Electric Department
Electric Administration Division
What we are
The Electric Utility Administration Division provides the financial and organizational oversight of the department. Additionally, other duties include; system design and engineering, administrative support, energy resource purchasing, system planning and management of the Public Benefit Program. This Division develops rates and rate structures, establishes department policies, goals and objectives, monitors cash flow, capital and Operation and Maintenance (O&M) budgets, and coordinates training that develops each individual to their full potential for the department.
What we do
- Procures reliable gas and electric energy sources at the lowest practical cost. Includes monitoring renewable's, energy, capacity (RECs) and Cap-n-Trade markets in accordance with the Western Electric Coordinating Council (WECC), National Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and California Energy Commission (CEC)
- Acquires and monitors power generation and transmission resources in accordance with forecasted needs
- Provides ten-year bulk power cost analysis
- Purchases energy and capacity to close open positions consistent with the department's Risk Management and external mandates
- Provides in-house design, engineering and inspection services to reduce costs and delays, and enhances staff’s knowledge of the system through the design to completion. With this in-house approach, employees gain experience with the ability to handle future situations with personal knowledge and experience. This results with the electric customer having lower cost and shorter outages so they can do what they want and have more money to do it with!
- Collects and translates load research data for system analysis, cost-of-service and time-of-use and loading determinants
- Monitors the industry, the City and legislation to provide an overall planning and strategic direction of the Department
- Coordinates the Public Benefit Program that provides rebates for low income and energy related conservation programs/projects.
Our People
Budget Summary: Costs
Here is a summary of the budget unit in graphical form, illustrating direct costs and indirect costs. Click on the graph to explore greater detail of the unit's budget.
Budget Summary: Just the Numbers
Similar to the graph to the left, here is a summary of the budget unit, just the numbers. It illustrates direct costs and indirect costs. Click on the table to explore greater detail of the unit's budget.
Accomplishments
- Roll out customer portal as part of the AMI project to improve customer access to information and services. | Deferred | DEPARTMENT/DIVISION COMMENTS: Project scheduled for 2020/2021.
- Develop small cell pole attachment agreement. | Completed | DEPARTMENT/DIVISION COMMENTS: Scheduled to be presented to Council summer 2019.
- Performed Department wide job description and salary review to improve employee recruitment and retention of highly skilled Lineman, Engineers, and Technical staff. | Completed |
- Developing cost effective renewable energy resource and storage options. | Completed | DEPARTMENT/DIVISION COMMENTS: Completed design and scoping studies.
Future Objectives
NEAR-TERM
- Start Fire Mitigation Study to comply with State requirements. DEPARTMENT/DIVISION COMMENTS: SB 901 requires utilities to create a fire mitigation plan.
- Apply for grant opportunities for hardening the system to prevent fire hazards. DEPARTMENT/DIVISION COMMENTS: Potential grant opportunities available.
- Implement Electric Vehicle (EV) charger rate. DEPARTMENT/DIVISION COMMENTS: Approved and Completed.
- Develop electric energy programs that are useful and beneficial to our customers. DEPARTMENT/DIVISION COMMENTS: Expand EV Charger rebate program. Energy efficiency rebate programs to encourage conservation and carbon reduction through fuel source conversion.
- Net Energy Metering (NEM) Policy. DEPARTMENT/DIVISION COMMENTS: As solar generation continues to expand, an NEM-2 policy will need to be implemented.
INTERMEDIATE-TERM
- Meet State mandated reporting and program performance goals.
- Provide the best in class maintenance and system improvements increasing reliability, capacity and customer satisfaction. DEPARTMENT/DIVISION COMMENTS: Continually explore new technologies to ensure the Utility is meeting best practices in policy, equipment and work practices.
- Comply with legislative mandates. DEPARTMENT/DIVISION COMMENTS: Resource, construction and reporting.
- Closely monitor system performance and identify needed enhancements.
LONG-TERM
- Develop additional cost effective resources.
- Monitor and assist in legislation that enhances the electric systems value to the public and City.
- Provide support to the Construction and Technical Services Division. DEPARTMENT/DIVISION COMMENTS: Includes technical, financial and policy support.
- Further expand employee development and retention program value. Includes monitoring and improving compensation of professional and skilled trades. DEPARTMENT/DIVISION COMMENTS: Attraction and retention of skilled employees, specifically Linemen and Engineers has been a challenge in the industry and in Ukiah. The goal is to ensure a highly skilled workforce is in place to better serve our community and customers.
The Numbers Over Time
Budget by Character
Budget by Fund
Notes
- Nothing significant to note.