thomas G. Humphrey, right received plaques of appreciation from Marquette Board of Light and Power (MBLP) Executive Director Kirby D. Juntila, center, for 
their service on the Marquette Board of Light and Power and to the Marquette community. Dr. Stien was first elected to the Board in 1989 and served for 17 years. Stien and Humphrey, both elected to the Board in 2002, most recently completed two consecutive three-year terms on the Board as of October 28. During their tenure at the MBLP, Dr. Stien served as Chair in 1993, 1994, 2004, 2005, and 2006 and as Vice Chair in 2003. Mr. Humphrey was Vice Chair in 2004, 2005, and 2006 and served as Chair in 2007 and 2008. During their terms on the Board, they have seen the MBLP's Shiras Unit No. 3 named one of the cleanest power plants in the United States, approved test burns at the Shiras Steam Plant using biomass fuel, and have overseen the continued expansion/improvement of the MBLP infrastructure to further improve system reliability. Board community projects that they have approved include the donation of land for soccer fields at River Park Sports Complex, the donation of in-kind services/material for the renovation of the Peter White Public Library and YMCA, and continued support of the Noquemanon Ski Race and Ore to Shore Bike Race, parts of which cross MBLP property.
MBLP Executive Director Elected President of MMEA
Marquette Board of Light and Power Executive Director Kirby D. Juntila has been elected by his peers as President of the Michigan Municipal Electric Association (MMEA) Board of Directors.
Juntila said the Michigan municipal electric utilities were well represented by the MMEA in the recently approved state energy bills regarding deregulation, the use of renewable energy sources, and implementing energy efficiency programs. "The MMEA's participation in the legislative process was critical for municipal power to continue to provide affordable and reliable electricity to Michigan customers," Juntila said. The MMEA is also providing input into the final rule writing of the state's energy legislation which expected to be completed by the end of October.
"This is an exciting time for the electric industry," Juntila said. "Attracting and retaining businesses in Michigan while meeting environmental mandates to add renewable energy sources and promote energy conservation are just some of the challenges that are ahead. I look forward to serving as MMEA Board President and representing the Upper Peninsula and Michigan as we continue to promote public power by providing our customers with reliable electricity at competitive rates," Juntila said.
Mr. Juntila is currently serving a three-year term on the eight-member MMEA Board which represents 38 municipal electric utilities across the state of Michigan including nine (9) U.P. municipal utilities. Along with monitoring state and federal legislation and regulatory issues that may impact municipal electric utility operations, the MMEA offers semi-annual education conferences, organizes state and national legislative rallies, provides legal consultation regarding utility related questions, and assists its members in emergency disaster planning through the formation of a mutual aid contract whereby cities provide both labor and equipment to other member utilities in the event of an electric system emergency.
MBLP Receives Grant From MMRMA
The Regional Risk Manager for the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority (MMRMA), center, is shown presenting a check to Marquette Board of Light and Power Director of Human Resources and Administration as MBLP Supervisor of Administrative Services looks on. The check totaling $5,000 was awarded through the MMRMA Risk Avoidance Program (RAP) in conjunction with the utility's installation of an automatic door entry and a heated sidewalk at the MBLP's Main Office entrance at 2200 Wright Street allowing easier entry for MBLP customers/vendors and in the winter reducing the potential for slips/falls while mitigating risk exposure. Members of MMRMA are eligible to apply for RAP funding up to maximum of $5,000 for projects that mitigate risk exposure.
MBLP Receives RP3Award from APPA
The Marquette Board of Light and Power (MBLP) is one of only 84 municipal electric utilities nationwide to earn the Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3) designation from the American Public Power Association (APPA) for providing customers with the highest degree of reliable and safe electric service.
"This is a tremendous honor for the utility and is a reflection of the utility employees' hard work and dedication combined with continued system and technological improvements that enabled the utility to earn this honor," said Board Chair Tom Humphrey.
Superintendent of Distribution David Lynch who applied for the designation accepted the Gold Level award a recent national APPA conference. Executive Director Kirby Juntila announced the utility's receipt of the award at its recent Board meeting. Mr. Lynch outlined for the Board that RP3 recognizes public power utilities that demonstrate proficiency in four key disciplines: reliability, safety, training and system improvement. Criteria within each category are based on sound business practices and represent a utility-wide commitment to safe and reliable delivery of electricity.
"Executive Director Kirby Juntila's commitment to reinvesting in our workforce through training and development was a key component in receiving the award," Lynch said. He added the award reflects the utility's proactive approach through strategic planning and thanked the Board for its continued financial support of projects and technology that further enhance system reliability.
"We are thrilled to join the ranks of RP3 designees across the country," Juntila said. "This recognition is a testament to the quality work and service provided by our employees every day." He added that of the nation's more than 2,000 public power utilities, only two other municipal utilities in Michigan have earned the RP3 designation - the Lansing Board of Water & Light and the City of Marshall.
Along with the award, Lynch said the MBLP will receive a "report card" indicating criteria levels the utility met at the Gold Level. In 2010, the utility will be eligible to resubmit for the RP3 designation and will work toward the Diamond Level or achieving 100 percent of the criteria. Currently only three utilities in the nation have earned the Diamond Level.
The RP3 logo will be featured on all utility vehicles as part of the two year designation period, Lynch said
MBLP Employees Participate in Green Commuter Challenge
Five Marquette Board of Light and Power (MBLP) employees rode their bikes to work as part of National Bike Week May 12-16 and the Green Commuter Challenge sponsored by Northern Options. Three of the riders rode in from Harvey logging 20 miles each for their bike commute to and from the MBLP's Main Office/ Warehouse Complex on Wright Street. Two riders logged six miles on their commute to and form work and two other employees (not pictured) walked two miles to and from work as part of the "green commute" challenge. The participants plan to continue walking and riding their bikes several times a week throughout the summer as part of the utility's Health/Wellness Program.
Employees Participate in 2008 Clean-Up
A group of Marquette Board of Light and Power employees and their families participated in the Annual City-Wide Spring Cleanup on a very cold, windy Saturday, April 26. Five of the individuals have multiple years of participation in this community event including cleanup mascot Benny the Dog. Annually, the MBLP's assigned cleanup area is the South Beach Park adjacent to the Shiras Steam Plant and along Lake Street to the Plant entrance. Thanks to all for volunteering to participate in this great community service project.
SUBSTATION IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
MARQUETTE - The Marquette Board of Light and Power MBLP) recently received/installed a $900,000 transformer in conjunction with its No. 2 Substation Improvement Project. The purchase of the transformer is part of a $3 million substation/distribution system project to improve system reliability and accommodate future demand for electricity.
According to John Reynolds, MBLP Superintendent of Production at the Shiras Steam Plant, the purchase and installation of this transformer will improve load flows back into the City of Marquette and Marquette Township while reducing loads on existing circuits to improve overall reliability and service quality. "The No. 2 Substation improvements are part of a multi-phase strategic plan to meet ever increasing electric demands both within the City of Marquette and areas west of Marquette."
MBLP Superintendent of Distribution David Lynch who is also overseeing the No. 2 Substation Improvement Project agreed, adding, "the Substation Improvement Project scheduled for completion in May, 2008 is a part of several projects being undertaken by the utility to continue to provide reliable electric service to our customers."
The Waukesha-brand transformer, ordered almost a year ago, was moved by crane to the No. 2 Substation located at the MBLP's Wright Street Office. According to Lynch, the project is on schedule and the transformer is expected to be ready for service prior to the summer peak demand for electricity.
The large transformer, rated at a peak 37.3 MVA, can power 625,000 standard incandescent light bulbs, according to Lynch.
MBLP DIRECTOR ELECTED MMEA VICE-CHAIR
MARQUETTE - Marquette Board of Light and Power Executive Director Kirby D. Juntila has been elected by his peers as Vice President of the Michigan Municipal Electric Association (MMEA) Board of Directors.
Mr. Juntila, who is currently serving a three-year term on the MMEA Board, along with seven (7) other Board members, represents 38 municipal electric utilities across the State of Michigan including nine (9) U.P. municipal utilities. The MMEA monitors state and federal legislation and regulatory issues that may impact municipal electric utility operations, offers semi-annual education conferences, organizes state and national legislative rallies, provides legal consultation regarding utility related questions, and assists its members in emergency disaster planning through the formation of a mutual aid contract whereby cities provide both labor and equipment to other member utilities in the event of an electric system emergency.
"I am looking forward to serving as Vice President of the MMEA Board and representing the Upper Peninsula as we continue to promote public power by providing our customers with low-cost, reliable electricity to their homes and businesses," Juntila said.
MBLP GOING 'GREEN'
MARQUETTE - The electric transformers used by the Marquette Board of Light and Power's (MBLP) Distribution System have gone "green". The transformers are filled with a soy-based fluid which is biodegradable and environmentally friendly.
"In our continued efforts to provide our customers with reliable electricity, we are pleased that these non-toxic biodegradable soy-based fluid transformers will not only enhance the safety of our employees and the public, but will extend the life-cycle of our transformers by 10-plus years,"
Unlike the new vegetable-based coolant, the formerly used petroleum-based coolant is more flammable, spills are costlier to clean up, and is harmful to the environment, Lynch said.
The MBLP has been using the soy-based fluid filled transformers for the past two years with no operating changes or issues. Although the soy-based transformer fluid has increased the cost of transformers slightly by about 6-8 percent, the vegetable based coolant is expected to extend and enhance transformer life by 10-plus years which will result in a cost savings in the long term, according to Lynch. "Extended transformer life provides the ability to carry higher electric loads during peak demand periods without leading to premature transformer failure."
Other utilities in the United States are also starting to use the soy-based fluid transformers for their distribution systems including utilities in Florida, Indiana, and Iowa. The demand for the soy-based fluid transformers will also benefit the farmers who grow soybeans.
PROPOSED RATE INCREASE REQUEST
For the first time since 1983, the Board is seeking a rate increase. The staff and employees of the MBLP have worked diligently during the past 24 years to maintain our competitive electric rates by working more efficiently and operating the utility as a business. However, continually escalating costs to upgrade equipment and to maintain and expand facilities have required the utility to draw on reserve funding for the past two (2) years to balance the budget.
To this end, the Board is seeking an average 3.5% increase over the next three years. Currently, the Board has scheduled a joint meeting with the Marquette City Commission to discuss this rate increase request. Upon completion of all discussions and hearings, the Board will need to approve the rate increase with final confirmation by the City Commission.
