The Kissimmee Utility Authority board of directors has welcomed a returning board member and held its annual election of officers.
Rae Hemphill, a retired information technologist, took the oath of office to begin a new five-year term on the board which will expire Sept. 30, 2027. Hemphill was appointed to the board in 2017.
Manuel Ortega was elected board chairman. Ortega is a former law enforcement officer for Broward County, Florida and New Bedford, Massachusetts. A retired Navy captain, he holds criminal justice degrees from Western New England College in Massachusetts and Salvia Regina College in Rhode Island. In addition, the board elected:
Vice Chairman: Rae Hemphill
Secretary: Jeanne Van Meter
Assistant Secretary: Ethel Urbina
Director: Raymond Sanchez
The five-member board sets policy direction for the utility. Specifically, the board approves annual budgets, sets rates and approves major purchases. The board also directs the president and general manager who is responsible for day-to-day operations of the utility.
Cane Island named Top Power Plant: Cane Island Power Park received a Top Plant Award from POWER Magazine for its continued success in providing affordable, reliable and clean power. The power generating facility is one of five natural gas-fired power plants in the world to be recognized and the only one located in Florida. The award recognizes top performing power plants that have distinguished themselves as industry leaders through equipment enhancements, innovative design and successful operations.
The plant received the award for its excellent operating record in 2021, which plays an essential role in providing customers with affordable, reliable power. This was especially true when Hurricane Ian hit Central Florida as a Category 4 storm on Sept. 28. Cane Island operated throughout the storm and supplied electricity to customers who were able to take power.
“We rely on Cane Island to generate nearly half of our energy,” said Jacob Williams, Florida Municipal Power Agency (FMPA) General Manager and CEO. “The facility’s operating performance during Hurricane Ian shows just how reliable the units are.”
In Spring 2022, Cane Island Unit 3 completed a major maintenance and upgrade, its first performance upgrade since it came online in 2001. Maintenance work was conducted to replace and repair major components to ensure continued reliable service over the next decade. The upgrades also increased the unit’s output by 12 megawatts, which will power an additional 8,400 homes and help reduce carbon emissions and operating costs.
“We are extremely honored to receive this award in recognition of the reliability, maintenance and operation of our Cane Island Power Plant,” said Kissimmee Utility Authority (KUA) President and General Manager Brian Horton. “This award is a true testament to our 42 staff members who do an excellent job operating the facility.”
Cane Island Power Park, located in Intercession City, is jointly owned by FMPA and KUA.
