May 2024 Meeting Summary
PrintMay 30, 2024 Meeting Summary
Rate Comparison – A preliminary informational report on SDCEA residential rates, compared to those in other Colorado co-ops, was presented to the board by Mike Allen, Business Development and Key Accounts Sr. This was a short presentation, meant to be followed up further when SDCEA conducts its Cost-of-Service Study (COSS).
To see the presentation, please click here.
Major Storm Report – May 9-12, a spring snowstorm parked over SDCEA’s service territory, causing damage to lines and extended outages.
A summary of that storm account appears here.
Annual Audit – SDCEA’s annual audit report was presented by independent accounting firm Kelso Lynch P.C., P.A. for the year ending December 31, 2023. SDCEA received a favorable auditor’s opinion that the financial reports present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the association as of December 31, 2023.
The full audit report is available to the membership on request. Email info@myelectric.coop if you would like more information.
Strategic Plan – A strategic plan implementation map was presented to the board. It outlines the five goals set for the cooperative during a strategic planning session earlier this year. Goals are proactively navigate the energy transition, design innovative rate structures, enhance safety, create a comprehensive communications plan, and attract and retain quality employees. The implementation map assigns tasks to inter-department teams to accomplish those goals over the next several years.
HVAC repair – A contract from a winning bid to repair the Buena Vista office’s HVAC system has yet to be finalized. During repairs, estimated to begin Aug. 1, most of the building will not be accessible by staff or the public, so staff are working on a plan to accommodate consumers. Board meetings will tentatively be held at the SteamPlant in Salida during the repair.
Financial Report
Year-to-date (April 2024): Revenues are 3 percent under budget.
Total expenses are 8.8% under budget.
This is attributed to buying less power than budgeted (a warmer year than last so far, so less electricity sold to heat homes); there has been a staff reorganization, and the cooperative has open positions; and more labor hours are going towards construction this year vs. expensed labor accounts.
Engineering Report
204 consumer work orders have been started by SDCEA.
A consultant is performing a high-level engineering analysis for fiber installations. This includes
working closely with Visionary Broadband (which purchased Aristata) to use existing SDCEA poles to install fiber communications to Johnson Village and Nathrop areas. The project will include up to 1,000 pole attachments.
Toth Engineering are conducting a systemwide solar/distributed generation capacity-hosting study. Completion is scheduled for the end of May.
Buena Vista town developments The Boulders, Carbonate Street, and The Crossing, are all ready for SDCEA to begin electrical system construction in May.
Executive Session – The board adjourned the executive session to discuss matters held in confidence. No action was taken after the executive session.
