Orlando Utilities Commission 1875 –2010 A H I S TO RY O F WAT E R & E L E C T R I C I T Y IN CENTRAL FLORIDA
Orlando Utilities Commission 1875–2010 A H I S TO RY O F WAT E R & E L E C T R I C I T Y IN CENTRAL FLORIDA
Published by the OUC Marketing, Communications and Community Relations Department. Copyright © 2011 Orlando Utilities Commission. All Rights Reserved.
Orlando Utilities Commission 1875–2010 A H I S TO RY O F WAT E R & E L E C T R I C I T Y IN CENTRAL FLORIDA
Published by the OUC Marketing, Communications and Community Relations Department. Copyright © 2011 Orlando Utilities Commission. All Rights Reserved.
F O R E W O R D is a company with a long, rich history. Although “The Reliable One”
TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S
was coined in 1998, it exemplifies 88 years worth of commitment to outstanding service to our customers. Much of our strength through the years has come from the knowledge, pride and experience passed down from generation to generation of OUC employees. OUC General Manager and CEO Ken Ksionek was the driving force for this book. As he watched longtenured employees retire, he was concerned that part of OUC’s history was in jeopardy of being lost. Ken wanted to capture our past so it could be used as a reference for future generations. He also wanted the book to be written from an OUC employee’s perspective, by someone who shared his love of the organization and respect for OUC’s culture. That someone was me. I joined OUC in 1986 as a public information specialist and am currently the Vice President of Marketing, Communications and Community Relations. I have spent the majority of that time writing for the organization, but working on this book has been the most challenging and rewarding experience of my career at OUC. A book like this cannot be accomplished by one person. Although I was the primary writer, I gained a great deal of information from retirees through interviews or their personal accounts including: former General Managers Curtis H. Stanton and Harry C. Luff; retired Assistant General Manager Louis E. Stone; retired General Counsel Thomas B. Tart, and retired Director of Water Engineering Rick Coleman. I also had the assistance of an amazing staff both past and present. The Marketing, Communications and Community Relations staff were dogged in their efforts to help compile photos, stories and facts in an effort to create a book that would do justice to OUC. For me, one of the best parts of working on the book was the opportunity to spend time with Curt Stanton, Harry Luff and Lou Stone. Curt had retired when I started at OUC. Harry was the General Manager, and
CHAPTER I: In the Beginning
CHAPTER II: The New Frontier
CHAPTER III: America Races to the Moon
CHAPTER IV: A Balancing Act
CHAPTER V: Ups and Downs
OUC CO MMITME NT to Reliability and Quality
Lou was the Vice President (known as Manager in those days) of Electric Operations. Sitting across from the three of them to discuss OUC history was like defending my doctoral dissertation. Having Curt Stanton tell me the discussion was one of the most enjoyable experiences since his retirement was the icing on the cake and a high point of my career. Lastly, I would like to end with a story from my first day at work 25 years ago. I came home from work and told my mother that I thought they must put something in the water, because the employees were the nicest people I had ever met and very passionate about OUC. I still feel the same way today. It’s been an honor
14
2
38
and a privilege to work with such a talented group of people, and I thank the OUC family for an incredible journey. Together we made history!
Roseann Harrington, Vice President Marketing, Communications and Community Relations
6
22
64
F O R E W O R D is a company with a long, rich history. Although “The Reliable One”
TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S
was coined in 1998, it exemplifies 88 years worth of commitment to outstanding service to our customers. Much of our strength through the years has come from the knowledge, pride and experience passed down from generation to generation of OUC employees. OUC General Manager and CEO Ken Ksionek was the driving force for this book. As he watched longtenured employees retire, he was concerned that part of OUC’s history was in jeopardy of being lost. Ken wanted to capture our past so it could be used as a reference for future generations. He also wanted the book to be written from an OUC employee’s perspective, by someone who shared his love of the organization and respect for OUC’s culture. That someone was me. I joined OUC in 1986 as a public information specialist and am currently the Vice President of Marketing, Communications and Community Relations. I have spent the majority of that time writing for the organization, but working on this book has been the most challenging and rewarding experience of my career at OUC. A book like this cannot be accomplished by one person. Although I was the primary writer, I gained a great deal of information from retirees through interviews or their personal accounts including: former General Managers Curtis H. Stanton and Harry C. Luff; retired Assistant General Manager Louis E. Stone; retired General Counsel Thomas B. Tart, and retired Director of Water Engineering Rick Coleman. I also had the assistance of an amazing staff both past and present. The Marketing, Communications and Community Relations staff were dogged in their efforts to help compile photos, stories and facts in an effort to create a book that would do justice to OUC. For me, one of the best parts of working on the book was the opportunity to spend time with Curt Stanton, Harry Luff and Lou Stone. Curt had retired when I started at OUC. Harry was the General Manager, and
CHAPTER I: In the Beginning
CHAPTER II: The New Frontier
CHAPTER III: America Races to the Moon
CHAPTER IV: A Balancing Act
CHAPTER V: Ups and Downs
OUC CO MMITME NT to Reliability and Quality
Lou was the Vice President (known as Manager in those days) of Electric Operations. Sitting across from the three of them to discuss OUC history was like defending my doctoral dissertation. Having Curt Stanton tell me the discussion was one of the most enjoyable experiences since his retirement was the icing on the cake and a high point of my career. Lastly, I would like to end with a story from my first day at work 25 years ago. I came home from work and told my mother that I thought they must put something in the water, because the employees were the nicest people I had ever met and very passionate about OUC. I still feel the same way today. It’s been an honor
14
2
38
and a privilege to work with such a talented group of people, and I thank the OUC family for an incredible journey. Together we made history!
Roseann Harrington, Vice President Marketing, Communications and Community Relations
6
22
64
1875–1922
CHAPTER I:
I N
T H E
B E G I N N I N G
1875 –1922
1875
1901
Orlando is incorporated.
Orlando’s first power plant opens, owned by Judge John M. Cheney and sons.
Construction of original
The Orlando Water
waterworks
and Sewerage Company
is started.
is chartered.
he foundation for what would eventually become the Orlando Utilities Commission
cattle ranching and citrus growing to a thriving center of commerce. Attracted by fertile farm land and warm weather, settlers arrived from all over the country, as well as from abroad. In 1880, the South
is incorporated.
1970 –1989
1990 –2010
P R O V I D I N G W A T E R A N D E L E C T R I C S E R V I C E T O A N E W C I T Y
Central Florida was just beginning to evolve from a rural, agrarian economy based on
Orlando Water Company
1892
1950 –1969
was laid even before the 20th century began. In 1875, when Orlando was incorporated,
1886
1887
1923 –1949
Florida Railroad added Orlando as one of its stops — helping to spur the first of many building and
Actual construction of the original water works — which consisted of a plant and a distribution system — began on March 18, 1887. The source of water was Lake Highland, which at that time was located well outside the Orlando city limits. In 1889, additional water mains were laid to serve most of the well-settled areas of Orlando with a safe domestic supply and fire protection.
land booms in the Sunshine State. By the turn of the century, Orlando had paved streets, as well as
The additions increased the distribution system
electricity and phone service. In 1908, it was officially dubbed “The City Beautiful.” By the time World
to about 13.5 miles of pipe.
War I broke out, the City had become a popular resort. The war generated additional industrial growth
As a result of the death of Herdic in 1890, a receivership took over the Orlando Water
and real-estate development throughout Florida that lasted through the early ‘20s — creating the need
Company. John M. Cheney, an Orlando attorney
for reliable water and electric infrastructure in the region . . . and setting the stage for the birth of OUC.
at the time, represented the bond holders. The landholders foreclosed the property and turned it over to a new corporation, the Orlando Water
Water for a New City The City of Orlando was incorporated in 1875
June 6, 1892. J.A. Beeber, President of the First Bank of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, representing
by a popular election in which 22 citizens cast
the landholders, was President. Cheney became
1903
1916
their votes. Ten years later, the City received a
Secretary-Treasurer and Managing Director.
charter by action of the Florida Legislature. At
Cheney, who by then had become an
Twenty-four-hour
Orlando’s water system consists
that time, the community’s only source of water
Orlando judge, purchased the water works
electric service begins
of 23 miles of mains and more
was a town well located next to the Orange
in 1893, serving as Secretary-Treasurer and
County Court House at the corner of Central
principal owner. The new company, the Orlando
than 100 fire hydrants.
and Main. On October 5, 1886, the Orlando
Water & Light Company, was granted the right
City Council granted to A.A. Parker and his
by the City of Orlando to pump water from
associates a 10-year franchise to construct,
Lake Highland and Lake Concord to supply
maintain and operate a water works within the
water to the City.
in Orlando.
1922 Judge John M. Cheney proposes a bond issue that would enable the citizens of Orlando to purchase and municipally operate a public utility.
municipality. The Orlando Water Company was incorporated on October 20, 1886 with initial
By 1916, Orlando’s water supply system consisted of 23 miles of mains, which covered
capital of $150,000. Parker, Harry W. Lentz
every part of the City, and more than 100 fire
and Peter Herdic were the incorporators.
hydrants were installed in different parts of
They and their financial backers, who were
the town.
from Huntington and Williamsport,
In 1917, the first filtrated treatment facilities
Pennsylvania, had successfully negotiated
were built near Lake Highland to treat water
franchise arrangements and built water works
obtained from the lake before passing into the
in other Pennsylvania communities as well as
City mains.
in Cairo, Illinois.
Page 2
and Sewerage Company, its charter being dated
Page 3
1875–1922
CHAPTER I:
I N
T H E
B E G I N N I N G
1875 –1922
1875
1901
Orlando is incorporated.
Orlando’s first power plant opens, owned by Judge John M. Cheney and sons.
Construction of original
The Orlando Water
waterworks
and Sewerage Company
is started.
is chartered.
he foundation for what would eventually become the Orlando Utilities Commission
cattle ranching and citrus growing to a thriving center of commerce. Attracted by fertile farm land and warm weather, settlers arrived from all over the country, as well as from abroad. In 1880, the South
is incorporated.
1970 –1989
1990 –2010
P R O V I D I N G W A T E R A N D E L E C T R I C S E R V I C E T O A N E W C I T Y
Central Florida was just beginning to evolve from a rural, agrarian economy based on
Orlando Water Company
1892
1950 –1969
was laid even before the 20th century began. In 1875, when Orlando was incorporated,
1886
1887
1923 –1949
Florida Railroad added Orlando as one of its stops — helping to spur the first of many building and
Actual construction of the original water works — which consisted of a plant and a distribution system — began on March 18, 1887. The source of water was Lake Highland, which at that time was located well outside the Orlando city limits. In 1889, additional water mains were laid to serve most of the well-settled areas of Orlando with a safe domestic supply and fire protection.
land booms in the Sunshine State. By the turn of the century, Orlando had paved streets, as well as
The additions increased the distribution system
electricity and phone service. In 1908, it was officially dubbed “The City Beautiful.” By the time World
to about 13.5 miles of pipe.
War I broke out, the City had become a popular resort. The war generated additional industrial growth
As a result of the death of Herdic in 1890, a receivership took over the Orlando Water
and real-estate development throughout Florida that lasted through the early ‘20s — creating the need
Company. John M. Cheney, an Orlando attorney
for reliable water and electric infrastructure in the region . . . and setting the stage for the birth of OUC.
at the time, represented the bond holders. The landholders foreclosed the property and turned it over to a new corporation, the Orlando Water
Water for a New City The City of Orlando was incorporated in 1875
June 6, 1892. J.A. Beeber, President of the First Bank of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, representing
by a popular election in which 22 citizens cast
the landholders, was President. Cheney became
1903
1916
their votes. Ten years later, the City received a
Secretary-Treasurer and Managing Director.
charter by action of the Florida Legislature. At
Cheney, who by then had become an
Twenty-four-hour
Orlando’s water system consists
that time, the community’s only source of water
Orlando judge, purchased the water works
electric service begins
of 23 miles of mains and more
was a town well located next to the Orange
in 1893, serving as Secretary-Treasurer and
County Court House at the corner of Central
principal owner. The new company, the Orlando
than 100 fire hydrants.
and Main. On October 5, 1886, the Orlando
Water & Light Company, was granted the right
City Council granted to A.A. Parker and his
by the City of Orlando to pump water from
associates a 10-year franchise to construct,
Lake Highland and Lake Concord to supply
maintain and operate a water works within the
water to the City.
in Orlando.
1922 Judge John M. Cheney proposes a bond issue that would enable the citizens of Orlando to purchase and municipally operate a public utility.
municipality. The Orlando Water Company was incorporated on October 20, 1886 with initial
By 1916, Orlando’s water supply system consisted of 23 miles of mains, which covered
capital of $150,000. Parker, Harry W. Lentz
every part of the City, and more than 100 fire
and Peter Herdic were the incorporators.
hydrants were installed in different parts of
They and their financial backers, who were
the town.
from Huntington and Williamsport,
In 1917, the first filtrated treatment facilities
Pennsylvania, had successfully negotiated
were built near Lake Highland to treat water
franchise arrangements and built water works
obtained from the lake before passing into the
in other Pennsylvania communities as well as
City mains.
in Cairo, Illinois.
Page 2
and Sewerage Company, its charter being dated
Page 3
Orlando Gets First Power Plant At the turn of the century, Judge Cheney and
produce. Water from the water plant and
his sons began construction on an electric
electricity from the power plant were used to
generating plant on Lake Highland, renaming
produce the ice.
their company the Orlando Water & Light
In 1905, the company purchased a coal gas
Company. The power plant opened January 1,
plant and distribution network that had been
1901. Its lone generator, driven by a 150-
in operation since 1889. The gas plant, located
horsepower steam engine, had capacity of only
in the western part of the City, had a capacity
100 kilowatts. Initially, electricity was provided to
of 300,000 cubic feet of gas per day, and the
homes, stores and street lights on a “dark to
distribution network included 18 miles of
midnight” basis.
gas mains.
In 1901, the company was awarded a contract by the City of Orlando to provide 28 street lights
More than 15 years later, in July 1921, Orlando was authorized by the state legislature to issue
“of 2,000 nominal candle power or their
$1.5 million in bonds for purchase or construction
equivalent in incandescent lamps for $2,000 per
of a water and light plant, subject to a referendum
annum.” The City of Orlando previously had
vote. In September of that year, the City made an
granted the Orlando Water & Light Company a
agreement with the Orlando Water & Light
20-year franchise to provide water and electric
Company to buy the electric and water plant, at a
service starting January 1, 1901, and terminating
price to be fixed by a board of three arbiters.
on January 1, 1921. In 1903, the enterprising Cheney built an ice
By 1922, Orlando’s population had grown to about 10,000 and Judge Cheney — realizing a
plant (with an ice-making capacity of 60 tons per
need for wider services than his company was able
day and the capability to store 300 tons) at the
to supply — urged his friends to work and vote for
Lake Highland site, adjacent to the power and
a $975,000 bond issue to enable the citizens of
water plants. Sold locally and shipped to
Orlando to purchase and municipally operate his
neighboring towns, the ice was used to cool
privately owned utilities. Orlando Utilities
railroad cars and trucks that shipped fruit and
Commission was about to be born.
B R I N G I N G R E L I A B L E E L E C T R I C A N D WAT E R S E RV I C E T O O R L A N D O Judge John M. Cheney, “Founding Father and Visionary”
John M. Cheney
Page 4
Who was John M. Cheney? In the “History
private attorney, Orlando city attorney,
also served as judge for the Orange
of Orange County, Florida” published in
United States attorney for the southern
County juvenile court and recreation
1927 by William Fremont Blackman, Ph.D.,
district of Florida, United States judge
superintendent for the City of Orlando.
LL.D., it is said that “No other citizen of
for the southern district of Florida,
A section of the Dixie Highway in Central
Orange County was more esteemed and
Republican candidate for governor
Florida was officially named the Cheney
beloved than John Cheney.” His resumé
of Florida and Republican candidate
Highway in commemoration of his
was, to say the least, impressive. He was a
for the United States Senate. Cheney
service to Florida.
Page 5
Orlando Gets First Power Plant At the turn of the century, Judge Cheney and
produce. Water from the water plant and
his sons began construction on an electric
electricity from the power plant were used to
generating plant on Lake Highland, renaming
produce the ice.
their company the Orlando Water & Light
In 1905, the company purchased a coal gas
Company. The power plant opened January 1,
plant and distribution network that had been
1901. Its lone generator, driven by a 150-
in operation since 1889. The gas plant, located
horsepower steam engine, had capacity of only
in the western part of the City, had a capacity
100 kilowatts. Initially, electricity was provided to
of 300,000 cubic feet of gas per day, and the
homes, stores and street lights on a “dark to
distribution network included 18 miles of
midnight” basis.
gas mains.
In 1901, the company was awarded a contract by the City of Orlando to provide 28 street lights
More than 15 years later, in July 1921, Orlando was authorized by the state legislature to issue
“of 2,000 nominal candle power or their
$1.5 million in bonds for purchase or construction
equivalent in incandescent lamps for $2,000 per
of a water and light plant, subject to a referendum
annum.” The City of Orlando previously had
vote. In September of that year, the City made an
granted the Orlando Water & Light Company a
agreement with the Orlando Water & Light
20-year franchise to provide water and electric
Company to buy the electric and water plant, at a
service starting January 1, 1901, and terminating
price to be fixed by a board of three arbiters.
on January 1, 1921. In 1903, the enterprising Cheney built an ice
By 1922, Orlando’s population had grown to about 10,000 and Judge Cheney — realizing a
plant (with an ice-making capacity of 60 tons per
need for wider services than his company was able
day and the capability to store 300 tons) at the
to supply — urged his friends to work and vote for
Lake Highland site, adjacent to the power and
a $975,000 bond issue to enable the citizens of
water plants. Sold locally and shipped to
Orlando to purchase and municipally operate his
neighboring towns, the ice was used to cool
privately owned utilities. Orlando Utilities
railroad cars and trucks that shipped fruit and
Commission was about to be born.
B R I N G I N G R E L I A B L E E L E C T R I C A N D WAT E R S E RV I C E T O O R L A N D O Judge John M. Cheney, “Founding Father and Visionary”
John M. Cheney
Page 4
Who was John M. Cheney? In the “History
private attorney, Orlando city attorney,
also served as judge for the Orange
of Orange County, Florida” published in
United States attorney for the southern
County juvenile court and recreation
1927 by William Fremont Blackman, Ph.D.,
district of Florida, United States judge
superintendent for the City of Orlando.
LL.D., it is said that “No other citizen of
for the southern district of Florida,
A section of the Dixie Highway in Central
Orange County was more esteemed and
Republican candidate for governor
Florida was officially named the Cheney
beloved than John Cheney.” His resumé
of Florida and Republican candidate
Highway in commemoration of his
was, to say the least, impressive. He was a
for the United States Senate. Cheney
service to Florida.
Page 5
1923–1949
CHAPTER II:
T H E
1923 OUC charter is drafted; first Commission meeting held.
N E W
F R O N T I E R
1875 –1922
1924
1936
Lake Ivanhoe water
• OUC moves into its new
plant is placed into service.
1923 –1949
1950 –1969
hen OUC was born, Florida — and Orlando — were at the height
plant was finished, bringing generating capacity
Wall Street and North
of economic prosperity. Hundreds of thousands of people had
to 9 megawatts (MW).
Main Street.
descended on the state during the early ‘20s, lured by windfall
1937
1942
Court decision enables
OUC builds
OUC to improve
Lake Highland
infrastructure without
Service Yard.
customer base. During this time, OUC completed
improvement program to provide the infrastructure for development. Notable
two additions to the Lake Ivanhoe Plant and also
Auditorium (now the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre) in 1926. But, the second half of the “Roaring Twenties” told a different story. Florida’s land boom began to fizzle. Investors pulled out, and the pace of growth slowed. In 1928, the San Felipe-Lake Okeechobee Hurricane cut a swath through the state, leaving widespread destruction — a metaphoric harbinger of what would soon follow. The next year, the Stock
Establishing an Infrastructure
1947
purchase the privately held Orlando Water &
• Curtis H. Stanton becomes
Light Company, they were setting the stage for
When Orlando residents voted in 1923 to
1934 1948
1949
Federal Water Pollution
Lake Highland Plant
Control Act becomes law.
completed.
Orange Avenue, at the south end of the distribution system; the other tank was installed on Washington Street on the system’s east side. At the time, Lakes Highland and Ivanhoe were OUC’s primary sources of drinking water. However, dry conditions reported in 1927 lowered
that would provide the infrastructure for growth.
water levels in these lakes, making it necessary to
During that year, a special act of the Florida
tap remote Lake Underhill as an additional supply
Legislature created the Orlando Utilities
source. A 24-inch raw water pipe was constructed
Commission, providing it with full authority to
to connect Lake Underhill to the plant on Lake
operate the water and power plants as a
Ivanhoe. Two filters were added to the Lake
municipal utility. OUC began serving 2,795
Ivanhoe Plant, each with a capacity of 2 MGD,
electric and 2,290 water customers for a total
bringing the total filtration capacity of the plant
investment of $1.5 million.
to 8 MGD.
facilities located on Lake Ivanhoe were just Lake Ivanhoe Plant
consumption was down. The “Old Copeland Tank” was located on Copeland Drive west of
generations of high-quality, reliable utility service
At that time, the new water and electric plant
Page 6
system. The tanks were strategically placed to
The tanks were then refilled at night when
Orlando area.
in just seven years.
amount of water pressure at the extremities of the release water flow that boosted pressure when it
utilities for the
a 224 percent increase
In 1926, OUC built two 250,000-gallon elevated water storage tanks to maintain an acceptable
was excessively low, during times of high use.
25 years of providing
13,000 customers —
downtown Orlando.
and World War II, Orlando persevered — and its fledgling utility grew into a trusted and reliable partner.
• OUC proudly celebrates
OUC installs underground feeder lines with funds from federal government.
opened its first office building located at the intersection of Washington and Main streets in
Market crash of 1929 launched the world into two decades of turmoil. But, through the Great Depression
General Manager of OUC.
OUC has more than
Through the next two decades, the citizenowned utility grew rapidly to serve its expanding
profits from land speculation. To keep up, the City embarked on a costly
City Council approval.
1930
1990 –2010
O U C I S C R E A T E D T O P R O V I D E H I G H – Q U A L I T Y WAT E R A N D E L E C T R I C I T Y
additions to the landscape during that time included the Orlando Public Library in 1923 and the Municipal
First addition to Lake Ivanhoe power plant is completed.
1970 –1989
building at the corner of
• Martin Brown is named General Manager.
1926
MERS CUSTO C I R ELECT RS STOME U 2,795 C R WATE 2,290 ED EES NERAT MPLOY E E G H 0 W 5 DM OUSAN NS 7 TH GALLO ED N O I P L M PU MIL .67 OF WATER
By 1930, Orlando’s population had grown to 27,330, and OUC had more than 13,000
nearing completion. In 1924, the water plant
customers — a 224 percent increase in just seven
was placed into service with a rated capacity of
years. That year, the utility generated more than
4 million gallons per day (MGD). Two years later,
14 million kilowatts (kW) and pumped 814 million
the first addition to the electric portion of the
gallons of water.
Page 7
1923–1949
CHAPTER II:
T H E
1923 OUC charter is drafted; first Commission meeting held.
N E W
F R O N T I E R
1875 –1922
1924
1936
Lake Ivanhoe water
• OUC moves into its new
plant is placed into service.
1923 –1949
1950 –1969
hen OUC was born, Florida — and Orlando — were at the height
plant was finished, bringing generating capacity
Wall Street and North
of economic prosperity. Hundreds of thousands of people had
to 9 megawatts (MW).
Main Street.
descended on the state during the early ‘20s, lured by windfall
1937
1942
Court decision enables
OUC builds
OUC to improve
Lake Highland
infrastructure without
Service Yard.
customer base. During this time, OUC completed
improvement program to provide the infrastructure for development. Notable
two additions to the Lake Ivanhoe Plant and also
Auditorium (now the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre) in 1926. But, the second half of the “Roaring Twenties” told a different story. Florida’s land boom began to fizzle. Investors pulled out, and the pace of growth slowed. In 1928, the San Felipe-Lake Okeechobee Hurricane cut a swath through the state, leaving widespread destruction — a metaphoric harbinger of what would soon follow. The next year, the Stock
Establishing an Infrastructure
1947
purchase the privately held Orlando Water &
• Curtis H. Stanton becomes
Light Company, they were setting the stage for
When Orlando residents voted in 1923 to
1934 1948
1949
Federal Water Pollution
Lake Highland Plant
Control Act becomes law.
completed.
Orange Avenue, at the south end of the distribution system; the other tank was installed on Washington Street on the system’s east side. At the time, Lakes Highland and Ivanhoe were OUC’s primary sources of drinking water. However, dry conditions reported in 1927 lowered
that would provide the infrastructure for growth.
water levels in these lakes, making it necessary to
During that year, a special act of the Florida
tap remote Lake Underhill as an additional supply
Legislature created the Orlando Utilities
source. A 24-inch raw water pipe was constructed
Commission, providing it with full authority to
to connect Lake Underhill to the plant on Lake
operate the water and power plants as a
Ivanhoe. Two filters were added to the Lake
municipal utility. OUC began serving 2,795
Ivanhoe Plant, each with a capacity of 2 MGD,
electric and 2,290 water customers for a total
bringing the total filtration capacity of the plant
investment of $1.5 million.
to 8 MGD.
facilities located on Lake Ivanhoe were just Lake Ivanhoe Plant
consumption was down. The “Old Copeland Tank” was located on Copeland Drive west of
generations of high-quality, reliable utility service
At that time, the new water and electric plant
Page 6
system. The tanks were strategically placed to
The tanks were then refilled at night when
Orlando area.
in just seven years.
amount of water pressure at the extremities of the release water flow that boosted pressure when it
utilities for the
a 224 percent increase
In 1926, OUC built two 250,000-gallon elevated water storage tanks to maintain an acceptable
was excessively low, during times of high use.
25 years of providing
13,000 customers —
downtown Orlando.
and World War II, Orlando persevered — and its fledgling utility grew into a trusted and reliable partner.
• OUC proudly celebrates
OUC installs underground feeder lines with funds from federal government.
opened its first office building located at the intersection of Washington and Main streets in
Market crash of 1929 launched the world into two decades of turmoil. But, through the Great Depression
General Manager of OUC.
OUC has more than
Through the next two decades, the citizenowned utility grew rapidly to serve its expanding
profits from land speculation. To keep up, the City embarked on a costly
City Council approval.
1930
1990 –2010
O U C I S C R E A T E D T O P R O V I D E H I G H – Q U A L I T Y WAT E R A N D E L E C T R I C I T Y
additions to the landscape during that time included the Orlando Public Library in 1923 and the Municipal
First addition to Lake Ivanhoe power plant is completed.
1970 –1989
building at the corner of
• Martin Brown is named General Manager.
1926
MERS CUSTO C I R ELECT RS STOME U 2,795 C R WATE 2,290 ED EES NERAT MPLOY E E G H 0 W 5 DM OUSAN NS 7 TH GALLO ED N O I P L M PU MIL .67 OF WATER
By 1930, Orlando’s population had grown to 27,330, and OUC had more than 13,000
nearing completion. In 1924, the water plant
customers — a 224 percent increase in just seven
was placed into service with a rated capacity of
years. That year, the utility generated more than
4 million gallons per day (MGD). Two years later,
14 million kilowatts (kW) and pumped 814 million
the first addition to the electric portion of the
gallons of water.
Page 7
J. Thomas Gurney, author of the original OUC charter.
OUC Charter Drafted, First Meeting Held Drafted by local attorney J. Thomas Gurney, the Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) charter created a five-member Commission. Four citizens of Orlando were named to serve as Commissioners along with the Mayor of Orlando, who was automatically an ex-officio member of the board. These individuals were to serve without pay and be appointed for staggered four-year terms. They could serve second terms if re-nominated by the Commission. The Commission was designed to function as a Board of Directors of a corporation. The individuals who framed the OUC charter took every possible precaution to set up the Commission in a manner that would effectively eliminate political pressure and influence. The first official meeting of the newly formed Orlando Utilities Commission occurred on June 25, 1923 at 10:30 a.m. in the board room of the First National Bank. City Attorney W.B. Crawford asked each member of the Commission to draw a ticket, sight unseen, which established the term of office each new Commissioner would hold. The results were: Judge W.T. Bland, one year; J.F. Ange, two years; L.C. Massey, three years; H.H. Dickson and H.L. Beeman, each four years. It was moved by Ange, and seconded by Massey that the Honorable W.T. Bland be elected President of the Commission for the ensuing year.
Navigating the Great Depression During the Great Depression, the federal government provided funds to help OUC install underground electric feeder lines.
of the General Manager and Assistant General Manager. A year later, OUC defended and won its
Completed in 1934, this project generated
legal authority to add the equipment and
250 jobs at a time when work was virtually
infrastructure necessary to provide reliable
impossible to find. That year, OUC offered
electric and water service to its customers
the lowest residential electric rates in Florida;
without approval from the Orlando City
in fact, the utility actually reduced electric
Council. In the 1937 Evans case, OUC got the
rates from 8 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) to
go-ahead to spend $645,000 to build a new
6 cents per kWh in 1934.
turbine at the Lake Ivanhoe Plant.
Throughout the ‘30s, OUC promoted the
The late 1930s saw the addition of another
cost-saving benefits of using electricity with the
elevated water storage tank on Rugby Street
slogan “Cook Electrically and Save Money”—
in College Park and a second Lake Ivanhoe
even offering 120 electric ranges for just
power plant addition that brought OUC’s total
5 cents per month, added to a customer’s bill.
generation capacity to 19 MW.
OUC not only installed the stoves, but also maintained them free of charge. In 1936, OUC relocated its offices from
In 1936, Martin W. Brown, who began his career as the utility’s first plant engineer, was promoted to General Manager. The following
City Hall to its new office building at Wall and
year, the Commission formally adopted a policy
Main streets in downtown Orlando across the
of keeping the people fully informed about
street from the Southern Bell Telephone
utility operations and “Where the Money Goes”
Company Building and the Orange County
to benefit the taxpayers and the citizens of
Court House. The first floor was occupied by
Orlando. This included the publishing of annual
the cashier, sales and contract department,
reports and informational bulletins on various
credit department, reception room and Offices
subjects of interest to OUC’s citizen-owners.
M A R T I N
W.
B R O W N In the early years, OUC had to
Florida native Martin W. Brown worked his way up through the ranks of the Orlando Utilities Commission on his way to becoming General Manager in 1936. The utility’s first chief engineer, he was promoted to plant superintendent in 1932. He served as secretary and treasurer of the Municipal Utilities Association of Florida, and during World War II, was secretary of the Florida Power Pool State Defense Council.
spend time and energy to educate customers about the advantages of electricity and promote the use of electric appliances in the home. Source: 1947-48 Orlando Utilities Commission Reports to the residents of Orlando.
Page 8
Page 9
J. Thomas Gurney, author of the original OUC charter.
OUC Charter Drafted, First Meeting Held Drafted by local attorney J. Thomas Gurney, the Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) charter created a five-member Commission. Four citizens of Orlando were named to serve as Commissioners along with the Mayor of Orlando, who was automatically an ex-officio member of the board. These individuals were to serve without pay and be appointed for staggered four-year terms. They could serve second terms if re-nominated by the Commission. The Commission was designed to function as a Board of Directors of a corporation. The individuals who framed the OUC charter took every possible precaution to set up the Commission in a manner that would effectively eliminate political pressure and influence. The first official meeting of the newly formed Orlando Utilities Commission occurred on June 25, 1923 at 10:30 a.m. in the board room of the First National Bank. City Attorney W.B. Crawford asked each member of the Commission to draw a ticket, sight unseen, which established the term of office each new Commissioner would hold. The results were: Judge W.T. Bland, one year; J.F. Ange, two years; L.C. Massey, three years; H.H. Dickson and H.L. Beeman, each four years. It was moved by Ange, and seconded by Massey that the Honorable W.T. Bland be elected President of the Commission for the ensuing year.
Navigating the Great Depression During the Great Depression, the federal government provided funds to help OUC install underground electric feeder lines.
of the General Manager and Assistant General Manager. A year later, OUC defended and won its
Completed in 1934, this project generated
legal authority to add the equipment and
250 jobs at a time when work was virtually
infrastructure necessary to provide reliable
impossible to find. That year, OUC offered
electric and water service to its customers
the lowest residential electric rates in Florida;
without approval from the Orlando City
in fact, the utility actually reduced electric
Council. In the 1937 Evans case, OUC got the
rates from 8 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) to
go-ahead to spend $645,000 to build a new
6 cents per kWh in 1934.
turbine at the Lake Ivanhoe Plant.
Throughout the ‘30s, OUC promoted the
The late 1930s saw the addition of another
cost-saving benefits of using electricity with the
elevated water storage tank on Rugby Street
slogan “Cook Electrically and Save Money”—
in College Park and a second Lake Ivanhoe
even offering 120 electric ranges for just
power plant addition that brought OUC’s total
5 cents per month, added to a customer’s bill.
generation capacity to 19 MW.
OUC not only installed the stoves, but also maintained them free of charge. In 1936, OUC relocated its offices from
In 1936, Martin W. Brown, who began his career as the utility’s first plant engineer, was promoted to General Manager. The following
City Hall to its new office building at Wall and
year, the Commission formally adopted a policy
Main streets in downtown Orlando across the
of keeping the people fully informed about
street from the Southern Bell Telephone
utility operations and “Where the Money Goes”
Company Building and the Orange County
to benefit the taxpayers and the citizens of
Court House. The first floor was occupied by
Orlando. This included the publishing of annual
the cashier, sales and contract department,
reports and informational bulletins on various
credit department, reception room and Offices
subjects of interest to OUC’s citizen-owners.
M A R T I N
W.
B R O W N In the early years, OUC had to
Florida native Martin W. Brown worked his way up through the ranks of the Orlando Utilities Commission on his way to becoming General Manager in 1936. The utility’s first chief engineer, he was promoted to plant superintendent in 1932. He served as secretary and treasurer of the Municipal Utilities Association of Florida, and during World War II, was secretary of the Florida Power Pool State Defense Council.
spend time and energy to educate customers about the advantages of electricity and promote the use of electric appliances in the home. Source: 1947-48 Orlando Utilities Commission Reports to the residents of Orlando.
Page 8
Page 9
1923–1949 The American Red Cross set up a surgical dressing unit at OUC during WWII.
On the Homefront
PROVIDING SAFE,
America entered the Second World War
High-Quality
after the bombing of Pearl Harbor on
created jobs. The state’s citrus industry also
December 7, 1941. As our country fought
began to thrive, fueling growth throughout
for freedom on the battlegrounds of Europe
Central Florida.
and the Pacific, OUC helped on the
DRINKING WATER Orlando Utilities Commission was established on the principle of providing
from the Depression, as defense contracts
To keep pace, OUC embarked mid-decade
homefront — keeping the power on and the
on a major expansion of the water treatment
water flowing for the citizens of Orlando.
and electric generation facilities. The new
And that wasn’t always easy. According to
Lake Highland Plant, containing both electric
Orlando: A Centennial History, in June of
generation and water treatment equipment,
1942, street lights were cut off “when the
would be built west of Lake Highland, south
city faced an acute power shortage due to
of the railroad tracks, directly across from the
lack of oil. Merchants were asked to cut air
existing plant. OUC also constructed a new
safe, high-quality water to its customers. The water system facilities owned
conditioning and display lights, and municipal
water main system that replaced many of the
and operated by the newly formed OUC were described in detail in an
lights were discontinued, with the exception
original mains that were installed beginning
of traffic signals.”
in 1886. A 20-inch main was laid from the
October 13, 1930 newspaper article titled “Orlando Utilities: A Great Success.”
Throughout some of the darkest years in
The following excerpt is from that article and illustrates OUC’s commitment to providing the highest quality water for its customers. he water supply of the City of Orlando is a source of considerable pride and satisfaction to the citizens because of the high quality of the water for domestic and commercial purposes. The water is derived from a chain of fresh water lakes in and adjacent to the City. The raw water in these lakes is of low mineral content and is classed as a soft water. The Orlando Utilities Commission has a modern purification plant. The design and operation of this plant is in accord with the most approved water works practice. The plant is supervised by an
‘‘T
experienced water works bacteriologist and chemist, and every effort is made to maintain the highest standards of quality. Orlando has never had an epidemic of typhoid fever or other disease traceable to the water supply. The plant is pumping close to one billion gallons of water each year (2.7 MGD) and distributing the same through a system consisting of 156 miles of water mains in sizes ranging from 2 to 20 inches upon which there are more than 8,500 customer connections, and 427 municipal fire hydrants.”
to Lake Lucerne. Up to this point, the largest
what would become a legacy of community
water main in the City’s chief artery was
service — opening its doors to the American
10 inches in diameter.
Red Cross, which set up a surgical dressing
With the addition of new infrastructure
unit on the third floor of OUC’s office building.
came the need for a centralized service
One of the first such units in the war effort, it
operations area. In 1942, OUC built the 38,900-
served as the state’s training headquarters for
square-foot Lake Highland Service Yard, which
surgical instructors. More than 250,000
accommodated the new warehouse, meter
dressings were made at OUC, representing
rooms, paint shop, truck sheds and operations
107,447 hours of volunteer effort.
offices. The Yard was constructed on the north
During the war, the economies of Orlando and other Florida cities were able to rebound Lake Highland Service Yard construction circa 1942.
The OUC water pumping process — from low-lift pumps to aerators to settling basins to the high-lift pumps that carried water to the City mains.
Page 10
plant on Lake Ivanhoe down Orange Avenue
this nation’s history, OUC set the stage for
Page 11
shore of Lake Highland, on a private rail siding, adjacent to the Lake Ivanhoe Plant.
1923–1949 The American Red Cross set up a surgical dressing unit at OUC during WWII.
On the Homefront
PROVIDING SAFE,
America entered the Second World War
High-Quality
after the bombing of Pearl Harbor on
created jobs. The state’s citrus industry also
December 7, 1941. As our country fought
began to thrive, fueling growth throughout
for freedom on the battlegrounds of Europe
Central Florida.
and the Pacific, OUC helped on the
DRINKING WATER Orlando Utilities Commission was established on the principle of providing
from the Depression, as defense contracts
To keep pace, OUC embarked mid-decade
homefront — keeping the power on and the
on a major expansion of the water treatment
water flowing for the citizens of Orlando.
and electric generation facilities. The new
And that wasn’t always easy. According to
Lake Highland Plant, containing both electric
Orlando: A Centennial History, in June of
generation and water treatment equipment,
1942, street lights were cut off “when the
would be built west of Lake Highland, south
city faced an acute power shortage due to
of the railroad tracks, directly across from the
lack of oil. Merchants were asked to cut air
existing plant. OUC also constructed a new
safe, high-quality water to its customers. The water system facilities owned
conditioning and display lights, and municipal
water main system that replaced many of the
and operated by the newly formed OUC were described in detail in an
lights were discontinued, with the exception
original mains that were installed beginning
of traffic signals.”
in 1886. A 20-inch main was laid from the
October 13, 1930 newspaper article titled “Orlando Utilities: A Great Success.”
Throughout some of the darkest years in
The following excerpt is from that article and illustrates OUC’s commitment to providing the highest quality water for its customers. he water supply of the City of Orlando is a source of considerable pride and satisfaction to the citizens because of the high quality of the water for domestic and commercial purposes. The water is derived from a chain of fresh water lakes in and adjacent to the City. The raw water in these lakes is of low mineral content and is classed as a soft water. The Orlando Utilities Commission has a modern purification plant. The design and operation of this plant is in accord with the most approved water works practice. The plant is supervised by an
‘‘T
experienced water works bacteriologist and chemist, and every effort is made to maintain the highest standards of quality. Orlando has never had an epidemic of typhoid fever or other disease traceable to the water supply. The plant is pumping close to one billion gallons of water each year (2.7 MGD) and distributing the same through a system consisting of 156 miles of water mains in sizes ranging from 2 to 20 inches upon which there are more than 8,500 customer connections, and 427 municipal fire hydrants.”
to Lake Lucerne. Up to this point, the largest
what would become a legacy of community
water main in the City’s chief artery was
service — opening its doors to the American
10 inches in diameter.
Red Cross, which set up a surgical dressing
With the addition of new infrastructure
unit on the third floor of OUC’s office building.
came the need for a centralized service
One of the first such units in the war effort, it
operations area. In 1942, OUC built the 38,900-
served as the state’s training headquarters for
square-foot Lake Highland Service Yard, which
surgical instructors. More than 250,000
accommodated the new warehouse, meter
dressings were made at OUC, representing
rooms, paint shop, truck sheds and operations
107,447 hours of volunteer effort.
offices. The Yard was constructed on the north
During the war, the economies of Orlando and other Florida cities were able to rebound Lake Highland Service Yard construction circa 1942.
The OUC water pumping process — from low-lift pumps to aerators to settling basins to the high-lift pumps that carried water to the City mains.
Page 10
plant on Lake Ivanhoe down Orange Avenue
this nation’s history, OUC set the stage for
Page 11
shore of Lake Highland, on a private rail siding, adjacent to the Lake Ivanhoe Plant.
1923–1949 Lake Ivanhoe Plant in forefront and construction of Lake Highland Plant behind the facility.
OUC Consumer Accounting Department, 1947.
Forecasting and Funding Growth
Potential Electric and Water Plant in Windermere Post-War Era Positions OUC for the Next Generation
In 1944, faced with growing demand for electricity and water, OUC purchased 65 acres
During the early 1940s, OUC began what would
In the post-war 1940s, America experienced
of land on the southwestern part of town as sites
become a tradition of prudent financial planning
for a new power plant and water treatment facility.
and customer demand forecasting. In 1942, the
The two parcels of property were strategically
utility created cash reserves to pay for a $5 million
located on Lake Down in Windermere, Florida.
plant and property expansion program based
OUC also began purchasing right-of-way for
on a study that looked at future population and
transmission lines and water mains to tie in to
potential consumer requirements. The plan
OUC's existing system.
included increasing generating capacity by
However, because residents opposed using
installing a new steam turbine generator at the Lake Highland property.
the water plant were abandoned and the land
Projecting the need for an increase in water
was sold in 1964. The power plant site was
supply capacity of about 150 percent, the plan
retained for potential future purposes and
also suggested the addition of concrete and
renamed Camp Down.
cast-iron pipes and tubular tunnels to connect
plant had a rated capacity of 16 MGD and
resulted in the pollution of lakes, rivers and
featured highly sophisticated equipment
streams. This prompted Congress to enact
capable of treating raw water, which by 1949
the first major legislation in the country’s
was being withdrawn from Lakes Highland,
history (the Federal Water Pollution Control
Ivanhoe, Concord, Adair and Underhill. The
Act of 1948) to “enhance the quality and value
surface water was used for treatment in the
of our water resources and to establish a
water plant, as well as to cool the electric plant. weathered the nation’s economic collapse, the
as the Clean Water Act, this was seen as the
Great Depression and World War II — was
beginning of government regulation of both
poised to enter a period of rapid growth and
the water and energy industries. In 1949,
change, fueled by a burgeoning population
OUC completed the new Lake Highland Plant.
and driven by Space Age technology.
to be a modern high-pressure facility, having
Camp Down in Windermere, Florida.
a capacity of 25,000 kW. When combined with the existing 19,000 kW, the plant’s total generation capacity grew to 44,000 kW. OUC made adequate provisions, so that additional units could be added at minimum cost, as Orlando grew and demand for electrical energy increased. Electric units at Lake Ivanhoe.
urtis H. Stanton was born in Key West, Florida. He graduated from the University of Florida in 1940 with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree and was hired by the General Electric Company in Schenectady, New York. He joined Orlando Utilities Commission in 1947 as Assistant General Manager, working for GM Martin Brown. Shortly thereafter, Brown passed away, and Stanton took the reins. He was just 29. Heavily recruited by the OUC board from General Electric, Stanton had already developed a reputation as someone who knew how to get things done. He was the perfect person to lead a small utility facing rampant growth. One of his first duties was the construction of the Lake Highland Plant,
a power and water plant that would come online in 1949. The Indian River Plant in Brevard County followed more than a decade later in 1960. Stanton remained at the helm of OUC for 35 years, turning the local utility into a powerful player in the electric and water utility industry. A trailblazer whose relationshipbuilding skills enabled him to forge valuable partnerships with organizations both large and small, Stanton was instrumental in forming entities like the Florida Electric Power Coordinating Group (FCG) that benefited not only citizens of Orlando, but people throughout Florida as well. Under his leadership, OUC’s water system was upgraded from surface water to well water, and coal and nuclear power were added to the generation portfolio. Stanton once said, “In all my years of experience, I can tell you there is nothing louder than a silent power plant.” As a result during his tenure, he made sure that OUC
Page 12
As the decade drew to a close, OUC — having
abatement of water pollution.” Later known
For its time, the power plant was considered
Lakes Underhill, Highland, Ivanhoe, Big Fairview and Little Fairview.
rapid industrial and urban growth, which
national policy for the prevention, control and
the lake as a source of drinking water, plans for
The new Lake Highland water treatment
power plants were built with the best available technology at the time of construction and were among the most efficiently run generation units in the country. Stanton was active in the local community, as well as in national water and electric trade associations. As president of the American Water Works Association, he represented that group on a visit to President Jimmy Carter in the White House in 1979. He also served as the president of the Orlando Chamber of Commerce and was awarded the prestigious John Young Award from Junior Achievement for distinguishing himself in his field and bringing national acclaim and public notice to Orlando.
Page 13
1923–1949 Lake Ivanhoe Plant in forefront and construction of Lake Highland Plant behind the facility.
OUC Consumer Accounting Department, 1947.
Forecasting and Funding Growth
Potential Electric and Water Plant in Windermere Post-War Era Positions OUC for the Next Generation
In 1944, faced with growing demand for electricity and water, OUC purchased 65 acres
During the early 1940s, OUC began what would
In the post-war 1940s, America experienced
of land on the southwestern part of town as sites
become a tradition of prudent financial planning
for a new power plant and water treatment facility.
and customer demand forecasting. In 1942, the
The two parcels of property were strategically
utility created cash reserves to pay for a $5 million
located on Lake Down in Windermere, Florida.
plant and property expansion program based
OUC also began purchasing right-of-way for
on a study that looked at future population and
transmission lines and water mains to tie in to
potential consumer requirements. The plan
OUC's existing system.
included increasing generating capacity by
However, because residents opposed using
installing a new steam turbine generator at the Lake Highland property.
the water plant were abandoned and the land
Projecting the need for an increase in water
was sold in 1964. The power plant site was
supply capacity of about 150 percent, the plan
retained for potential future purposes and
also suggested the addition of concrete and
renamed Camp Down.
cast-iron pipes and tubular tunnels to connect
plant had a rated capacity of 16 MGD and
resulted in the pollution of lakes, rivers and
featured highly sophisticated equipment
streams. This prompted Congress to enact
capable of treating raw water, which by 1949
the first major legislation in the country’s
was being withdrawn from Lakes Highland,
history (the Federal Water Pollution Control
Ivanhoe, Concord, Adair and Underhill. The
Act of 1948) to “enhance the quality and value
surface water was used for treatment in the
of our water resources and to establish a
water plant, as well as to cool the electric plant. weathered the nation’s economic collapse, the
as the Clean Water Act, this was seen as the
Great Depression and World War II — was
beginning of government regulation of both
poised to enter a period of rapid growth and
the water and energy industries. In 1949,
change, fueled by a burgeoning population
OUC completed the new Lake Highland Plant.
and driven by Space Age technology.
to be a modern high-pressure facility, having
Camp Down in Windermere, Florida.
a capacity of 25,000 kW. When combined with the existing 19,000 kW, the plant’s total generation capacity grew to 44,000 kW. OUC made adequate provisions, so that additional units could be added at minimum cost, as Orlando grew and demand for electrical energy increased. Electric units at Lake Ivanhoe.
urtis H. Stanton was born in Key West, Florida. He graduated from the University of Florida in 1940 with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree and was hired by the General Electric Company in Schenectady, New York. He joined Orlando Utilities Commission in 1947 as Assistant General Manager, working for GM Martin Brown. Shortly thereafter, Brown passed away, and Stanton took the reins. He was just 29. Heavily recruited by the OUC board from General Electric, Stanton had already developed a reputation as someone who knew how to get things done. He was the perfect person to lead a small utility facing rampant growth. One of his first duties was the construction of the Lake Highland Plant,
a power and water plant that would come online in 1949. The Indian River Plant in Brevard County followed more than a decade later in 1960. Stanton remained at the helm of OUC for 35 years, turning the local utility into a powerful player in the electric and water utility industry. A trailblazer whose relationshipbuilding skills enabled him to forge valuable partnerships with organizations both large and small, Stanton was instrumental in forming entities like the Florida Electric Power Coordinating Group (FCG) that benefited not only citizens of Orlando, but people throughout Florida as well. Under his leadership, OUC’s water system was upgraded from surface water to well water, and coal and nuclear power were added to the generation portfolio. Stanton once said, “In all my years of experience, I can tell you there is nothing louder than a silent power plant.” As a result during his tenure, he made sure that OUC
Page 12
As the decade drew to a close, OUC — having
abatement of water pollution.” Later known
For its time, the power plant was considered
Lakes Underhill, Highland, Ivanhoe, Big Fairview and Little Fairview.
rapid industrial and urban growth, which
national policy for the prevention, control and
the lake as a source of drinking water, plans for
The new Lake Highland water treatment
power plants were built with the best available technology at the time of construction and were among the most efficiently run generation units in the country. Stanton was active in the local community, as well as in national water and electric trade associations. As president of the American Water Works Association, he represented that group on a visit to President Jimmy Carter in the White House in 1979. He also served as the president of the Orlando Chamber of Commerce and was awarded the prestigious John Young Award from Junior Achievement for distinguishing himself in his field and bringing national acclaim and public notice to Orlando.
Page 13
RS STOME U C C ECTRI ERS 0 EL 0 6 USTOM , C 2 2 R E T 3 WA YEES 19,77 EMPLO 0 0 MWH 2 LLIONTED I M 1.4 GENERA NS GALLOPED N O I M L U L 3 BI WATER P OF
CHAPTER III:
A M E R I C A
1955
T O
T H E
1956
• Indian River Plant, Unit 2 is completed. • OUC begins burying power lines and replacing overhead lines with underground ones, along Colonial Drive, west to Texas Avenue.
request with the Atomic Energy
• OUC employee newsletter, the Spark &
Commission to join
Splash, debuts.
a study of the
M O O N
1964
• OUC files a
• Air Pollution Control Act of 1955 is enacted.
R A C E S
1950 –1969
1970 –1989
1990 –2010
O U C S E T S S I G H T S O N T E C H N O L O G Y, R E L I A B I L I T Y ollowing World War II, Florida was recognized as the last of the Eastern frontier states. By 1950, as Orlando’s population swelled to 51,826 (officially becoming a “metropolitan area”), the City had become the region’s financial,
business and residential growth. As America raced to the moon, OUC began to focus on new types of fuel and sources of water. The new Orlando Army Air Base and the arrival of the
powered generators.
OUC switches from surface water to well water from Floridan Aquifer.
1923 –1949
retail and transportation hub. Office buildings and shopping centers were built to support
possibilities of using nuclear-
1957
1875 –1922
• Glenn L. Martin Company decides to build missile facility
1966
research and production. As demand rose, OUC began a tradition of focusing on reliability
OUC installs first data processing system, the IBM-360.
and investing in new technology.
Glenn L. Martin Company in 1956 also put Central Florida on the map as a center for military Photo ASII-40-5875 Courtesy of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
in southwest Orlando.
1967
Setting Standards for the Future: OUC Pioneers Static Shield Wire
• OUC develops Handbook, formalizing employee policies.
1958
• Interstate 4 opens in Orlando,
Additions to the Lake
providing access to new areas
Highland Plant go into
of development in the northern
operation.
and southern regions of Orange County.
1960
• Air Quality Act of 1967 is enacted.
OUC always understood the importance of reliability — but during the 1950s, the utility
Although shield wire was commonly used
aggressively took this commitment to the next
for this purpose on transmission lines, its
level, investing in new technology that would
application on distribution systems was limited.
set standards for the future.
After an OUC study showed the process to be
For example, OUC was one of the first
the OUC system — improving reliability in
protect its distribution system against lightning
“the lightning capital of the United States.”
goes online.
1968 OUC opens new
• Clean Air Act of 1963 is enacted.
Administration Building
• 230,000-volt tie “interconnects”
and Customer Service Center.
OUC and FPL.
Page 14
effective, it became standard design throughout
utilities in the state to use static shield wire to
Indian River Plant
1963
strikes — a cause of frequent power outages.
Page 15
RS STOME U C C ECTRI ERS 0 EL 0 6 USTOM , C 2 2 R E T 3 WA YEES 19,77 EMPLO 0 0 MWH 2 LLIONTED I M 1.4 GENERA NS GALLOPED N O I M L U L 3 BI WATER P OF
CHAPTER III:
A M E R I C A
1955
T O
T H E
1956
• Indian River Plant, Unit 2 is completed. • OUC begins burying power lines and replacing overhead lines with underground ones, along Colonial Drive, west to Texas Avenue.
request with the Atomic Energy
• OUC employee newsletter, the Spark &
Commission to join
Splash, debuts.
a study of the
M O O N
1964
• OUC files a
• Air Pollution Control Act of 1955 is enacted.
R A C E S
1950 –1969
1970 –1989
1990 –2010
O U C S E T S S I G H T S O N T E C H N O L O G Y, R E L I A B I L I T Y ollowing World War II, Florida was recognized as the last of the Eastern frontier states. By 1950, as Orlando’s population swelled to 51,826 (officially becoming a “metropolitan area”), the City had become the region’s financial,
business and residential growth. As America raced to the moon, OUC began to focus on new types of fuel and sources of water. The new Orlando Army Air Base and the arrival of the
powered generators.
OUC switches from surface water to well water from Floridan Aquifer.
1923 –1949
retail and transportation hub. Office buildings and shopping centers were built to support
possibilities of using nuclear-
1957
1875 –1922
• Glenn L. Martin Company decides to build missile facility
1966
research and production. As demand rose, OUC began a tradition of focusing on reliability
OUC installs first data processing system, the IBM-360.
and investing in new technology.
Glenn L. Martin Company in 1956 also put Central Florida on the map as a center for military Photo ASII-40-5875 Courtesy of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
in southwest Orlando.
1967
Setting Standards for the Future: OUC Pioneers Static Shield Wire
• OUC develops Handbook, formalizing employee policies.
1958
• Interstate 4 opens in Orlando,
Additions to the Lake
providing access to new areas
Highland Plant go into
of development in the northern
operation.
and southern regions of Orange County.
1960
• Air Quality Act of 1967 is enacted.
OUC always understood the importance of reliability — but during the 1950s, the utility
Although shield wire was commonly used
aggressively took this commitment to the next
for this purpose on transmission lines, its
level, investing in new technology that would
application on distribution systems was limited.
set standards for the future.
After an OUC study showed the process to be
For example, OUC was one of the first
the OUC system — improving reliability in
protect its distribution system against lightning
“the lightning capital of the United States.”
goes online.
1968 OUC opens new
• Clean Air Act of 1963 is enacted.
Administration Building
• 230,000-volt tie “interconnects”
and Customer Service Center.
OUC and FPL.
Page 14
effective, it became standard design throughout
utilities in the state to use static shield wire to
Indian River Plant
1963
strikes — a cause of frequent power outages.
Page 15
Commitment to Facilitating Growth: T H E
G L E N N
L .
M A R T I N
In 1956, when the Glenn L. Martin Company decided to locate a large missile facility in southwest Orlando, OUC worked to provide the infrastructure needed to support the addition of this new company to our community.
“We found out where the Glenn Martin Company was going to locate about a week before it was publically announced. In those days, whoever had lines closest served the customer. So we got around there close enough. We also had the advantage of providing water in addition to electricity, which was a big plus for Martin. We agreed to build them a separate water plant, because they were too far away from our water lines. And we actually dug wells and put in a small water treatment plant.” – Curt Stanton OUC General Manager at the time The Martin facility, which would eventually employ thousands of people to manufacture missiles and other hardware for the U.S. military, became a major player in the growth that occurred in southwest Orange County during the 1950s and 1960s. The defense plant itself occupied hundreds of acres of land,
C O M PA N Y
and the company also purchased thousands of additional acres in southwest Orange County, which were developed into large commercial and “We were serving Martin industrial tracts, such as initially with 12 kV (12,000 Orlando Central Park. volts). It was coming all the In tandem with the way from the Lake Highland construction of the Plant. Boy, that is a long defense plant and the haul for that kind of load other properties, large residential neighborhoods for one circuit. So that’s why there was this impetus also sprung up. The new for us to immediately go out OUC Martin Plant there with 115 kV and put in provided water supply a substation.” for the new defense facility and the ancillary – Lou Stone developments that Plant Engineer at the time accompanied it. During this time, the Pine Hills area, located eight miles north of the defense plant, also began to undergo extensive residential and associated commercial development to accommodate many of the plant employees. To support this new growth area, OUC built the Pine Hills Water Plant in 1958 and installed distribution mains to deliver water to customers living in this unincorporated area of Orange County. Because the Martin Plant was located too far from existing lines, OUC built a dedicated water treatment plant to serve the facility and extended a 115 kilovolt (kV) line to provide electric service.
Beneath the Surface: Drawing Water from a New Source — the Floridan Aquifer To provide a safe and reliable drinking water supply for its customers, OUC began in 1957 to
service area and interconnected by means of
switch from surface water to well water drawn
transmission pipes.
from the Floridan Aquifer. As demand increased, withdrawals from the
OUC converts from surface to well water.
This new concept would provide OUC customers with an extremely reliable and
lakes dropped water levels to unacceptable
operationally efficient water system.
limits, especially during years when rainfall
Water from the aquifer also offered other
was very low. In addition, the quality of the
advantages: It was high quality compared
raw water pumped from the lakes required
to lake water, requiring less extensive and
extensive coagulation/filtration treatment,
less costly treatment; and it was plentiful,
which was very costly. This shift to groundwater meant that plants
eliminating the environmental and aesthetic problems that were caused when lakes
could be located anywhere in the service area,
began to be over-pumped beyond their
because wells could be drilled down to the
sustainable yield.
aquifer at any location. Thus, water plants could
Orlando Utilities Commission, led by GM Curt Stanton, touring new Martin Water Plant, 1958.
In 1957, OUC presented the City of Orlando with the Lake Eola fountain. Originally the idea of Linton E. Allen, then President of the First National Bank (now SunTrust), the City landmark was first called the “Centennial Fountain” but was renamed the “Linton E. Allen Memorial Fountain” after the community leader’s death.
Page 16
be spread out, strategically located within the
Page 17
Commitment to Facilitating Growth: T H E
G L E N N
L .
M A R T I N
In 1956, when the Glenn L. Martin Company decided to locate a large missile facility in southwest Orlando, OUC worked to provide the infrastructure needed to support the addition of this new company to our community.
“We found out where the Glenn Martin Company was going to locate about a week before it was publically announced. In those days, whoever had lines closest served the customer. So we got around there close enough. We also had the advantage of providing water in addition to electricity, which was a big plus for Martin. We agreed to build them a separate water plant, because they were too far away from our water lines. And we actually dug wells and put in a small water treatment plant.” – Curt Stanton OUC General Manager at the time The Martin facility, which would eventually employ thousands of people to manufacture missiles and other hardware for the U.S. military, became a major player in the growth that occurred in southwest Orange County during the 1950s and 1960s. The defense plant itself occupied hundreds of acres of land,
C O M PA N Y
and the company also purchased thousands of additional acres in southwest Orange County, which were developed into large commercial and “We were serving Martin industrial tracts, such as initially with 12 kV (12,000 Orlando Central Park. volts). It was coming all the In tandem with the way from the Lake Highland construction of the Plant. Boy, that is a long defense plant and the haul for that kind of load other properties, large residential neighborhoods for one circuit. So that’s why there was this impetus also sprung up. The new for us to immediately go out OUC Martin Plant there with 115 kV and put in provided water supply a substation.” for the new defense facility and the ancillary – Lou Stone developments that Plant Engineer at the time accompanied it. During this time, the Pine Hills area, located eight miles north of the defense plant, also began to undergo extensive residential and associated commercial development to accommodate many of the plant employees. To support this new growth area, OUC built the Pine Hills Water Plant in 1958 and installed distribution mains to deliver water to customers living in this unincorporated area of Orange County. Because the Martin Plant was located too far from existing lines, OUC built a dedicated water treatment plant to serve the facility and extended a 115 kilovolt (kV) line to provide electric service.
Beneath the Surface: Drawing Water from a New Source — the Floridan Aquifer To provide a safe and reliable drinking water supply for its customers, OUC began in 1957 to
service area and interconnected by means of
switch from surface water to well water drawn
transmission pipes.
from the Floridan Aquifer. As demand increased, withdrawals from the
OUC converts from surface to well water.
This new concept would provide OUC customers with an extremely reliable and
lakes dropped water levels to unacceptable
operationally efficient water system.
limits, especially during years when rainfall
Water from the aquifer also offered other
was very low. In addition, the quality of the
advantages: It was high quality compared
raw water pumped from the lakes required
to lake water, requiring less extensive and
extensive coagulation/filtration treatment,
less costly treatment; and it was plentiful,
which was very costly. This shift to groundwater meant that plants
eliminating the environmental and aesthetic problems that were caused when lakes
could be located anywhere in the service area,
began to be over-pumped beyond their
because wells could be drilled down to the
sustainable yield.
aquifer at any location. Thus, water plants could
Orlando Utilities Commission, led by GM Curt Stanton, touring new Martin Water Plant, 1958.
In 1957, OUC presented the City of Orlando with the Lake Eola fountain. Originally the idea of Linton E. Allen, then President of the First National Bank (now SunTrust), the City landmark was first called the “Centennial Fountain” but was renamed the “Linton E. Allen Memorial Fountain” after the community leader’s death.
Page 16
be spread out, strategically located within the
Page 17
he 1960s saw advancements in transmitting and pooling electricity. Load dispatchers used the economic loading slide rule, which was the first analog computer at OUC. This helped them determine which units were the most “economical” to run during certain periods of time, based on factors like fuel cost and transmission availability.
Larger, More Efficient Lake Highland Units Come Online In 1958 — after the larger, more efficient
for peaking service. At the time of their
Lake Highland Plant went into operation and
installation, these units were the largest
the Lake Ivanhoe Plant was taken offline —
peaking gas turbines in the world.
the OUC electric system grew rapidly. In just
General Manager Curt Stanton and Plant
one year, load increased 25 percent. In fact,
Engineer Harry Luff co-authored a technical
backup generation to cover the loss of units. For that reason,
OUC was expanding so quickly that its
paper on operation and maintenance of
interconnections provided OUC the ability to connect with
engineering firm recommended installing two
these turbines, which was presented to the
other utilities and back each other up.
gas turbines, in addition to the existing steam
American Society of Mechanical Engineers
units, at the Lake Highland Plant to be used
Gas Turbine Conference in 1961.
Utilities stood on their own and had to have enough
Interconnections were established with Florida Power
Harry Luff, Curt Stanton, Ted Pope.
Corporation in Orlando and later with Florida Power & Light (FPL) on the East Coast near the new plant site on the Indian River. At 2:46 p.m. on October 15, 1963, a 230,000-volt tie between OUC and FPL was energized at the Commission’s Indian River Plant by Curt Stanton, Executive Vice President and GM of OUC, and Alan Wright, Vice President of FPL. “The energizing of this tie represents the completion of another phase of the Orlando Utilities’ overall expansion
OUC Conducts First Long-Range Planning Study As OUC’s service territory continued to
transmission lines that would loop around
expand, the utility undertook the first long-range
Orlando. All recommendations were approved
planning study of its electric system with outside
by the Commission.
engineering firm Black and Veatch to evaluate the system and establish a plan for facilitating growth.
In 1961, the high-voltage transmission loop around the Orlando area was completed —
program to strengthen and increase the capability of its
To increase system reliability, Black and
expanding system,” Stanton said. “This new tie offers a
Veatch recommended that OUC establish
interconnections with other power systems. And
further source of supply of energy in the event of power
interconnections with other power systems,
in 1964, OUC began burying power lines and
failure and increases the total tie capacity to 350,000 kW.”
select a site for a new power plant and install
replacing overhead lines with underground utilities
(Orlando Sentinel, October 16, 1963)
a new generating unit. The study also revealed
along Colonial Drive west to Texas Avenue.
placing OUC in a strong position to add more
the need for new substations and 115 kV
Indian River Plant Hailed as “Marvel of Efficiency and Modern Technology”
Living Better . . . Electrically
In 1960, a new generating plant was designed
reported to have been the largest single project
at the time: “Working to keep electricity your
and constructed in Brevard County along the Indian
money-wise in OUC history (OUC Today, Indian
B.E.S.T. value!”
River. Aptly named the Indian River Plant (IRP), this
River Anniversary Issue, Vol. XXI, No. 1, 1985).
oil- and gas-fired unit was more than twice the size
When IRP opened, local media hailed it as a
provided two strategic advantages: an unlimited
marvel of efficiency and modern technology. With
supply of cooling water for the steam condensers
a nameplate rating of 78.5 MW and the capability
and water transportation for fuel oil deliveries from
system was closed for the first time at 11:53 p.m.
to produce more than 90 MW under peak load
nearby Port Canaveral.
on February 20, 1960. One thousand people
conditions, its generators would power growth in
braved bad weather to attend the dedication of
the area — producing energy at a cost of two cents
oil via Port Canaveral — occurred four years
the new plant, located halfway between Titusville
per kilowatt hour, the lowest price in the history of
later after the completion of the 205-MW Unit 2
and Cocoa. Built at a cost of $16 million, IRP was
the utility, clearly supporting OUC Today’s slogan
at IRP.
of the largest unit at the Lake Highland Plant. The switch connecting IRP to OUC’s electric
As part of a national campaign launched by the electric industry, OUC participated in the Gold Medallion Home program, which touted the built-in advantages of “living better electrically.” Dwellings that were awarded this seal used “low-cost electricity” exclusively for “winter heat, summer cooling, year-around cooking and water-heating, as well as for light and power.”
Page 18
The plant’s location along the Indian River
Page 19
That milestone — the first barge delivery of
he 1960s saw advancements in transmitting and pooling electricity. Load dispatchers used the economic loading slide rule, which was the first analog computer at OUC. This helped them determine which units were the most “economical” to run during certain periods of time, based on factors like fuel cost and transmission availability.
Larger, More Efficient Lake Highland Units Come Online In 1958 — after the larger, more efficient
for peaking service. At the time of their
Lake Highland Plant went into operation and
installation, these units were the largest
the Lake Ivanhoe Plant was taken offline —
peaking gas turbines in the world.
the OUC electric system grew rapidly. In just
General Manager Curt Stanton and Plant
one year, load increased 25 percent. In fact,
Engineer Harry Luff co-authored a technical
backup generation to cover the loss of units. For that reason,
OUC was expanding so quickly that its
paper on operation and maintenance of
interconnections provided OUC the ability to connect with
engineering firm recommended installing two
these turbines, which was presented to the
other utilities and back each other up.
gas turbines, in addition to the existing steam
American Society of Mechanical Engineers
units, at the Lake Highland Plant to be used
Gas Turbine Conference in 1961.
Utilities stood on their own and had to have enough
Interconnections were established with Florida Power
Harry Luff, Curt Stanton, Ted Pope.
Corporation in Orlando and later with Florida Power & Light (FPL) on the East Coast near the new plant site on the Indian River. At 2:46 p.m. on October 15, 1963, a 230,000-volt tie between OUC and FPL was energized at the Commission’s Indian River Plant by Curt Stanton, Executive Vice President and GM of OUC, and Alan Wright, Vice President of FPL. “The energizing of this tie represents the completion of another phase of the Orlando Utilities’ overall expansion
OUC Conducts First Long-Range Planning Study As OUC’s service territory continued to
transmission lines that would loop around
expand, the utility undertook the first long-range
Orlando. All recommendations were approved
planning study of its electric system with outside
by the Commission.
engineering firm Black and Veatch to evaluate the system and establish a plan for facilitating growth.
In 1961, the high-voltage transmission loop around the Orlando area was completed —
program to strengthen and increase the capability of its
To increase system reliability, Black and
expanding system,” Stanton said. “This new tie offers a
Veatch recommended that OUC establish
interconnections with other power systems. And
further source of supply of energy in the event of power
interconnections with other power systems,
in 1964, OUC began burying power lines and
failure and increases the total tie capacity to 350,000 kW.”
select a site for a new power plant and install
replacing overhead lines with underground utilities
(Orlando Sentinel, October 16, 1963)
a new generating unit. The study also revealed
along Colonial Drive west to Texas Avenue.
placing OUC in a strong position to add more
the need for new substations and 115 kV
Indian River Plant Hailed as “Marvel of Efficiency and Modern Technology”
Living Better . . . Electrically
In 1960, a new generating plant was designed
reported to have been the largest single project
at the time: “Working to keep electricity your
and constructed in Brevard County along the Indian
money-wise in OUC history (OUC Today, Indian
B.E.S.T. value!”
River. Aptly named the Indian River Plant (IRP), this
River Anniversary Issue, Vol. XXI, No. 1, 1985).
oil- and gas-fired unit was more than twice the size
When IRP opened, local media hailed it as a
provided two strategic advantages: an unlimited
marvel of efficiency and modern technology. With
supply of cooling water for the steam condensers
a nameplate rating of 78.5 MW and the capability
and water transportation for fuel oil deliveries from
system was closed for the first time at 11:53 p.m.
to produce more than 90 MW under peak load
nearby Port Canaveral.
on February 20, 1960. One thousand people
conditions, its generators would power growth in
braved bad weather to attend the dedication of
the area — producing energy at a cost of two cents
oil via Port Canaveral — occurred four years
the new plant, located halfway between Titusville
per kilowatt hour, the lowest price in the history of
later after the completion of the 205-MW Unit 2
and Cocoa. Built at a cost of $16 million, IRP was
the utility, clearly supporting OUC Today’s slogan
at IRP.
of the largest unit at the Lake Highland Plant. The switch connecting IRP to OUC’s electric
As part of a national campaign launched by the electric industry, OUC participated in the Gold Medallion Home program, which touted the built-in advantages of “living better electrically.” Dwellings that were awarded this seal used “low-cost electricity” exclusively for “winter heat, summer cooling, year-around cooking and water-heating, as well as for light and power.”
Page 18
The plant’s location along the Indian River
Page 19
That milestone — the first barge delivery of
Environmental Regulations Groundbreaking for the OUC Administration Building.
In the ‘50s and ‘60s, the federal government enacted environmental legislation that would have a lasting effect on public utilities. The Air Pollution Control Act of 1955 — the first federal legislation involving air pollution — funded research for scope and sources of air pollution. The Clean Air Act of 1963 was the first federal legislation regarding air pollution control. It authorized the development of a national program to address air pollution-related environmental problems and authorized research into techniques to minimize air pollution.
OUC Helps Support City Services In 1966, OUC transferred $4.18 million to
sewerage and sanitary facilities, street paving,
the City of Orlando, which amounted to more
cleaning and lighting, parks and playgrounds,
than 50 percent of the City’s operating
traffic engineering, airport operation, health
budget. Power and water contributions
department services and many more
helped provide police and fire protection,
community services.
In 1968, the Florida State Board of Health
Mapping a System of Pipes, Power Lines, Plants and Substations One of the most significant accomplishments
The Air Quality Act of 1967 authorized enforcement procedures for air pollution problems involving interstate transport of pollutants and authorized expanded research activities.
OUC Water Department Chosen Best in State populations of more than 25,000, the state
chose OUC’s water department as the best
board of field sanitary engineers judged the
large-city operation in the state for the previous
Orlando plant tops in product quality, employee
three years. After inspecting private and
professionalism, preventive maintenance, safety,
municipal facilities serving areas with
cleanliness and emergency planning.
OUC Opens New Administration Building
easily. It needed not only the appropriate
On April 18, 1968, OUC opened its new,
of the late 1960s was the improvement of
technology, but also required that people
eight-story, $3 million Administration Building
Building will give the Commission a greater
OUC’s electric mapping system. Up to that
change longstanding habits.
and Customer Service Center at the corner of
operational capacity, a needed capacity
time, most of the feeder circuits and electrical
The mapping system process was continually
Manager, “The new Administration
Orange Avenue and Anderson Street. The
with the advent of Disney World, Florida
switching capabilities had resided in the minds
upgraded and improved as time and technology
new facility, which would serve as OUC’s
Technological University and the new Naval
of a few people and hard copies of maps. But,
advanced to the point where even field
home in downtown Orlando for the next 40
Training Center. These additions to our
as OUC grew, better documentation was
personnel have access to mapping and
years, housed all of the Commission’s
economy will put increasing demands upon
needed. This process, however, did not come
switching procedures via portable computers.
administrative personnel, as well as business
OUC to supply efficient, low-cost electric
and accounting divisions.
and water services to a wide variety of new
According to Curtis H. Stanton, OUC Executive Vice President and General
Information Technology: From Spiral Notebooks to Mainframes Logging information into spiral notebooks was standard procedure when OUC first began operations in 1923. In 1966, that all changed, as the utility installed the first stage of its new $600,000 data processing system. The basic units of the new system, the IBM-360, were installed on the seventh floor of City Hall until the Commission’s new building was complete. B.L. Cording, OUC data processing division director, told the Orlando Morning Sentinel that “the IBM-360 is a vast, powerful system that will simplify OUC’s programming effort and will allow maximum utilization of equipment and provide continuous availability of necessary information.” (Orlando Sentinel, 1966)
Page 20
Page 21
industries, businesses, public institutions and residential areas.”
Environmental Regulations Groundbreaking for the OUC Administration Building.
In the ‘50s and ‘60s, the federal government enacted environmental legislation that would have a lasting effect on public utilities. The Air Pollution Control Act of 1955 — the first federal legislation involving air pollution — funded research for scope and sources of air pollution. The Clean Air Act of 1963 was the first federal legislation regarding air pollution control. It authorized the development of a national program to address air pollution-related environmental problems and authorized research into techniques to minimize air pollution.
OUC Helps Support City Services In 1966, OUC transferred $4.18 million to
sewerage and sanitary facilities, street paving,
the City of Orlando, which amounted to more
cleaning and lighting, parks and playgrounds,
than 50 percent of the City’s operating
traffic engineering, airport operation, health
budget. Power and water contributions
department services and many more
helped provide police and fire protection,
community services.
In 1968, the Florida State Board of Health
Mapping a System of Pipes, Power Lines, Plants and Substations One of the most significant accomplishments
The Air Quality Act of 1967 authorized enforcement procedures for air pollution problems involving interstate transport of pollutants and authorized expanded research activities.
OUC Water Department Chosen Best in State populations of more than 25,000, the state
chose OUC’s water department as the best
board of field sanitary engineers judged the
large-city operation in the state for the previous
Orlando plant tops in product quality, employee
three years. After inspecting private and
professionalism, preventive maintenance, safety,
municipal facilities serving areas with
cleanliness and emergency planning.
OUC Opens New Administration Building
easily. It needed not only the appropriate
On April 18, 1968, OUC opened its new,
of the late 1960s was the improvement of
technology, but also required that people
eight-story, $3 million Administration Building
Building will give the Commission a greater
OUC’s electric mapping system. Up to that
change longstanding habits.
and Customer Service Center at the corner of
operational capacity, a needed capacity
time, most of the feeder circuits and electrical
The mapping system process was continually
Manager, “The new Administration
Orange Avenue and Anderson Street. The
with the advent of Disney World, Florida
switching capabilities had resided in the minds
upgraded and improved as time and technology
new facility, which would serve as OUC’s
Technological University and the new Naval
of a few people and hard copies of maps. But,
advanced to the point where even field
home in downtown Orlando for the next 40
Training Center. These additions to our
as OUC grew, better documentation was
personnel have access to mapping and
years, housed all of the Commission’s
economy will put increasing demands upon
needed. This process, however, did not come
switching procedures via portable computers.
administrative personnel, as well as business
OUC to supply efficient, low-cost electric
and accounting divisions.
and water services to a wide variety of new
According to Curtis H. Stanton, OUC Executive Vice President and General
Information Technology: From Spiral Notebooks to Mainframes Logging information into spiral notebooks was standard procedure when OUC first began operations in 1923. In 1966, that all changed, as the utility installed the first stage of its new $600,000 data processing system. The basic units of the new system, the IBM-360, were installed on the seventh floor of City Hall until the Commission’s new building was complete. B.L. Cording, OUC data processing division director, told the Orlando Morning Sentinel that “the IBM-360 is a vast, powerful system that will simplify OUC’s programming effort and will allow maximum utilization of equipment and provide continuous availability of necessary information.” (Orlando Sentinel, 1966)
Page 20
Page 21
industries, businesses, public institutions and residential areas.”
MERS CUSTO C I R T EC RS 7 EL STOME U C 59,98 R TE 5 WA 52,58 YEES TED EMPLO ENERA G 0 H 4 W 7 ON M S OF MILLI 4 . ALLON 1 G N O BILLI MPED 9.6 WATER PU
CHAPTER IV:
A
B A L A N C I N G
A C T
1971
1980
1981
OUC develops its first Administrative Policy Manual,
• Charles J. Hawkins is
Grace Lindblom is elected first
elected first African-
female OUC Board President.
written by Assistant General Manager Harry Luff.
1973
1976
New computer-based
OUC lays off 39 employees
control center goes into
due to rate pressures resulting
operation at OUC’s
from the fuel crunch. This
Lake Highland Plant.
was the only layoff in the
UNPRECEDENTED GROWTH AND GROUNDBREAKING EN VIRON M EN TA L R EGU L AT ION rom an energy crisis . . . to a heat wave and drought . . .
1980s marked a period of both turbulence and growth for
Orlando became the No. 1 destination for relocation in Florida, and the
1984 • OUC begins Home
the energy and water industries. It was a perfect storm for brewing
utility grew its customer base by a record 41 percent. In that same time
sweeping environmental regulation, including the establishment of
period, OUC’s assets rose from $245 million to $1.2 billion as
the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
infrastructure was added to meet customers’ needs. Thanks to the opening of Walt Disney World® in 1971, Central Florida
Energy Audit
1983 • On October 31, Curt
also became the nation’s top tourist destination; and Orlando
program.
International Airport grew to one of the busiest in the world. With
• Lake Highland
increased development came a heightened urgency to find new ways
Plant is retired.
to move data and communicate. As a result, this time period would see major developments in information technology as the world moved
Stanton retires at age 65.
from mainframes to desktop computers.
• Harry Luff is promoted to GM. • OUC acquires Dr. Phillips Water System.
original group, 13 employees were later rehired.
In the midst of such transformative change, OUC faced a balancing
1986
act. To accommodate rapid growth, new environmental regulations
• GM Harry Luff retires;
power plants, established energy and water partnerships, and
and the need for fuel diversity, the utility added a series of new
Ted Pope is named
significantly increased its water operation through acquisition of the
General Manager.
Dr. Phillips Utilities, which served customers in southwest Orange County near the soon-to-be tourism corridor. OUC — like the region
• OUC launches “Proud
it served — was laying a foundation for the future. At the same time,
to Serve Y.O.U.”
1978 OUC helps launch the Florida Municipal Power Agency (FMPA) – a non-profit, joint action public agency formed by 30 municipal electric utilities.
For OUC, this era marked a period of historic expansion that would
OUC Board.
system plants.
company’s history. Of the
it proved to be one of the strongest municipal utilities in the nation by
employee initiative.
1987 • Stanton Energy Center begins commercial operation. • OUC introduces the use of
being the first to receive an “AAA” rating on its bonds from a major rating agency in 1989.
1988 OUC opens first enclosed substation on Robinson Street Copyright 1971 Gary Gimee
mainframe computing.
Page 22
1990 –2010
continue for more than three decades. Between 1978 and 1988,
50th anniversary.
1974
1970 –1989
to a more competitive business climate, the 1970s and
purchases five water
Commission celebrates
1950 –1969
American President of • OUC Water Operations
Orlando Utilities
1923 –1949
1875 –1922
in Downtown Orlando.
Pictured left: In 1971, Walt Disney World® opened and Central Florida became home to the largest theme park in the world with hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Although Disney World was not inside OUC’s service territory, the park acted as a catalyst for growth throughout the region. From hotels and restaurants to accommodate tourists to homes for Disney employees, the demand for OUC power and water grew rapidly as a result of the park’s opening.
Page 23
MERS CUSTO C I R T EC RS 7 EL STOME U C 59,98 R TE 5 WA 52,58 YEES TED EMPLO ENERA G 0 H 4 W 7 ON M S OF MILLI 4 . ALLON 1 G N O BILLI MPED 9.6 WATER PU
CHAPTER IV:
A
B A L A N C I N G
A C T
1971
1980
1981
OUC develops its first Administrative Policy Manual,
• Charles J. Hawkins is
Grace Lindblom is elected first
elected first African-
female OUC Board President.
written by Assistant General Manager Harry Luff.
1973
1976
New computer-based
OUC lays off 39 employees
control center goes into
due to rate pressures resulting
operation at OUC’s
from the fuel crunch. This
Lake Highland Plant.
was the only layoff in the
UNPRECEDENTED GROWTH AND GROUNDBREAKING EN VIRON M EN TA L R EGU L AT ION rom an energy crisis . . . to a heat wave and drought . . .
1980s marked a period of both turbulence and growth for
Orlando became the No. 1 destination for relocation in Florida, and the
1984 • OUC begins Home
the energy and water industries. It was a perfect storm for brewing
utility grew its customer base by a record 41 percent. In that same time
sweeping environmental regulation, including the establishment of
period, OUC’s assets rose from $245 million to $1.2 billion as
the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
infrastructure was added to meet customers’ needs. Thanks to the opening of Walt Disney World® in 1971, Central Florida
Energy Audit
1983 • On October 31, Curt
also became the nation’s top tourist destination; and Orlando
program.
International Airport grew to one of the busiest in the world. With
• Lake Highland
increased development came a heightened urgency to find new ways
Plant is retired.
to move data and communicate. As a result, this time period would see major developments in information technology as the world moved
Stanton retires at age 65.
from mainframes to desktop computers.
• Harry Luff is promoted to GM. • OUC acquires Dr. Phillips Water System.
original group, 13 employees were later rehired.
In the midst of such transformative change, OUC faced a balancing
1986
act. To accommodate rapid growth, new environmental regulations
• GM Harry Luff retires;
power plants, established energy and water partnerships, and
and the need for fuel diversity, the utility added a series of new
Ted Pope is named
significantly increased its water operation through acquisition of the
General Manager.
Dr. Phillips Utilities, which served customers in southwest Orange County near the soon-to-be tourism corridor. OUC — like the region
• OUC launches “Proud
it served — was laying a foundation for the future. At the same time,
to Serve Y.O.U.”
1978 OUC helps launch the Florida Municipal Power Agency (FMPA) – a non-profit, joint action public agency formed by 30 municipal electric utilities.
For OUC, this era marked a period of historic expansion that would
OUC Board.
system plants.
company’s history. Of the
it proved to be one of the strongest municipal utilities in the nation by
employee initiative.
1987 • Stanton Energy Center begins commercial operation. • OUC introduces the use of
being the first to receive an “AAA” rating on its bonds from a major rating agency in 1989.
1988 OUC opens first enclosed substation on Robinson Street Copyright 1971 Gary Gimee
mainframe computing.
Page 22
1990 –2010
continue for more than three decades. Between 1978 and 1988,
50th anniversary.
1974
1970 –1989
to a more competitive business climate, the 1970s and
purchases five water
Commission celebrates
1950 –1969
American President of • OUC Water Operations
Orlando Utilities
1923 –1949
1875 –1922
in Downtown Orlando.
Pictured left: In 1971, Walt Disney World® opened and Central Florida became home to the largest theme park in the world with hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Although Disney World was not inside OUC’s service territory, the park acted as a catalyst for growth throughout the region. From hotels and restaurants to accommodate tourists to homes for Disney employees, the demand for OUC power and water grew rapidly as a result of the park’s opening.
Page 23
Unprecedentedl Environmenta Regulations New Standards for Clean Air and Water From 1970 to 1989, the nation and Florida, in particular, experienced some of the most
and protection of our waterways from pollution. The EPA was given authority to set standards and
sweeping environmental regulation in history —
oversee the state and local water suppliers who
impacting everything from the air we breathe
implement those standards.
and water we drink to the way water pollution is
In 1972, as a record heat wave hit Florida,
monitored and large-scale power generation
emergency power cutbacks were invoked for at
projects are approved.
least 350 industries statewide, and a waiver was
On the electric side, the establishment of
granted for generating-plant pollution standards.
the Clean Air Act resulted in a major shift in
Orlando remained one of the few areas in the
the government’s role in air pollution control,
state able to operate with power reserves and to
significantly expanding its enforcement authority.
sell power to electricity-poor regions. Power
As a result of increased monitoring requirements,
consumption in Orlando was 350,000 kW, leaving
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
OUC with 40,000 kW to market.
was formed to consolidate all environmental
As a result of increased demand and the need
regulations and policies governing air, water
to expedite power plant projects through the
and land under one agency.
permitting process, the Florida Electric Power
On the water side, the amendment of the
Plant Siting Act (PPSA) was passed in 1973,
Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1948 and
creating a centralized process for licensing large
the enactment of the Safe Drinking Water Act set
power plant projects.
new standards for ensuring drinking water quality
From 1970 to 1989, more major environmental legislation was passed in the United States than in all the years before and after . . . combined. Much of the regulation was geared to clean water and clean air — and, as such, it had a profound effect on utility companies. Following is a summary of those laws. • The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was established in 1970 to consolidate into one agency a variety of federal research, monitoring, standardsetting and enforcement activities to ensure environmental protection. EPA's mission is to protect human health and to safeguard the natural environment — air, water and land. • The Clean Air Act of 1970 (CAA) resulted in a major shift in the federal government's role in air pollution control. This legislation authorized the development of comprehensive federal and state regulations to limit emissions from both stationary (industrial) and mobile sources. The enforcement authority was substantially expanded. • 1972 Amendments to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1948 were approved. Growing public awareness and concern for controlling water pollution led to sweeping
Page 24
amendments to the original law. New amendments to the Water Pollution Control Act changed the thrust of enforcement of water quality standards, regulating the amount of pollutants in a given body of water, effluent limitations, and the amount of pollutants being discharged from particular point sources. • The Florida Electric Power Plant Siting Act of 1973 (PPSA, ss. 403.501-.518) established the state’s centralized process for licensing large power plants via one certification that replaces local and state permits. Local governments and state agencies within whose jurisdiction the power plant is to be built participate in the process. Certification addresses permitting, land use and zoning, and property interests. • The Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974 (SDWA) was enacted by Congress to protect the country’s public drinking water supply and ensure the quality of Americans’ drinking water. Under SDWA, the EPA sets drinking water standards and oversees the states, localities and water suppliers who implement those standards. • 1977 Amendments to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1948 (now referred to as the Clean Water Act), established the basic structure for
Page 25
regulating pollutants discharged into the waters of the U.S., giving EPA the authority to implement pollution-control programs such as setting wastewater standards for industry. • 1977 Amendments to the Clean Air Act of 1970 set major permit review requirements to ensure attainment and maintenance of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) established under the CAA of 1970. • 1981 Amendments to the Clean Water Act streamlined the municipal construction grants process, improving the capabilities of treatment plants built under the program. • 1986 Amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act required a number of actions to protect drinking water and its sources: rivers, lakes, reservoirs, springs and groundwater wells. • 1987 Amendments to the Clean Water Act phased out the construction grants program, replacing it with the State Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund, more commonly known as the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. This new funding strategy addressed water quality needs by building on EPA-state partnerships.
Unprecedentedl Environmenta Regulations New Standards for Clean Air and Water From 1970 to 1989, the nation and Florida, in particular, experienced some of the most
and protection of our waterways from pollution. The EPA was given authority to set standards and
sweeping environmental regulation in history —
oversee the state and local water suppliers who
impacting everything from the air we breathe
implement those standards.
and water we drink to the way water pollution is
In 1972, as a record heat wave hit Florida,
monitored and large-scale power generation
emergency power cutbacks were invoked for at
projects are approved.
least 350 industries statewide, and a waiver was
On the electric side, the establishment of
granted for generating-plant pollution standards.
the Clean Air Act resulted in a major shift in
Orlando remained one of the few areas in the
the government’s role in air pollution control,
state able to operate with power reserves and to
significantly expanding its enforcement authority.
sell power to electricity-poor regions. Power
As a result of increased monitoring requirements,
consumption in Orlando was 350,000 kW, leaving
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
OUC with 40,000 kW to market.
was formed to consolidate all environmental
As a result of increased demand and the need
regulations and policies governing air, water
to expedite power plant projects through the
and land under one agency.
permitting process, the Florida Electric Power
On the water side, the amendment of the
Plant Siting Act (PPSA) was passed in 1973,
Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1948 and
creating a centralized process for licensing large
the enactment of the Safe Drinking Water Act set
power plant projects.
new standards for ensuring drinking water quality
From 1970 to 1989, more major environmental legislation was passed in the United States than in all the years before and after . . . combined. Much of the regulation was geared to clean water and clean air — and, as such, it had a profound effect on utility companies. Following is a summary of those laws. • The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was established in 1970 to consolidate into one agency a variety of federal research, monitoring, standardsetting and enforcement activities to ensure environmental protection. EPA's mission is to protect human health and to safeguard the natural environment — air, water and land. • The Clean Air Act of 1970 (CAA) resulted in a major shift in the federal government's role in air pollution control. This legislation authorized the development of comprehensive federal and state regulations to limit emissions from both stationary (industrial) and mobile sources. The enforcement authority was substantially expanded. • 1972 Amendments to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1948 were approved. Growing public awareness and concern for controlling water pollution led to sweeping
Page 24
amendments to the original law. New amendments to the Water Pollution Control Act changed the thrust of enforcement of water quality standards, regulating the amount of pollutants in a given body of water, effluent limitations, and the amount of pollutants being discharged from particular point sources. • The Florida Electric Power Plant Siting Act of 1973 (PPSA, ss. 403.501-.518) established the state’s centralized process for licensing large power plants via one certification that replaces local and state permits. Local governments and state agencies within whose jurisdiction the power plant is to be built participate in the process. Certification addresses permitting, land use and zoning, and property interests. • The Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974 (SDWA) was enacted by Congress to protect the country’s public drinking water supply and ensure the quality of Americans’ drinking water. Under SDWA, the EPA sets drinking water standards and oversees the states, localities and water suppliers who implement those standards. • 1977 Amendments to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1948 (now referred to as the Clean Water Act), established the basic structure for
Page 25
regulating pollutants discharged into the waters of the U.S., giving EPA the authority to implement pollution-control programs such as setting wastewater standards for industry. • 1977 Amendments to the Clean Air Act of 1970 set major permit review requirements to ensure attainment and maintenance of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) established under the CAA of 1970. • 1981 Amendments to the Clean Water Act streamlined the municipal construction grants process, improving the capabilities of treatment plants built under the program. • 1986 Amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act required a number of actions to protect drinking water and its sources: rivers, lakes, reservoirs, springs and groundwater wells. • 1987 Amendments to the Clean Water Act phased out the construction grants program, replacing it with the State Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund, more commonly known as the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. This new funding strategy addressed water quality needs by building on EPA-state partnerships.
Florida Electric Power Coordinating Group Formed; Utilities Work Together to Lower Power Costs through Economic Dispatch In 1972, the Florida Electric Power
OUC celebrated its Golden Anniversary.
Those close to the negotiations felt that
Coordinating Group, Inc. (FCG) was formed
Curt Stanton’s relationship with Marshall
to promote coordinated facilities, planning
McDonald, the CEO of Florida Power & Light
and transmission studies of all electric utilities
(FPL), was key to the successful establishment
in the state — including those that were
of FCG. Stanton and McDonald had known
investor-owned, as well as rural electric
each other since college. The trust between
cooperatives and municipals. Although it
the two men — one representing the largest
was initially difficult to get an organization
investor-owned utility and the other, the
of competing utilities off the ground, FCG
second largest municipal utility in the
ultimately became a highly successful
state — allowed the parties to put their
endeavor, benefiting all Florida electric
differences aside and work together in the
customers by lowering power costs. This
best interest of Floridians. This was the first
was accomplished through the economic
step toward creating a central economic
dispatch of generating units and the
dispatch where utilities coordinated outages
establishment of power interchange
and had a means of utilizing the most
brokering, which effectively achieved the
economical and efficient units first. It also
objectives of a formal power pool without
enabled OUC to monitor transmission
formal binding contracts.
capacity and plan for growth.
OUC Instrumental in Creating Power-Brokering Software Programs A leader in the region since interconnecting
Going live in February 1979, it ran at 20 minutes
with other utilities in 1960, OUC was involved
before the hour, giving utilities a 40-minute
in a joint study with FCG to look at developing
window to input quotes. The program would
a power-brokering system that would allow
print out a schedule for the next hour, matching
utilities to make decisions on buying and
the needs of the utilities to the available
selling power based on an hourly market. Prior
generation. Washburn said the new system
to the study, all transactions were conducted
met with great response, and Florida utilities
over the phone between utilities, and there
saw an annual savings that ranged from
was no centralized information or level playing
$20 million to $40 million.
field. An FCG study found that conducting more transactions in the State of Florida on
the 1990s when, in the face of deregulation, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
and implemented a new software system to
OUC Centralizes Water Operation Monitoring and Control
The power-brokering system was used until
an hourly basis would benefit the state. FCG and OUC's Tom Washburn developed
At OUC’s Lake Highland Water Treatment Plant, an operator could control water supply for more than 200,000 people in the Greater Orlando area from one console.
(FERC) mandated that all utilities use the centralized Open Access Same-Time
enable hourly transactions. Called General
Information System (OASIS), an Internet-
Electric Time Sharing, the program utilized a
based system for obtaining services related to
server in Bethesda, Maryland, that was
electric power transmission in North America.
connected to each of the Florida utilities.
Page 26
OUC’s Tom Washburn (left) developed and implemented a software system to enable hourly power-brokering transactions.
In 1974, a new computer-based control center was placed into operation at the Lake Highland Plant. Using the latest computer technology, OUC continued to monitor and control all water plants from this one centralized location. Featuring a console with monitors, the new center enabled a single operator to view the operational status of all OUC plants
and elevated tanks, as well as switches to turn pumps and equipment on and off. New software facilitated monitoring and control functionality, and collected and stored historical data that could be used to prepare reports and analyze the operation of the system. The control center was staffed with an operator 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Page 27
Florida Electric Power Coordinating Group Formed; Utilities Work Together to Lower Power Costs through Economic Dispatch In 1972, the Florida Electric Power
OUC celebrated its Golden Anniversary.
Those close to the negotiations felt that
Coordinating Group, Inc. (FCG) was formed
Curt Stanton’s relationship with Marshall
to promote coordinated facilities, planning
McDonald, the CEO of Florida Power & Light
and transmission studies of all electric utilities
(FPL), was key to the successful establishment
in the state — including those that were
of FCG. Stanton and McDonald had known
investor-owned, as well as rural electric
each other since college. The trust between
cooperatives and municipals. Although it
the two men — one representing the largest
was initially difficult to get an organization
investor-owned utility and the other, the
of competing utilities off the ground, FCG
second largest municipal utility in the
ultimately became a highly successful
state — allowed the parties to put their
endeavor, benefiting all Florida electric
differences aside and work together in the
customers by lowering power costs. This
best interest of Floridians. This was the first
was accomplished through the economic
step toward creating a central economic
dispatch of generating units and the
dispatch where utilities coordinated outages
establishment of power interchange
and had a means of utilizing the most
brokering, which effectively achieved the
economical and efficient units first. It also
objectives of a formal power pool without
enabled OUC to monitor transmission
formal binding contracts.
capacity and plan for growth.
OUC Instrumental in Creating Power-Brokering Software Programs A leader in the region since interconnecting
Going live in February 1979, it ran at 20 minutes
with other utilities in 1960, OUC was involved
before the hour, giving utilities a 40-minute
in a joint study with FCG to look at developing
window to input quotes. The program would
a power-brokering system that would allow
print out a schedule for the next hour, matching
utilities to make decisions on buying and
the needs of the utilities to the available
selling power based on an hourly market. Prior
generation. Washburn said the new system
to the study, all transactions were conducted
met with great response, and Florida utilities
over the phone between utilities, and there
saw an annual savings that ranged from
was no centralized information or level playing
$20 million to $40 million.
field. An FCG study found that conducting more transactions in the State of Florida on
the 1990s when, in the face of deregulation, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
and implemented a new software system to
OUC Centralizes Water Operation Monitoring and Control
The power-brokering system was used until
an hourly basis would benefit the state. FCG and OUC's Tom Washburn developed
At OUC’s Lake Highland Water Treatment Plant, an operator could control water supply for more than 200,000 people in the Greater Orlando area from one console.
(FERC) mandated that all utilities use the centralized Open Access Same-Time
enable hourly transactions. Called General
Information System (OASIS), an Internet-
Electric Time Sharing, the program utilized a
based system for obtaining services related to
server in Bethesda, Maryland, that was
electric power transmission in North America.
connected to each of the Florida utilities.
Page 26
OUC’s Tom Washburn (left) developed and implemented a software system to enable hourly power-brokering transactions.
In 1974, a new computer-based control center was placed into operation at the Lake Highland Plant. Using the latest computer technology, OUC continued to monitor and control all water plants from this one centralized location. Featuring a console with monitors, the new center enabled a single operator to view the operational status of all OUC plants
and elevated tanks, as well as switches to turn pumps and equipment on and off. New software facilitated monitoring and control functionality, and collected and stored historical data that could be used to prepare reports and analyze the operation of the system. The control center was staffed with an operator 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Page 27
The Naval Training Center was OUC’s largest customer in 1980.
Energy Crisis Fuels Need for Fuel Diversity; Nuclear Energy and Coal Enter the Mix From an energy and economic standpoint, the 1970s were in perpetual crisis. In October of 1973 — as a result of the Yom Kippur war that had begun earlier in the month — the Organization of the
jointly owned generation. And, it was an important to obtain economies of scale and increased plant efficiency that would not have been possible with either system acting alone. The joint venture required OUC to build a
quadrupled. Those events, coupled with mounting
transmission line from Orlando to Lakeland —
instability in the Middle East, prompted the U.S. to
not only allowing the two entities to partner, but
take a number of initiatives to reduce dependence
also providing access to Tampa Electric’s Lakeland-
on foreign oil.
to-Tampa transmission lines, thus opening up that
In Orlando, the fuel crunch prompted OUC to
route for power sales. The McIntosh plant would
turn off building lights at night and the City to
come online in 1981, providing OUC with 134 MW
cancel Christmas lighting. The energy crisis also
of coal-fired generation.
brought about large increases in the cost of fuel oil and gas for OUC’s plants. It became increasingly clear that, going forward, the utility should do everything possible to obtain diversity in its fuel supply by moving to nuclear and coal, which would
OUC Invests in Nuclear Generation To further diversify its fuel mix, in 1977, OUC
provide fuel flexibility and enable OUC to use the
bought a 1.6 percent interest in its first nuclear
most economical source of fuel at any given time.
project: the Crystal River 3 Nuclear Plant. Three
With that in mind, negotiations began with
years later, the utility agreed to buy a 6 percent
Florida Power Corp. and Florida Power & Light
interest in the St. Lucie 2 nuclear generating
Co. (FPL) for small ownership interest in nuclear
plant being built by FPL. OUC received about
plants that were under construction.
48 MW from the plant, which would come online
In 1977, OUC made its first foray into coal by
Page 28
of Florida that non-contiguous electric systems
embargo on oil exports to the United States.
cut production. By 1974, the price of oil had
capital needs and study the impact of major system expansion on rates. The utility also began to enlist financial experts to assist the organization in obtaining the lowest possible interest rates on new bond issues and refinancing older bonds.
generating station. It was the first time in the history
milestone because it enabled two smaller systems
in oil prices and was accompanied by a decision to
With the help of an accounting firm, an electric and water rate-making system was established that allowed OUC to strike a balance between financing growth and providing affordable rates. As an outgrowth of these activities, OUC began using corporate financial modeling to forecast long-range
the McIntosh Unit 3 Power Plant, a coal-fired
Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) declared an The embargo swiftly was followed by a steep hike
As the demand for new water and electric production increased, so did the need for funds to finance these projects. In the early ‘70s, OUC began to evaluate its financial operations from cash flow management and rate making to how it financed investments in infrastructure.
becoming co-owners with the City of Lakeland on
I
n 1979, Orange County Circuit Judge William C. Gridley ruled that OUC’s rates are “fair and conscientious and openly set.” The ruling was in response to a class action suit by Rosalind Holding Co. alleging that the Commission had overcharged customers since 1970. An appeals court upheld the 1979 ruling on the Rosalind Case and fairness of OUC’s rates.
in 1983.
Charles J. Hawkins became the first black President of the OUC Board. According to the June 8, 1980 issue of Florida Magazine, he is believed to be the first AfricanAmerican in the U.S. to become head of a major utilities commission.
Grace Lindblom was elected as the first female OUC Board President in 1981, becoming the first woman to head a utility in the state. Page 29
The Naval Training Center was OUC’s largest customer in 1980.
Energy Crisis Fuels Need for Fuel Diversity; Nuclear Energy and Coal Enter the Mix From an energy and economic standpoint, the 1970s were in perpetual crisis. In October of 1973 — as a result of the Yom Kippur war that had begun earlier in the month — the Organization of the
jointly owned generation. And, it was an important to obtain economies of scale and increased plant efficiency that would not have been possible with either system acting alone. The joint venture required OUC to build a
quadrupled. Those events, coupled with mounting
transmission line from Orlando to Lakeland —
instability in the Middle East, prompted the U.S. to
not only allowing the two entities to partner, but
take a number of initiatives to reduce dependence
also providing access to Tampa Electric’s Lakeland-
on foreign oil.
to-Tampa transmission lines, thus opening up that
In Orlando, the fuel crunch prompted OUC to
route for power sales. The McIntosh plant would
turn off building lights at night and the City to
come online in 1981, providing OUC with 134 MW
cancel Christmas lighting. The energy crisis also
of coal-fired generation.
brought about large increases in the cost of fuel oil and gas for OUC’s plants. It became increasingly clear that, going forward, the utility should do everything possible to obtain diversity in its fuel supply by moving to nuclear and coal, which would
OUC Invests in Nuclear Generation To further diversify its fuel mix, in 1977, OUC
provide fuel flexibility and enable OUC to use the
bought a 1.6 percent interest in its first nuclear
most economical source of fuel at any given time.
project: the Crystal River 3 Nuclear Plant. Three
With that in mind, negotiations began with
years later, the utility agreed to buy a 6 percent
Florida Power Corp. and Florida Power & Light
interest in the St. Lucie 2 nuclear generating
Co. (FPL) for small ownership interest in nuclear
plant being built by FPL. OUC received about
plants that were under construction.
48 MW from the plant, which would come online
In 1977, OUC made its first foray into coal by
Page 28
of Florida that non-contiguous electric systems
embargo on oil exports to the United States.
cut production. By 1974, the price of oil had
capital needs and study the impact of major system expansion on rates. The utility also began to enlist financial experts to assist the organization in obtaining the lowest possible interest rates on new bond issues and refinancing older bonds.
generating station. It was the first time in the history
milestone because it enabled two smaller systems
in oil prices and was accompanied by a decision to
With the help of an accounting firm, an electric and water rate-making system was established that allowed OUC to strike a balance between financing growth and providing affordable rates. As an outgrowth of these activities, OUC began using corporate financial modeling to forecast long-range
the McIntosh Unit 3 Power Plant, a coal-fired
Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) declared an The embargo swiftly was followed by a steep hike
As the demand for new water and electric production increased, so did the need for funds to finance these projects. In the early ‘70s, OUC began to evaluate its financial operations from cash flow management and rate making to how it financed investments in infrastructure.
becoming co-owners with the City of Lakeland on
I
n 1979, Orange County Circuit Judge William C. Gridley ruled that OUC’s rates are “fair and conscientious and openly set.” The ruling was in response to a class action suit by Rosalind Holding Co. alleging that the Commission had overcharged customers since 1970. An appeals court upheld the 1979 ruling on the Rosalind Case and fairness of OUC’s rates.
in 1983.
Charles J. Hawkins became the first black President of the OUC Board. According to the June 8, 1980 issue of Florida Magazine, he is believed to be the first AfricanAmerican in the U.S. to become head of a major utilities commission.
Grace Lindblom was elected as the first female OUC Board President in 1981, becoming the first woman to head a utility in the state. Page 29
Expanding OUC’s Water System through Acquisition The most significant change to the OUC water
OUC Develops Programs to Encourage Customer Conservation As a result of the energy crisis and drought
Bay Hill, a prominent residential development
As a result of the new structure, high energy
operations that occurred during the 1980s was
surrounding Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Golf
of the previous decade, conservation played
the purchase of five developer-built water system
Club, and Orange Tree, a residential/golf
a prominent role in the 1980s. To help reduce
plants from Orange County in 1980 and the
course community, were two of the premier
Florida’s dependency on foreign oil, the state
program — and it was a resounding success.
acquisition of the Dr. Phillips water system in
developments in the Dr. Phillips area
ordered utilities to conduct programs to lower
On the first day, more than 300 customers
1983. Through the Dr. Phillips purchase, OUC
acquired by OUC.
power consumption. In response, OUC
swamped OUC with requests for audits
developed numerous conservation initiatives,
(Orlando Sentinel, May 3, 1984). In addition to
users were charged a higher rate. In 1984, OUC began its Home Energy Audit
added 12 square miles of new service territory
“Orlando Utilities Commission has a long
along with an established customer base and
and enviable record of good management and
which served as the foundation of OUC’s
waiving the usual $15 fee, the program paid
existing water system infrastructure. The Dr.
outstanding service to its customers at
energy and water conservation efforts. Most
$5 to customers who had audits. OUC also
Phillips water system was owned and operated
reasonable rates. We are confident that the
have been expanded over the years and are
gave participants a one-time $10 credit for
by Dr. Phillips Utilities, a private company formed
Dr. Phillips community will be assured of the
still in place today.
buying energy-efficient appliances and a free
to provide water and wastewater service to an
proper attention to their needs by the Orlando
During this period, OUC revamped its
water-heater jacket, which saved them about
area in southwest Orange County that started to
Utilities Commission,” said H.E. Johnson,
rate structure for energy use to encourage
be developed in the early 1960s, as citrus groves
president of the Howard Phillips Fund, owner
conservation as part of a state-mandated plan.
gave way to residential homes and shopping
of all the utilities’ stock (The Times [Winter
Prior to this time, high energy users received
Home Energy Fix-up Program for homeowners
centers. The Dr. Phillips name was linked to the
Garden], March 10, 1983).
a discounted rate because it cost OUC less
who could not afford to make the minor repairs
to generate large amounts of electricity.
and improvements needed to save energy.
area in recognition of a man who was a pioneer
As OUC expanded its water system,
in the Central Florida citrus industry and grew
it also had to contend with severe water
citrus on the land before it was sold to developers.
shortages that plagued the region. Orange
The newly acquired area was bordered on
restriction, and the St. Johns River Water
east by Turkey Lake Road, on the north by
Management District also imposed mandatory
Conroy-Windermere Road, and on the south
water restrictions in Osceola, Volusia, Seminole,
by a westerly extension of State Road 528.
Brevard and Indian River counties.
Harry Luff: “Architect of OUC Financial Systems” General Manager (1983–1986) arry Luff had a distinguished 40-year career at Orlando Utilities Commission. With an engineering degree from Brown University, Luff began his tenure at OUC in 1946 at the bottom — chipping slag off the boilers. He worked numerous positions in the plant where his familiarity with the operation of complex steam power plants and his ability to effectively analyze problems caused management to take notice. His attention to detail and ability to develop systems, processes and programs to solve problems catapulted him through the ranks — first as head of the electric operations department, then as Assistant
H
In 1984, OUC won the first of many “Outstanding Water Treatment Plant Awards” from the American Water Works Association (AWWA). The award applied to all nine treatment plants. AWWA cited the OUC system for high water quality standards that exceed state and federal standards and leadership in planning, introducing and implementing new treatment and operations techniques.
Page 30
In 1985, OUC introduced a Low Income
County invoked a 15 percent voluntary water
the west by the Butler Chain of Lakes, on the
OUC Wins Coveted Water Award
$2 a month off their electric bill.
General Manager in 1967 and finally as General Manager in 1983. However, it was Luff’s financial acumen that enabled OUC to fund rapid expansion and investment in new technology. Curt Stanton remembers meeting Luff: “First time I ever saw him, he was crawling out of the boiler with an old sailor hat on, and I tell you he looked like . . . he was just covered with coal.“ Stanton soon learned that Luff’s willingness to roll up his sleeves and get into the nitty-gritty details would become a tremendous asset to OUC.
“In July 1967, Curt Stanton asked me to be his assistant general manager,” Luff recalled. “I wasn’t sure what my duties would be, but Curt assured me he had a lot of special assignments in mind. As it turned out, there were more assignments than I could handle alone. I assembled a strong team that developed the first cashflow diagrams ever used at OUC and a new depreciation system. We established formulas for fair payments to the City and County, as well as an electric and water ratemaking system. As an outgrowth of
Page 31
these activities, we established a basis for using corporate financial modeling for long-range financial planning to study the impact of major system expansion on rates. Curt assigned us to work with bond issues and underwriters handling the finances for major plant additions. We found out the real issues that impact rates. It was a shock for a past plant engineer who thought that plant efficiency was everything in holding down rates to find out how many millions of dollars could be saved through sharp management of financing. In a highly capital-intensive business like electric utilities, the amount that can be saved is awesome.”
Expanding OUC’s Water System through Acquisition The most significant change to the OUC water
OUC Develops Programs to Encourage Customer Conservation As a result of the energy crisis and drought
Bay Hill, a prominent residential development
As a result of the new structure, high energy
operations that occurred during the 1980s was
surrounding Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Golf
of the previous decade, conservation played
the purchase of five developer-built water system
Club, and Orange Tree, a residential/golf
a prominent role in the 1980s. To help reduce
plants from Orange County in 1980 and the
course community, were two of the premier
Florida’s dependency on foreign oil, the state
program — and it was a resounding success.
acquisition of the Dr. Phillips water system in
developments in the Dr. Phillips area
ordered utilities to conduct programs to lower
On the first day, more than 300 customers
1983. Through the Dr. Phillips purchase, OUC
acquired by OUC.
power consumption. In response, OUC
swamped OUC with requests for audits
developed numerous conservation initiatives,
(Orlando Sentinel, May 3, 1984). In addition to
users were charged a higher rate. In 1984, OUC began its Home Energy Audit
added 12 square miles of new service territory
“Orlando Utilities Commission has a long
along with an established customer base and
and enviable record of good management and
which served as the foundation of OUC’s
waiving the usual $15 fee, the program paid
existing water system infrastructure. The Dr.
outstanding service to its customers at
energy and water conservation efforts. Most
$5 to customers who had audits. OUC also
Phillips water system was owned and operated
reasonable rates. We are confident that the
have been expanded over the years and are
gave participants a one-time $10 credit for
by Dr. Phillips Utilities, a private company formed
Dr. Phillips community will be assured of the
still in place today.
buying energy-efficient appliances and a free
to provide water and wastewater service to an
proper attention to their needs by the Orlando
During this period, OUC revamped its
water-heater jacket, which saved them about
area in southwest Orange County that started to
Utilities Commission,” said H.E. Johnson,
rate structure for energy use to encourage
be developed in the early 1960s, as citrus groves
president of the Howard Phillips Fund, owner
conservation as part of a state-mandated plan.
gave way to residential homes and shopping
of all the utilities’ stock (The Times [Winter
Prior to this time, high energy users received
Home Energy Fix-up Program for homeowners
centers. The Dr. Phillips name was linked to the
Garden], March 10, 1983).
a discounted rate because it cost OUC less
who could not afford to make the minor repairs
to generate large amounts of electricity.
and improvements needed to save energy.
area in recognition of a man who was a pioneer
As OUC expanded its water system,
in the Central Florida citrus industry and grew
it also had to contend with severe water
citrus on the land before it was sold to developers.
shortages that plagued the region. Orange
The newly acquired area was bordered on
restriction, and the St. Johns River Water
east by Turkey Lake Road, on the north by
Management District also imposed mandatory
Conroy-Windermere Road, and on the south
water restrictions in Osceola, Volusia, Seminole,
by a westerly extension of State Road 528.
Brevard and Indian River counties.
Harry Luff: “Architect of OUC Financial Systems” General Manager (1983–1986) arry Luff had a distinguished 40-year career at Orlando Utilities Commission. With an engineering degree from Brown University, Luff began his tenure at OUC in 1946 at the bottom — chipping slag off the boilers. He worked numerous positions in the plant where his familiarity with the operation of complex steam power plants and his ability to effectively analyze problems caused management to take notice. His attention to detail and ability to develop systems, processes and programs to solve problems catapulted him through the ranks — first as head of the electric operations department, then as Assistant
H
In 1984, OUC won the first of many “Outstanding Water Treatment Plant Awards” from the American Water Works Association (AWWA). The award applied to all nine treatment plants. AWWA cited the OUC system for high water quality standards that exceed state and federal standards and leadership in planning, introducing and implementing new treatment and operations techniques.
Page 30
In 1985, OUC introduced a Low Income
County invoked a 15 percent voluntary water
the west by the Butler Chain of Lakes, on the
OUC Wins Coveted Water Award
$2 a month off their electric bill.
General Manager in 1967 and finally as General Manager in 1983. However, it was Luff’s financial acumen that enabled OUC to fund rapid expansion and investment in new technology. Curt Stanton remembers meeting Luff: “First time I ever saw him, he was crawling out of the boiler with an old sailor hat on, and I tell you he looked like . . . he was just covered with coal.“ Stanton soon learned that Luff’s willingness to roll up his sleeves and get into the nitty-gritty details would become a tremendous asset to OUC.
“In July 1967, Curt Stanton asked me to be his assistant general manager,” Luff recalled. “I wasn’t sure what my duties would be, but Curt assured me he had a lot of special assignments in mind. As it turned out, there were more assignments than I could handle alone. I assembled a strong team that developed the first cashflow diagrams ever used at OUC and a new depreciation system. We established formulas for fair payments to the City and County, as well as an electric and water ratemaking system. As an outgrowth of
Page 31
these activities, we established a basis for using corporate financial modeling for long-range financial planning to study the impact of major system expansion on rates. Curt assigned us to work with bond issues and underwriters handling the finances for major plant additions. We found out the real issues that impact rates. It was a shock for a past plant engineer who thought that plant efficiency was everything in holding down rates to find out how many millions of dollars could be saved through sharp management of financing. In a highly capital-intensive business like electric utilities, the amount that can be saved is awesome.”
Advancements in Technology from the Meter to the Desktop
OUC and Orange Looking to the “Futures” County Enter into Water Ahead of the curve, OUC looked not only at what type of fuel it was buying, but also Territorial Agreement how the fuel was purchased. In 1986, OUC Hand-held mini-computers used by meter readers were placed in a console where data was downloaded to PCs and then into the mainframe for billing.
t er s Reading Mheen and Now T
r eter Reade d its first M re o n o h C a U g te m In 1985, O eter readin m e th r, a e nd r. That y n electric a of the Yea f 2.6 millio o l ta to a ad te books manually re all into rou m e th g in rs, logg g system water mete eter readin m ic n o tr c n ele ployees by hand. A abling em n e , 7 8 9 1 mented in puters) to was imple (microcom s e ic v e d dheld n the spot. to use han ck usage o e h -c le b u do was able record and to process s y a d e k e sed to ta erred to th Data that u and transf r u o h n a sult, ed in ay. As a re to be load the next d g in ill b r fo ad more mainframe e able to re b ld u o w r r reade .9 percent each mete ieving a 99 h c a — th on rply meters a m gs and sha first readin n o y c ra u rate of acc -reads. reducing re
PCs Bring Information to the Desktop Change swept through every aspect of OUC
record research efficiency in Customer
during the late ‘80s as it initiated measures to
Accounting and sped up the estimating
keep up with advancements in technology and
process for engineering staff.
the economy while staying ahead of growth.
The impact of PCs became even more
From 1985 to 1988, the number of personal
profound when, in January 1988, a new
computers (PCs) at OUC grew from eight to
4381 IBM mainframe computer was installed and
135. Local area networks (LANs) were installed
connected to the LANs. Data communications
to link groups of PC users, giving them easier
capabilities emanating from the mainframe
access to more information and letting them
were also expanded to outlying facilities via
share expensive equipment.
OUC’s existing microwave/fiber optics
By expanding employees’ capabilities, networked PCs impacted every facet of OUC.
communications networks. These developments vastly accelerated
Purchasing and Materials Management was
the progress toward an integrated office
able to convert from a manual system to a
information system. As a result of the rapid
completely automated one. Computer Aided
deployment of computers, the Micro-
Design programs sharply reduced time
Computer Support Department was formed
needed to prepare drawings of complex
to help manage the new computer network
underground and water installations.
and the flow of information.
On February 13, 1985, OUC and Orange County entered into a territorial agreement (Agreement W-85-2), which established separate water service territories for each utility. Its stated purpose was to avoid duplication of water service facilities, as well as to eliminate needless and wasteful expenditures of capital and water resources. Under the terms of the agreement, a boundary was established to define and separate the OUC water service area from that of Orange County Utilities. The agreement also provided that the boundary could be adjusted in the future with the mutual consent of both parties. The territorial agreement made it easier for both utilities not only to plan for growth, but also to expand their systems to serve the rapidly increasing number of new residential and commercial developments that were being built in the county at the time.
became one of the only utilities in the United States to use energy futures to help manage the risk of price volatility in fuel markets. This innovative strategy of hedging oil and gas prices enabled OUC to keep fuel costs in check.
The Charter and OUC In 1986, the Florida Legislature unanimously
Making Water “Better Than It Has to Be” In 1986, amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act more than tripled OUC’s reporting requirements for water quality analyses. As a
approved significant revisions to the OUC charter.
result, Water Operations installed a $200,000 mass
Specific language was added to more clearly
spectrometer in the Water Quality Lab to conduct
define the Commission’s authority to issue
all of the new tests required by law.
revenue bonds to finance or refinance debt.
Although OUC’s own chemical and biological
The makeup of the Commission also was altered
testing — as well as that of private and
to ensure that at least one member of the board
government labs — confirmed that the utility’s
was an OUC customer living outside the City of
water was much higher in quality than both federal
Orlando in the unincorporated area of Orange
and state laws required, Water Operations made
County served by OUC.
a “quality decision” to surpass its own high treatment standards to ensure that OUC’s water continues to be “better than it has to be.”
Ted Pope: “Public Servant and Utility Advocate”
Microcomputer capabilities increased
General Manager (1986–1992) lthough OUC conducted a nationwide search in 1984 for a new assistant general manager, they found their candidate right in their own backyard: Sanford native Theodore “Ted” Pope. A University of Florida graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Engineering and a Master of Business Administration, Pope had joined OUC in 1959 as part of the Indian River Plant (IRP) start-up team. By 1970, he became assistant manager of electric operations at IRP. Two years later, he was named
A For OUC, 1987 kicked off an information era with the deployment of personal computers on desktops. Two years later, the Micro-Computer Support Department was formed to help employees manage their information technology needs. Page 32
manager of water operations. Having served with distinction in key management positions in both facets of OUC’s business, Pope’s background made him uniquely qualified to take over the utility’s top spot as General Manager in 1986. Known as an innovator, Pope was also a facilitator of change at OUC — streamlining, modernizing and improving operations and service.
Committed to public power, he strongly supported forming coalitions with other municipal utilities so that they all remained viable, competitive alternatives to investor-owned utilities. Throughout his career, Pope earned many state and national honors for OUC from the electric and water industries. The American Water Works Association (AWWA) awarded him its highest honors for his leadership role in transforming
Page 33
the AWWA’s research foundation from a $60,000-a-year agency to a $4 million-a-year center of applied research. Featured in Who’s Who in Frontiers of Science and Technology, Pope authored and presented many papers pertaining to both the electric and water utility industries. He also invented a new water purification process that was patented and used by OUC to remove hydrogen sulfide. In 1990, AWWA recognized Pope with its Distinguished Public Service Award.
Advancements in Technology from the Meter to the Desktop
OUC and Orange Looking to the “Futures” County Enter into Water Ahead of the curve, OUC looked not only at what type of fuel it was buying, but also Territorial Agreement how the fuel was purchased. In 1986, OUC Hand-held mini-computers used by meter readers were placed in a console where data was downloaded to PCs and then into the mainframe for billing.
t er s Reading Mheen and Now T
r eter Reade d its first M re o n o h C a U g te m In 1985, O eter readin m e th r, a e nd r. That y n electric a of the Yea f 2.6 millio o l ta to a ad te books manually re all into rou m e th g in rs, logg g system water mete eter readin m ic n o tr c n ele ployees by hand. A abling em n e , 7 8 9 1 mented in puters) to was imple (microcom s e ic v e d dheld n the spot. to use han ck usage o e h -c le b u do was able record and to process s y a d e k e sed to ta erred to th Data that u and transf r u o h n a sult, ed in ay. As a re to be load the next d g in ill b r fo ad more mainframe e able to re b ld u o w r r reade .9 percent each mete ieving a 99 h c a — th on rply meters a m gs and sha first readin n o y c ra u rate of acc -reads. reducing re
PCs Bring Information to the Desktop Change swept through every aspect of OUC
record research efficiency in Customer
during the late ‘80s as it initiated measures to
Accounting and sped up the estimating
keep up with advancements in technology and
process for engineering staff.
the economy while staying ahead of growth.
The impact of PCs became even more
From 1985 to 1988, the number of personal
profound when, in January 1988, a new
computers (PCs) at OUC grew from eight to
4381 IBM mainframe computer was installed and
135. Local area networks (LANs) were installed
connected to the LANs. Data communications
to link groups of PC users, giving them easier
capabilities emanating from the mainframe
access to more information and letting them
were also expanded to outlying facilities via
share expensive equipment.
OUC’s existing microwave/fiber optics
By expanding employees’ capabilities, networked PCs impacted every facet of OUC.
communications networks. These developments vastly accelerated
Purchasing and Materials Management was
the progress toward an integrated office
able to convert from a manual system to a
information system. As a result of the rapid
completely automated one. Computer Aided
deployment of computers, the Micro-
Design programs sharply reduced time
Computer Support Department was formed
needed to prepare drawings of complex
to help manage the new computer network
underground and water installations.
and the flow of information.
On February 13, 1985, OUC and Orange County entered into a territorial agreement (Agreement W-85-2), which established separate water service territories for each utility. Its stated purpose was to avoid duplication of water service facilities, as well as to eliminate needless and wasteful expenditures of capital and water resources. Under the terms of the agreement, a boundary was established to define and separate the OUC water service area from that of Orange County Utilities. The agreement also provided that the boundary could be adjusted in the future with the mutual consent of both parties. The territorial agreement made it easier for both utilities not only to plan for growth, but also to expand their systems to serve the rapidly increasing number of new residential and commercial developments that were being built in the county at the time.
became one of the only utilities in the United States to use energy futures to help manage the risk of price volatility in fuel markets. This innovative strategy of hedging oil and gas prices enabled OUC to keep fuel costs in check.
The Charter and OUC In 1986, the Florida Legislature unanimously
Making Water “Better Than It Has to Be” In 1986, amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act more than tripled OUC’s reporting requirements for water quality analyses. As a
approved significant revisions to the OUC charter.
result, Water Operations installed a $200,000 mass
Specific language was added to more clearly
spectrometer in the Water Quality Lab to conduct
define the Commission’s authority to issue
all of the new tests required by law.
revenue bonds to finance or refinance debt.
Although OUC’s own chemical and biological
The makeup of the Commission also was altered
testing — as well as that of private and
to ensure that at least one member of the board
government labs — confirmed that the utility’s
was an OUC customer living outside the City of
water was much higher in quality than both federal
Orlando in the unincorporated area of Orange
and state laws required, Water Operations made
County served by OUC.
a “quality decision” to surpass its own high treatment standards to ensure that OUC’s water continues to be “better than it has to be.”
Ted Pope: “Public Servant and Utility Advocate”
Microcomputer capabilities increased
General Manager (1986–1992) lthough OUC conducted a nationwide search in 1984 for a new assistant general manager, they found their candidate right in their own backyard: Sanford native Theodore “Ted” Pope. A University of Florida graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Engineering and a Master of Business Administration, Pope had joined OUC in 1959 as part of the Indian River Plant (IRP) start-up team. By 1970, he became assistant manager of electric operations at IRP. Two years later, he was named
A For OUC, 1987 kicked off an information era with the deployment of personal computers on desktops. Two years later, the Micro-Computer Support Department was formed to help employees manage their information technology needs. Page 32
manager of water operations. Having served with distinction in key management positions in both facets of OUC’s business, Pope’s background made him uniquely qualified to take over the utility’s top spot as General Manager in 1986. Known as an innovator, Pope was also a facilitator of change at OUC — streamlining, modernizing and improving operations and service.
Committed to public power, he strongly supported forming coalitions with other municipal utilities so that they all remained viable, competitive alternatives to investor-owned utilities. Throughout his career, Pope earned many state and national honors for OUC from the electric and water industries. The American Water Works Association (AWWA) awarded him its highest honors for his leadership role in transforming
Page 33
the AWWA’s research foundation from a $60,000-a-year agency to a $4 million-a-year center of applied research. Featured in Who’s Who in Frontiers of Science and Technology, Pope authored and presented many papers pertaining to both the electric and water utility industries. He also invented a new water purification process that was patented and used by OUC to remove hydrogen sulfide. In 1990, AWWA recognized Pope with its Distinguished Public Service Award.
Ken Ksionek (left), Director of SEC Construction, and Gerald Hardage, Managing Director of the Stanton Energy Center project.
The Curtis H. Stanton Energy Center: The Best Available Environmental Control Technology at the Time of Construction The process to build the Curtis H. Stanton Energy Center (SEC) began in 1980 when OUC completed a plant site selection study and decided to proceed with certification of construction for a 436-MW pulverized coal power plant at the 3,280-acre site, 12 miles southeast of Orlando in rural east Orange County. The site was licensed for a total capacity of 2,000 MW. The plant was powered by a steam turbine generator from Westinghouse Electric Corporation. In 1981, the Public Service Commission (PSC) unanimously approved the $516 million coal-burning power plant proposed by OUC. As part of the permit, OUC committed that two-thirds of the site would be dedicated as
Providing Power from Orlando to Key West SEC was a joint venture among OUC (68.6 percent), Kissimmee Utility Authority (4.8 percent) and the Florida Municipal Power Agency (26.6 percent). The FMPA included Vero Beach, Fort Pierce, Starke, Lake Worth, Homestead, Leesburg, Ocala, Bushnell, Jacksonville Beach, Green Cove Springs and Key West. Construction of the plant reduced OUC’s oil consumption by about 3.8 million barrels a year, an initial savings projected at $10 million. SEC Unit 1 was equipped with electrostatic precipitators and limestone scrubbers for air quality control.
a natural preserve for the protection of the red-cockaded woodpecker, at the time an endangered species. “I’m just delighted,” said then Orlando Mayor Bill Frederick. “It’s a very important decision for the City and one that we anxiously awaited. It means a lot to the ratepayers of the City.” (Orlando Sentinel, August 15, 1981).
Partnering with Orange County A nearby Orange County Wastewater Treatment facility provided the water necessary for plant cooling and enabled Stanton to be a “zero discharge” facility. This innovative process for using sewage effluent in the natural draft cooling towers
benefitted both OUC and Orange County.
claimed that OUC was trying to slip
Up until then, the disposition of sewage
ecologically disastrous design changes past
effluent was a costly environmental problem
the Florida Department of Environmental
for Orange County, and the use of sewage
Regulation and plant opponents. In addition,
effluent by Stanton was an important part
cities along the most “practical route” for
of the solution. In addition, the Orange
trains hauling coal to Stanton (DeLand,
County landfill next door to the plant had
Sanford, Longwood, Altamonte Springs,
the potential for utilizing landfill gas or
Maitland and Winter Park) sent telegrams
refuse for future power generation purposes.
and passed resolutions protesting the trains coming through their towns.
Innovative M/WBE Participation Program The project also was notable at the time for its considerable participation of Minority/
Officials said they were worried about coal dust and traffic jams (Orlando Sentinel, December 12, 1982). But the protests were silenced in 1984,
Woman-Owned Business Enterprises that
as Orlando voters showed strong support for
doubled the rate of any similar construction
the coal-fired power plant, overwhelmingly
project in Florida. The record participation
rejecting (13,838 to
was the result of meeting an aggressive
7,557) a court-ordered
minority hiring policy that had been
referendum that
established when the project began.
opponents claimed
Through a Minority Participation Board
could have stopped
and the addition of a minority employment
the project. In what
coordinator, special recruitment and skills
was referred to as the
training courses were established —
“Vote No to Vote Yes”
the first of their kind in Florida.
campaign, the wording on the ballot required a “no” vote to indicate support
Overcoming Consumer Concerns
for the plant.
Of course, the proposed power plant was not without its detractors. In March 1982, the Sierra Club, an environmental group,
On May 12, 1987 at 2:14:56 p.m., Assistant General Manager Lou Stone — who had been present at the birth of every new OUC power plant since 1949 — flipped the switch at the Stanton Energy Center to begin initial synchronization that allowed SEC to produce power for the first time. The Saturday before the startup, retired General Manager Curt Stanton was on hand to “roll the turbine.” SEC went commercial on July 1, 1987 — on schedule and under budget. Page 34
Page 35
Ken Ksionek (left), Director of SEC Construction, and Gerald Hardage, Managing Director of the Stanton Energy Center project.
The Curtis H. Stanton Energy Center: The Best Available Environmental Control Technology at the Time of Construction The process to build the Curtis H. Stanton Energy Center (SEC) began in 1980 when OUC completed a plant site selection study and decided to proceed with certification of construction for a 436-MW pulverized coal power plant at the 3,280-acre site, 12 miles southeast of Orlando in rural east Orange County. The site was licensed for a total capacity of 2,000 MW. The plant was powered by a steam turbine generator from Westinghouse Electric Corporation. In 1981, the Public Service Commission (PSC) unanimously approved the $516 million coal-burning power plant proposed by OUC. As part of the permit, OUC committed that two-thirds of the site would be dedicated as
Providing Power from Orlando to Key West SEC was a joint venture among OUC (68.6 percent), Kissimmee Utility Authority (4.8 percent) and the Florida Municipal Power Agency (26.6 percent). The FMPA included Vero Beach, Fort Pierce, Starke, Lake Worth, Homestead, Leesburg, Ocala, Bushnell, Jacksonville Beach, Green Cove Springs and Key West. Construction of the plant reduced OUC’s oil consumption by about 3.8 million barrels a year, an initial savings projected at $10 million. SEC Unit 1 was equipped with electrostatic precipitators and limestone scrubbers for air quality control.
a natural preserve for the protection of the red-cockaded woodpecker, at the time an endangered species. “I’m just delighted,” said then Orlando Mayor Bill Frederick. “It’s a very important decision for the City and one that we anxiously awaited. It means a lot to the ratepayers of the City.” (Orlando Sentinel, August 15, 1981).
Partnering with Orange County A nearby Orange County Wastewater Treatment facility provided the water necessary for plant cooling and enabled Stanton to be a “zero discharge” facility. This innovative process for using sewage effluent in the natural draft cooling towers
benefitted both OUC and Orange County.
claimed that OUC was trying to slip
Up until then, the disposition of sewage
ecologically disastrous design changes past
effluent was a costly environmental problem
the Florida Department of Environmental
for Orange County, and the use of sewage
Regulation and plant opponents. In addition,
effluent by Stanton was an important part
cities along the most “practical route” for
of the solution. In addition, the Orange
trains hauling coal to Stanton (DeLand,
County landfill next door to the plant had
Sanford, Longwood, Altamonte Springs,
the potential for utilizing landfill gas or
Maitland and Winter Park) sent telegrams
refuse for future power generation purposes.
and passed resolutions protesting the trains coming through their towns.
Innovative M/WBE Participation Program The project also was notable at the time for its considerable participation of Minority/
Officials said they were worried about coal dust and traffic jams (Orlando Sentinel, December 12, 1982). But the protests were silenced in 1984,
Woman-Owned Business Enterprises that
as Orlando voters showed strong support for
doubled the rate of any similar construction
the coal-fired power plant, overwhelmingly
project in Florida. The record participation
rejecting (13,838 to
was the result of meeting an aggressive
7,557) a court-ordered
minority hiring policy that had been
referendum that
established when the project began.
opponents claimed
Through a Minority Participation Board
could have stopped
and the addition of a minority employment
the project. In what
coordinator, special recruitment and skills
was referred to as the
training courses were established —
“Vote No to Vote Yes”
the first of their kind in Florida.
campaign, the wording on the ballot required a “no” vote to indicate support
Overcoming Consumer Concerns
for the plant.
Of course, the proposed power plant was not without its detractors. In March 1982, the Sierra Club, an environmental group,
On May 12, 1987 at 2:14:56 p.m., Assistant General Manager Lou Stone — who had been present at the birth of every new OUC power plant since 1949 — flipped the switch at the Stanton Energy Center to begin initial synchronization that allowed SEC to produce power for the first time. The Saturday before the startup, retired General Manager Curt Stanton was on hand to “roll the turbine.” SEC went commercial on July 1, 1987 — on schedule and under budget. Page 34
Page 35
Managing OUC’s Most Valuable Resource: Employees The ‘80s brought changes in the way OUC
community it served. This effort to attract, retain and
handled human resources. A Benefits Division was
promote a diverse group of talented employees
created to deal with escalating benefits expenses
helped OUC further strengthen its role as a
and implement cost containment measures like
community leader. Later, OUC would extend this
the Preferred Provider Organization program. In
diversification effort to include Minority/Women-
addition, OUC’s Risk Management Division instituted
Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) vendors.
a self-insurance program to cover Workers’
training and safety programs for employees —
Liability to hold down these insurance costs.
in the classroom and in the field — to ensure that
At the same time, OUC embarked on a mission
Record Cold Prompts OUC to Begin Plans for a Second SEC Unit
OUC also continued to provide comprehensive
Compensation, General Liability and Automobile
to diversify its workforce to better reflect the
The dancing lights and waters of the fountain in Lake Eola became a symbol of Orlando’s renaissance in the 1980s. Originally gifted to the City by OUC, the fountain was out of operation for a decade, but came to life again in 1988, thanks to OUC and its maintenance division.
they had the proper skills and training to perform their jobs safely and effectively.
The Power of Municipalities Pooling Their Resources Already a pacesetter in joint action, OUC set
Three days of sub-freezing temperatures
Nonetheless, the record-breaking cold
during December 1989 sent shivers down the
snap and the havoc it wreaked across the state
spines of many Floridians. Much of the state
prompted forward-thinking OUC to plan for
reeled under the effect of rolling blackouts and
the future and move ahead with building a
outages. OUC, however, weathered one of
second coal-fired unit at Stanton Energy
the biggest chills of the century with remarkably
Center. The unit was expected to cost
few hitches. During this frigid test of reliability,
$515 million and begin operation in 1996.
86 percent of OUC’s customers never
The goal was to replicate the first plant,
experienced any service interruptions.
which was considered one of the cleanest coal-burning plants in the nation.
On July 1, 1988, the Florida Municipal Power
another new precedent in 1986 when it began
Pool (FMPP) began operation as the state’s first
selling wholesale electric power and provided
fully integrated municipal electric power pool.
total dispatching services to the Florida Municipal
OUC continues to operate what is now called the
Power Agency (FMPA) for five members including
FMPP Energy Control Center and Florida Energy
Leesburg, Jacksonville Beach, Ocala, Green Cove
Marketing (FEM) and is responsible for the
Substation was OUC’s “urban solution to
Springs and Bushnell. This made OUC the first in
dispatching of the pool's generating resources
growth.” To keep up with the phenomenal
the state, and possibly the nation, to provide total
in the most economical manner. Over the course
building boom that occurred in the ‘80s,
dispatching services to other electric utilities that
of its 22-year existence, the pool has saved
OUC constructed a high-capacity, three-story,
were completely non-contiguous, both electrically
participating municipalities millions of dollars
gas-insulated substation.
and geographically.
in energy costs.
Enclosed Substation Downtown Built in 1987, the Robinson Electrical
The substation utilized a small footprint with the majority of the equipment enclosed in an architecturally designed building —
Lou Stone: “Father of Reliability Measurement”
a first for Central Florida and only the second of its kind in the state.
Assistant General Manager (1986–1989) Rollins College graduate with a degree in Chemistry, Lou Stone joined Orlando Utilities Commission in 1949 and retired in 1989. During his 40 years at OUC, he rose from a water laboratory chemist to the role of assistant general manager. Dubbed OUC’s “dean of electric generation,” Stone served as head of electric operations from 1967 to 1986 and is known as an expert in power plant operations and electric reliability measurement. Stone’s passion for reliability started early in his career, at a time when OUC’s only source of power was the old 18-MW
A
Lake Ivanhoe Plant. Hired as part of the group that would bring the new Lake Highland Plant online, Stone developed a system to train operators to effectively start up a “dark plant.” He went on to become the first Superintendent of the Indian River Plant. When it came time to design the Stanton Energy Center (SEC), Stone was named head of electric operations — and he committed to making SEC the cleanest, most reliable coal-fired power plant in the country.
“The legacy of which I am probably the proudest is the one in which I was the architect and creator of the use of reliability in customer service,” Stone said. When Stone took over OUC’s electric operations, he realized that there was no standardized method of measuring customer reliability. Every power system calculated it differently — from counting the number of service calls . . . to feeder outages . . . to storm-caused outages. All of these determined only how a utility compared to its own previous
Page 36
performance — not how it stacked up against other utilities. “I began an extensive study for creating a methodology that could be utilized by any utility,” Stone said. “Ultimately, I formulated such a mathematical model. Through OUC’s participation in the FCG (Florida Electric Power Coordinating Group), our representatives were able to start reporting reliability using the methodology I developed. It was adopted by the Florida Public Service Commission with only minor alterations.”
Taking n Conservatio into the Classroom
For decades, OUC has offered a wide range of programs designed to help customers of all ages use energy and water safely and wisely. During the 1980s, as part of its Educational Outreach Program, the utility took electric, water and safety classroom presentations to as many as 5,000 students a year in Orange County Public Schools. At left, OUC’s Joanne (Wheeler) Silva and puppet “OUCH the Outlet” teamed up to teach youngsters at Richmond Heights Elementary about conservation.
Page 37
Managing OUC’s Most Valuable Resource: Employees The ‘80s brought changes in the way OUC
community it served. This effort to attract, retain and
handled human resources. A Benefits Division was
promote a diverse group of talented employees
created to deal with escalating benefits expenses
helped OUC further strengthen its role as a
and implement cost containment measures like
community leader. Later, OUC would extend this
the Preferred Provider Organization program. In
diversification effort to include Minority/Women-
addition, OUC’s Risk Management Division instituted
Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) vendors.
a self-insurance program to cover Workers’
training and safety programs for employees —
Liability to hold down these insurance costs.
in the classroom and in the field — to ensure that
At the same time, OUC embarked on a mission
Record Cold Prompts OUC to Begin Plans for a Second SEC Unit
OUC also continued to provide comprehensive
Compensation, General Liability and Automobile
to diversify its workforce to better reflect the
The dancing lights and waters of the fountain in Lake Eola became a symbol of Orlando’s renaissance in the 1980s. Originally gifted to the City by OUC, the fountain was out of operation for a decade, but came to life again in 1988, thanks to OUC and its maintenance division.
they had the proper skills and training to perform their jobs safely and effectively.
The Power of Municipalities Pooling Their Resources Already a pacesetter in joint action, OUC set
Three days of sub-freezing temperatures
Nonetheless, the record-breaking cold
during December 1989 sent shivers down the
snap and the havoc it wreaked across the state
spines of many Floridians. Much of the state
prompted forward-thinking OUC to plan for
reeled under the effect of rolling blackouts and
the future and move ahead with building a
outages. OUC, however, weathered one of
second coal-fired unit at Stanton Energy
the biggest chills of the century with remarkably
Center. The unit was expected to cost
few hitches. During this frigid test of reliability,
$515 million and begin operation in 1996.
86 percent of OUC’s customers never
The goal was to replicate the first plant,
experienced any service interruptions.
which was considered one of the cleanest coal-burning plants in the nation.
On July 1, 1988, the Florida Municipal Power
another new precedent in 1986 when it began
Pool (FMPP) began operation as the state’s first
selling wholesale electric power and provided
fully integrated municipal electric power pool.
total dispatching services to the Florida Municipal
OUC continues to operate what is now called the
Power Agency (FMPA) for five members including
FMPP Energy Control Center and Florida Energy
Leesburg, Jacksonville Beach, Ocala, Green Cove
Marketing (FEM) and is responsible for the
Substation was OUC’s “urban solution to
Springs and Bushnell. This made OUC the first in
dispatching of the pool's generating resources
growth.” To keep up with the phenomenal
the state, and possibly the nation, to provide total
in the most economical manner. Over the course
building boom that occurred in the ‘80s,
dispatching services to other electric utilities that
of its 22-year existence, the pool has saved
OUC constructed a high-capacity, three-story,
were completely non-contiguous, both electrically
participating municipalities millions of dollars
gas-insulated substation.
and geographically.
in energy costs.
Enclosed Substation Downtown Built in 1987, the Robinson Electrical
The substation utilized a small footprint with the majority of the equipment enclosed in an architecturally designed building —
Lou Stone: “Father of Reliability Measurement”
a first for Central Florida and only the second of its kind in the state.
Assistant General Manager (1986–1989) Rollins College graduate with a degree in Chemistry, Lou Stone joined Orlando Utilities Commission in 1949 and retired in 1989. During his 40 years at OUC, he rose from a water laboratory chemist to the role of assistant general manager. Dubbed OUC’s “dean of electric generation,” Stone served as head of electric operations from 1967 to 1986 and is known as an expert in power plant operations and electric reliability measurement. Stone’s passion for reliability started early in his career, at a time when OUC’s only source of power was the old 18-MW
A
Lake Ivanhoe Plant. Hired as part of the group that would bring the new Lake Highland Plant online, Stone developed a system to train operators to effectively start up a “dark plant.” He went on to become the first Superintendent of the Indian River Plant. When it came time to design the Stanton Energy Center (SEC), Stone was named head of electric operations — and he committed to making SEC the cleanest, most reliable coal-fired power plant in the country.
“The legacy of which I am probably the proudest is the one in which I was the architect and creator of the use of reliability in customer service,” Stone said. When Stone took over OUC’s electric operations, he realized that there was no standardized method of measuring customer reliability. Every power system calculated it differently — from counting the number of service calls . . . to feeder outages . . . to storm-caused outages. All of these determined only how a utility compared to its own previous
Page 36
performance — not how it stacked up against other utilities. “I began an extensive study for creating a methodology that could be utilized by any utility,” Stone said. “Ultimately, I formulated such a mathematical model. Through OUC’s participation in the FCG (Florida Electric Power Coordinating Group), our representatives were able to start reporting reliability using the methodology I developed. It was adopted by the Florida Public Service Commission with only minor alterations.”
Taking n Conservatio into the Classroom
For decades, OUC has offered a wide range of programs designed to help customers of all ages use energy and water safely and wisely. During the 1980s, as part of its Educational Outreach Program, the utility took electric, water and safety classroom presentations to as many as 5,000 students a year in Orange County Public Schools. At left, OUC’s Joanne (Wheeler) Silva and puppet “OUCH the Outlet” teamed up to teach youngsters at Richmond Heights Elementary about conservation.
Page 37
IN 1990
RS STOME U C C ECTRI ERS 1 EL 5 4 , 7 USTOM 1 C 1 R E T 4 WA 98,59 YEES TED EMPLO ENERA G 9 H 6 W 1,0 ON M S OF MILLI ALLON 4.8 G N O BILLI UMPED 28.4 WATER P
CHAPTER V:
U P S
A N D
1990 which later became Universal Orlando® Resort. • PROUD Community Volunteer program launches. • Sky Lake Water Plant opens.
Original Lake
• Stanton Energy Center
Ivanhoe Plant
Unit 2 comes online.
reborn as the Dr. Phillips
• Gold Ring Home
Performing Arts Center.
program begins.
1997
• OUC and
St. Cloud enter 25-year • Southwest Water Plant opens. on first
drinking water. • SEC A goes commercial.
“The Greenest
and the turbulence made forecasting and planning a challenge, to say the
add more than 1,000 MW of generation. To meet the needs of OUC’s
least. High points — including the opening of Universal Studios® Florida, and
expanding customer base, two operations facilities — the Pershing and
a boom in residential and commercial construction — were followed by
Gardenia Centers — were opened along with Reliable Plaza, a new customer
precipitous lows: back-to-back-to-back hurricanes, terrorist attacks on our
service and administration building. OUC also focused on the region’s water
nation, the bursting of the real-estate bubble and severe
needs with Water Project 2000, which was designed to
economic recession. But, through it all, one thing was
upgrade and expand potable water systems by treating
certain: OUC’s strong financial foundation and steady
drinking water with ozone. By the turn of the century,
hand allowed the utility to live up to its name.
OUC had taken proactive steps to prepare for
Although economic conditions at home and the Persian
competition, launching new profit centers such as
Building in Downtown
Gulf crisis abroad clouded the dawn of the 1990s, long-term
Orlando,” opens.
projections for Metro Orlando remained bright with the promise of continued
OUCooling and OUConvenient Lighting. In 1998, the utility celebrated its 75th anniversary — formalizing a
growth. The region was often in the national spotlight, cited by numerous
commitment to provide the highest level of service to customers by making
publications for having an excellent climate for business. As the decade
reliability part of its name. Orlando Utilities Commission became OUC —
progressed and the economy rebounded, advances in telecommunications
The Reliable One. That mantra has become a compass that not only guides
and computer networking marked the advent of the “dot.com” era —
operational decisions, but also reinforces OUC’s pledge to keep the power
and deregulation of the utility industry loomed.
on and the water flowing . . . even in the face of Mother Nature’s most severe threats.
Orange County Convention Center.
• OUC begins burning methane gas from Orange
water plant.
County landfill.
Indian River steam units sold.
to support a booming population and diversify its portfolio, the utility would
switch on a 1-MW solar array at
The Reliable One.
chilled
1999
In 1990, OUC added its largest customer, Universal Studios® Florida,
OUC would power. Central Florida was particularly affected —
OUC and Orange County flip the
• OUC becomes
T H R O U G H E V E R – C H A N G I N G T I M E S, O U C R E M A I N S “T H E R E L I A B L E O N E”
AWWA Award for best
2009
75 anniversary.
2010 • SEC B comes
2000
online in February.
OUConvenient Lighting
• POWER and
and OUConsumption
Green Neighborhood programs begin.
launch.
Page 38
1990 –2010
which later became Universal Orlando® Resort. Over the next two decades,
Central Florida.
th
1970 –1989
and downs and twists and turns that rivaled the roller coasters
Reliable Plaza,
Consumptive Use Permit.
1950 –1969
receives
• Three hurricanes hit • OUC gets 20-year
1923 –1949
rom 1990 to 2010, the economy experienced a period of ups
2008
• OUC celebrates
• OUC begins construction
• OUC
2004
1998
Interlocal Agreement.
2003
OUC receives “Outstanding Distribution Award and Water Conservation Award for Excellence” from AWWA.
Universal Studios® Florida,
1996
1875 –1922
2002
• OUC adds its largest customer,
1992
D O W N S
Page 39
IN 1990
RS STOME U C C ECTRI ERS 1 EL 5 4 , 7 USTOM 1 C 1 R E T 4 WA 98,59 YEES TED EMPLO ENERA G 9 H 6 W 1,0 ON M S OF MILLI ALLON 4.8 G N O BILLI UMPED 28.4 WATER P
CHAPTER V:
U P S
A N D
1990 which later became Universal Orlando® Resort. • PROUD Community Volunteer program launches. • Sky Lake Water Plant opens.
Original Lake
• Stanton Energy Center
Ivanhoe Plant
Unit 2 comes online.
reborn as the Dr. Phillips
• Gold Ring Home
Performing Arts Center.
program begins.
1997
• OUC and
St. Cloud enter 25-year • Southwest Water Plant opens. on first
drinking water. • SEC A goes commercial.
“The Greenest
and the turbulence made forecasting and planning a challenge, to say the
add more than 1,000 MW of generation. To meet the needs of OUC’s
least. High points — including the opening of Universal Studios® Florida, and
expanding customer base, two operations facilities — the Pershing and
a boom in residential and commercial construction — were followed by
Gardenia Centers — were opened along with Reliable Plaza, a new customer
precipitous lows: back-to-back-to-back hurricanes, terrorist attacks on our
service and administration building. OUC also focused on the region’s water
nation, the bursting of the real-estate bubble and severe
needs with Water Project 2000, which was designed to
economic recession. But, through it all, one thing was
upgrade and expand potable water systems by treating
certain: OUC’s strong financial foundation and steady
drinking water with ozone. By the turn of the century,
hand allowed the utility to live up to its name.
OUC had taken proactive steps to prepare for
Although economic conditions at home and the Persian
competition, launching new profit centers such as
Building in Downtown
Gulf crisis abroad clouded the dawn of the 1990s, long-term
Orlando,” opens.
projections for Metro Orlando remained bright with the promise of continued
OUCooling and OUConvenient Lighting. In 1998, the utility celebrated its 75th anniversary — formalizing a
growth. The region was often in the national spotlight, cited by numerous
commitment to provide the highest level of service to customers by making
publications for having an excellent climate for business. As the decade
reliability part of its name. Orlando Utilities Commission became OUC —
progressed and the economy rebounded, advances in telecommunications
The Reliable One. That mantra has become a compass that not only guides
and computer networking marked the advent of the “dot.com” era —
operational decisions, but also reinforces OUC’s pledge to keep the power
and deregulation of the utility industry loomed.
on and the water flowing . . . even in the face of Mother Nature’s most severe threats.
Orange County Convention Center.
• OUC begins burning methane gas from Orange
water plant.
County landfill.
Indian River steam units sold.
to support a booming population and diversify its portfolio, the utility would
switch on a 1-MW solar array at
The Reliable One.
chilled
1999
In 1990, OUC added its largest customer, Universal Studios® Florida,
OUC would power. Central Florida was particularly affected —
OUC and Orange County flip the
• OUC becomes
T H R O U G H E V E R – C H A N G I N G T I M E S, O U C R E M A I N S “T H E R E L I A B L E O N E”
AWWA Award for best
2009
75 anniversary.
2010 • SEC B comes
2000
online in February.
OUConvenient Lighting
• POWER and
and OUConsumption
Green Neighborhood programs begin.
launch.
Page 38
1990 –2010
which later became Universal Orlando® Resort. Over the next two decades,
Central Florida.
th
1970 –1989
and downs and twists and turns that rivaled the roller coasters
Reliable Plaza,
Consumptive Use Permit.
1950 –1969
receives
• Three hurricanes hit • OUC gets 20-year
1923 –1949
rom 1990 to 2010, the economy experienced a period of ups
2008
• OUC celebrates
• OUC begins construction
• OUC
2004
1998
Interlocal Agreement.
2003
OUC receives “Outstanding Distribution Award and Water Conservation Award for Excellence” from AWWA.
Universal Studios® Florida,
1996
1875 –1922
2002
• OUC adds its largest customer,
1992
D O W N S
Page 39
Launched in 1990, “Yagottawannadoit” — symbolized by mascot O.U. Toucan — was the theme of OUC’s employee incentive program, which was designed to improve productivity, teamwork and problem solving.
A Technology Tsunami
Keeping It Clean In 1990, the last major changes to the Clean Air
(e.g., performance-based standards and emissions
The tidal wave of technology advancements that
the existing mainframe system first installed in the
trading) to address environmental problems.
characterized the 1990s swept through OUC, too,
1960s. During this period, the utility developed a new
pollution problems such as acid rain, smog, carbon
OUC met the new requirements with ease:
as the utility “tooled up for tomorrow.”
Customer Information Reporting and Tracking System
monoxide and particulate matter. The amendments
Its power plants were already operating at levels
To run the electric and
encouraged, for the first time, the use of market-
significantly lower than the limits in the Clean Air
water systems reliably, safely
based principles and other innovative approaches
Act Amendments.
and efficiently, OUC used its
accounts. OUC also provided
own microwave Information
certain billing services for the
Highway, touching almost
city, county and state that
every facet of its operations —
would benefit from the new
people, plants, power lines,
system. CIMART provided
Act of 1970 were enacted — targeting urban air
Sky Lake Water Plant Comes Online In 1990, the Sky Lake Water Plant, OUC’s 10th
carbon/chlorine process instead of aeration to
water treatment plant, became operational to
enhance taste and eliminate odor. The process was
provide water to the southern part of the service
developed by OUC’s Ted Pope and Dick Dunham.
territory. Rated at 24 MGD, Sky Lake was the
Sky Lake came online just as Water Operations
second OUC plant to use the utility’s patented
surpassed the 100,000 active meters mark.
pipelines, substations, mobile radios, phones, faxes,
(CIMART) to meet billing
OUC replaced its mainframe with a new computer that was slightly larger than a desktop PC.
computers, machines and remote terminal units. OUC began “right-sizing” computer operations, developing PC-based systems and software to replace
summary billing, direct debits and remote meter reading.
A similar program called Project Estimating and Scheduling (PETS) was utilized for capital improvement and construction projects.
PROUD to Serve To encourage employees to “pay their civic dues,” OUC launched its PROUD Community Volunteer program in 1990. In addition to recognizing employees for volunteer efforts, the program provided $2 for every hour donated to an eligible non-profit organization up to $200. More than $2,000 was donated to community organizations. In just two years after the program began, employee participation in volunteer activities doubled.
In 1991, OUC completed the most extensive five-year program in its history to improve and expand its transmission and distribution (T&D) system — adding nearly $200 million in new or upgraded T&D facilities and equipment. In that time, the utility increased its primary circuit miles 27 percent to 1,246 miles and grew its capacity 23 percent to 1.8 million kV. But those statistics tell only half the story. They do not reflect the magnitude of the ongoing process of upgrading or replacing older infrastructure, modernizing or relocating equipment because of street and highway projects, and streetscaping projects that required undergrounding power lines, as well as enhancing and improving overhead systems. In 1991 alone, OUC upgraded underground systems in 10 older subdivisions to improve reliability. Ten new distribution feeder circuits were installed, the highest number in one year in OUC history. The system would eventually be expanded to include 29 substations, 338 circuit miles of transmission and 1,884 circuit miles of distribution, more than 60 percent of which is underground.
Page 40
General Manager (1992–1994)
needs for 225,000 customer
OUC’s Sky Lake Water Plant.
OUC Expands Transmission and Distribution System
Troy Todd: “Champion of Community Outreach”
Page 41
Troy Todd, a graduate of Virginia Polytechnical Institute, came to OUC from United Telephone (Sprint) where he was the CEO and former Vice President of Human Resources. A champion of “giving back,” Todd increased OUC’s involvement in the community. Under his leadership, OUC created the Community Relations area and organized employee “Community Crews” volunteer involvement efforts. Todd was passionate about transparency. During his tenure, OUC enhanced internal audit policies and instituted stricter ethics and purchasing policies to improve accountability and transparency. General Manager Bob Haven said of his predecessor, “Troy Todd will be remembered and appreciated for his leadership in launching initiatives that helped OUC remain competitive and in helping defeat an attempt to freeze municipal electric utilities’ service territories.”
Launched in 1990, “Yagottawannadoit” — symbolized by mascot O.U. Toucan — was the theme of OUC’s employee incentive program, which was designed to improve productivity, teamwork and problem solving.
A Technology Tsunami
Keeping It Clean In 1990, the last major changes to the Clean Air
(e.g., performance-based standards and emissions
The tidal wave of technology advancements that
the existing mainframe system first installed in the
trading) to address environmental problems.
characterized the 1990s swept through OUC, too,
1960s. During this period, the utility developed a new
pollution problems such as acid rain, smog, carbon
OUC met the new requirements with ease:
as the utility “tooled up for tomorrow.”
Customer Information Reporting and Tracking System
monoxide and particulate matter. The amendments
Its power plants were already operating at levels
To run the electric and
encouraged, for the first time, the use of market-
significantly lower than the limits in the Clean Air
water systems reliably, safely
based principles and other innovative approaches
Act Amendments.
and efficiently, OUC used its
accounts. OUC also provided
own microwave Information
certain billing services for the
Highway, touching almost
city, county and state that
every facet of its operations —
would benefit from the new
people, plants, power lines,
system. CIMART provided
Act of 1970 were enacted — targeting urban air
Sky Lake Water Plant Comes Online In 1990, the Sky Lake Water Plant, OUC’s 10th
carbon/chlorine process instead of aeration to
water treatment plant, became operational to
enhance taste and eliminate odor. The process was
provide water to the southern part of the service
developed by OUC’s Ted Pope and Dick Dunham.
territory. Rated at 24 MGD, Sky Lake was the
Sky Lake came online just as Water Operations
second OUC plant to use the utility’s patented
surpassed the 100,000 active meters mark.
pipelines, substations, mobile radios, phones, faxes,
(CIMART) to meet billing
OUC replaced its mainframe with a new computer that was slightly larger than a desktop PC.
computers, machines and remote terminal units. OUC began “right-sizing” computer operations, developing PC-based systems and software to replace
summary billing, direct debits and remote meter reading.
A similar program called Project Estimating and Scheduling (PETS) was utilized for capital improvement and construction projects.
PROUD to Serve To encourage employees to “pay their civic dues,” OUC launched its PROUD Community Volunteer program in 1990. In addition to recognizing employees for volunteer efforts, the program provided $2 for every hour donated to an eligible non-profit organization up to $200. More than $2,000 was donated to community organizations. In just two years after the program began, employee participation in volunteer activities doubled.
In 1991, OUC completed the most extensive five-year program in its history to improve and expand its transmission and distribution (T&D) system — adding nearly $200 million in new or upgraded T&D facilities and equipment. In that time, the utility increased its primary circuit miles 27 percent to 1,246 miles and grew its capacity 23 percent to 1.8 million kV. But those statistics tell only half the story. They do not reflect the magnitude of the ongoing process of upgrading or replacing older infrastructure, modernizing or relocating equipment because of street and highway projects, and streetscaping projects that required undergrounding power lines, as well as enhancing and improving overhead systems. In 1991 alone, OUC upgraded underground systems in 10 older subdivisions to improve reliability. Ten new distribution feeder circuits were installed, the highest number in one year in OUC history. The system would eventually be expanded to include 29 substations, 338 circuit miles of transmission and 1,884 circuit miles of distribution, more than 60 percent of which is underground.
Page 40
General Manager (1992–1994)
needs for 225,000 customer
OUC’s Sky Lake Water Plant.
OUC Expands Transmission and Distribution System
Troy Todd: “Champion of Community Outreach”
Page 41
Troy Todd, a graduate of Virginia Polytechnical Institute, came to OUC from United Telephone (Sprint) where he was the CEO and former Vice President of Human Resources. A champion of “giving back,” Todd increased OUC’s involvement in the community. Under his leadership, OUC created the Community Relations area and organized employee “Community Crews” volunteer involvement efforts. Todd was passionate about transparency. During his tenure, OUC enhanced internal audit policies and instituted stricter ethics and purchasing policies to improve accountability and transparency. General Manager Bob Haven said of his predecessor, “Troy Todd will be remembered and appreciated for his leadership in launching initiatives that helped OUC remain competitive and in helping defeat an attempt to freeze municipal electric utilities’ service territories.”
OUC’s bulk sales and interchange activities escalated dramatically in the ‘80s and so did the role of its sophisticated load dispatch/energy control center, located at the Pershing Operations Center.
OUC Opens Pershing and Gardenia Operations Centers In 1992, OUC opened the Pershing Operations Center to serve the east part of town. Its counterpart on the west side, the
and water systems, all 24-hour operations
Gardenia Center, opened one year later.
except at power plants, fleet service facilities
Both facilities were built to replace the small,
and the utility’s third customer service center
antiquated water and electric operations/
(including drive-through lanes).
maintenance facilities located on the north
The 22-acre Gardenia Operations Center
side of Lake Highland. Costing a combined
was completed in the fall of 1993 and
$37 million, they were constructed to meet
housed OUC’s Water Quality Lab, internal
OUC’s space needs for up to 20 years.
audit, warehouse, fleet, water distribution,
The 48-acre Pershing complex contained OUC’s computer “nerve centers” for electric
PUTTING RELIABILITY TO THE TEST
revenue protection, water and meter testing, and security.
Helping Victims of Hurricane Andrew. During the
Saturday, March 13, the “Storm
1990s, Mother Nature was on the warpath. In the
of the Century” brought 18
summer of 1992, Hurricane Andrew — one of the
hours of near-hurricane strength
deadliest, costliest and most devastating storms in
gusts, causing outages as fast
Gardenia Operations Center.
Combustion Turbines Added to Indian River Plant
U.S. history — ravaged South
as OUC employees restored
Florida. In the face of that
service. Nearly 30,000
emergency, OUC and its
customers lost power, but by
employees responded quickly.
midday Sunday, service was fully restored.
In November 1992, OUC added a pair of
Swift Response to Erin’s Fury. In the early morning
Within two days, volunteers
combustion turbine units at the Indian River
had filled 10,000 one-gallon
hours of August 2, 1995, Hurricane Erin roared through
Plant (IRP). With three steam generating units
bottles of pure OUC water
Florida, creating a level of service interruption that
and two small 35-MW combustion turbine units
and sent them to the disaster
eclipsed both the Christmas freeze of 1989 and the 1993
in place since 1989, IRP represented 57 percent
area. A week later, nearly
“Storm of the Century.” While no damage was done to
60 linemen, engineers and
any OUC generation or transmission facilities, Erin’s
other workers were
90-mph winds knocked out power to 37 main distribution
of OUC’s total generating capacity. All IRP units operated on either oil or natural gas, a flexibility that enabled the utility to take advantage of market conditions and buy fuel cheaper than other utilities. IRP was also valuable to OUC as a source of substantial revenue from bulk power sales.
dispatched south to help the City of Homestead
feeders — and 52,500 OUC customers experienced
rebuild its electric system.
some interruption in service in the wake of the storm.
The Storm of the Century. In March 1993, a rare, severe wind storm struck much of Florida. Blasting
Erin’s impact was greater than the total average outage time experienced in the previous four years.
Orlando with 62-mile-per-hour winds at 12:30 a.m.,
Charged up about using energy wisely and reducing harmful auto emissions, OUC
Fueling Growth: OUC Expands Service Area to Include Lake Nona In 1994 and 1995, OUC expanded its water
by about 20 square miles. Initially, the impact was
such as those in Lake Nona, to the community.
tested its first electric-powered vehicles in
and electric service area to include the new
small — adding just 73 new water customers and
Then Orlando Mayor Glenda E. Hood said,
Lake Nona community. The area located
287 electric customers. However, the potential
“As Orlando continues to compete both
1993 — taking its conservation program
southeast of the Orlando International Airport
was tremendous, and the gamble wound up paying
domestically and internationally for business,
was slated to become a major center for
off. As a result of the agreement, OUC gained a
a strong, financially sound and well-positioned
“on the road” in a minivan outfitted with
economic development in the region.
community that would become home to a Medical
utility is vital for economic development. You
City housing the University of Central Florida
cannot have growth without a utility that can
rooftop solar panels.
25-year territorial agreement for a 30-square-mile
Medical School, Burnham Institute, Veterans
provide reliable electricity, quality water and
area at Lake Nona. Then in 1995, OUC and Florida
Hospital and Nemours Children’s Hospital.
competitive rates to attract industry and
In 1994, OUC and Orange County signed a new
Power Corp. signed a new 10-year territorial agreement that expanded the electric service area
Page 42
OUC’s reputation was critical to the City of Orlando’s ability to attract new businesses,
Page 43
encourage residential development.”
OUC’s bulk sales and interchange activities escalated dramatically in the ‘80s and so did the role of its sophisticated load dispatch/energy control center, located at the Pershing Operations Center.
OUC Opens Pershing and Gardenia Operations Centers In 1992, OUC opened the Pershing Operations Center to serve the east part of town. Its counterpart on the west side, the
and water systems, all 24-hour operations
Gardenia Center, opened one year later.
except at power plants, fleet service facilities
Both facilities were built to replace the small,
and the utility’s third customer service center
antiquated water and electric operations/
(including drive-through lanes).
maintenance facilities located on the north
The 22-acre Gardenia Operations Center
side of Lake Highland. Costing a combined
was completed in the fall of 1993 and
$37 million, they were constructed to meet
housed OUC’s Water Quality Lab, internal
OUC’s space needs for up to 20 years.
audit, warehouse, fleet, water distribution,
The 48-acre Pershing complex contained OUC’s computer “nerve centers” for electric
PUTTING RELIABILITY TO THE TEST
revenue protection, water and meter testing, and security.
Helping Victims of Hurricane Andrew. During the
Saturday, March 13, the “Storm
1990s, Mother Nature was on the warpath. In the
of the Century” brought 18
summer of 1992, Hurricane Andrew — one of the
hours of near-hurricane strength
deadliest, costliest and most devastating storms in
gusts, causing outages as fast
Gardenia Operations Center.
Combustion Turbines Added to Indian River Plant
U.S. history — ravaged South
as OUC employees restored
Florida. In the face of that
service. Nearly 30,000
emergency, OUC and its
customers lost power, but by
employees responded quickly.
midday Sunday, service was fully restored.
In November 1992, OUC added a pair of
Swift Response to Erin’s Fury. In the early morning
Within two days, volunteers
combustion turbine units at the Indian River
had filled 10,000 one-gallon
hours of August 2, 1995, Hurricane Erin roared through
Plant (IRP). With three steam generating units
bottles of pure OUC water
Florida, creating a level of service interruption that
and two small 35-MW combustion turbine units
and sent them to the disaster
eclipsed both the Christmas freeze of 1989 and the 1993
in place since 1989, IRP represented 57 percent
area. A week later, nearly
“Storm of the Century.” While no damage was done to
60 linemen, engineers and
any OUC generation or transmission facilities, Erin’s
other workers were
90-mph winds knocked out power to 37 main distribution
of OUC’s total generating capacity. All IRP units operated on either oil or natural gas, a flexibility that enabled the utility to take advantage of market conditions and buy fuel cheaper than other utilities. IRP was also valuable to OUC as a source of substantial revenue from bulk power sales.
dispatched south to help the City of Homestead
feeders — and 52,500 OUC customers experienced
rebuild its electric system.
some interruption in service in the wake of the storm.
The Storm of the Century. In March 1993, a rare, severe wind storm struck much of Florida. Blasting
Erin’s impact was greater than the total average outage time experienced in the previous four years.
Orlando with 62-mile-per-hour winds at 12:30 a.m.,
Charged up about using energy wisely and reducing harmful auto emissions, OUC
Fueling Growth: OUC Expands Service Area to Include Lake Nona In 1994 and 1995, OUC expanded its water
by about 20 square miles. Initially, the impact was
such as those in Lake Nona, to the community.
tested its first electric-powered vehicles in
and electric service area to include the new
small — adding just 73 new water customers and
Then Orlando Mayor Glenda E. Hood said,
Lake Nona community. The area located
287 electric customers. However, the potential
“As Orlando continues to compete both
1993 — taking its conservation program
southeast of the Orlando International Airport
was tremendous, and the gamble wound up paying
domestically and internationally for business,
was slated to become a major center for
off. As a result of the agreement, OUC gained a
a strong, financially sound and well-positioned
“on the road” in a minivan outfitted with
economic development in the region.
community that would become home to a Medical
utility is vital for economic development. You
City housing the University of Central Florida
cannot have growth without a utility that can
rooftop solar panels.
25-year territorial agreement for a 30-square-mile
Medical School, Burnham Institute, Veterans
provide reliable electricity, quality water and
area at Lake Nona. Then in 1995, OUC and Florida
Hospital and Nemours Children’s Hospital.
competitive rates to attract industry and
In 1994, OUC and Orange County signed a new
Power Corp. signed a new 10-year territorial agreement that expanded the electric service area
Page 42
OUC’s reputation was critical to the City of Orlando’s ability to attract new businesses,
Page 43
encourage residential development.”
About 5,000 visitors came to SEC for the Unit 2 dedication. The three-day celebration included a public open house that drew 3,500; a train ride for nearly 100 civic and political leaders; a “power breakfast” for 300 civic, industry, and electric utility leaders; and a picnic for more than 1,000 employees and family members.
OUC’s Southwest Water Plant opened in 1997.
Water Project 2000. . .Laying the Groundwork for Improved Quality For OUC’s Water Business Unit, Water Project 2000 was the story of the century. The most
began commercial operation on June 1, 1996, on time and $62 million under the original budget of $522 million. At 425 MW, it was the first pulverized coal unit of its size in the nation to use Selective Catalytic Reduction to remove nitrogen oxide from the flue gas — meeting and exceeding all federal regulations for air quality.
A Safe Work Environment Employing about 5,600 people on site during 39 months of construction, Stanton 2 was one of the safest such construction projects in the nation, earning the STAR award from the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration. OUC's aggressive safety program saved about $10 million in insurance premiums.
Like the first unit, Stanton 2 was jointly owned. As majority owner/operator, OUC retained 72 percent of Unit 2. The Florida Municipal Power Agency owned 28 percent on behalf of the following cities: Bushnell, Clewiston, Fort Pierce, Green Cove Springs, Homestead, Jacksonville Beach, Key West, Kissimmee, Ocala, Leesburg, Starke, St. Cloud and Vero Beach.
A Commitment to Maximizing Participation and Diversity From the onset, the Stanton 2 Project Team was committed to maximizing Central Florida participation and ensuring a diverse workforce. The team established a proactive multi-faceted M/ WBE outreach program with a full-time coordinator hired to run the program. The project achieved its objectives with approximately
70 percent of the craft workforce coming from the
Bob Haven, Water Project 2000 was the largest
Kirkman, Sky Lake and Pine Hills to ozone. The
capital program, in terms of scope and investment,
new operation converted the system to an ozone
ever undertaken by the Commission to replace and
water treatment process, which significantly
upgrade water infrastructure. The monies budgeted
closing five outdated water plants —
reduced the amount of chlorine used in treatment
for the endeavor totaled $164.3 million and required
Martin, Dr. Phillips, Kuhl, Primrose
and completely removed hydrogen sulfide —
five 10 percent water rate increases over a five-year
a harmless, naturally occurring compound that
period. The entire program was aggressively
building three larger plants and
gives water an unpleasant taste and odor. The
scheduled to be completed in five years between
converting four existing plants
program also expanded and improved pipelines
1995 and 2000, which enabled all OUC water
to the ozone treatment process.
and modernized the computer control system so
customers to enjoy the benefits as soon as possible,
As part of the effort, OUC built
that all water plants could be operated remotely.
and at about the same time.
Central Florida region, and 30 percent minorities and women. In addition, 37 percent of the more
Delivering H2OUC to the Tap
than $60 million in subcontracts, supplies and permanent plant material was awarded to
OUC’s first ozone treatment plant began
minority and women-owned business enterprises.
treatment, OUC took the technology to a new
operation in the spring of 1997, delivering a new
level. It was the first utility to master control of the
without goals but rather by proactive contractor
“product” called H2OUC — ozone-treated water
sophisticated ozone water treatment system from
commitments and by OUC hosting M/ WBE
that tasted as good or better than bottled water
a remote facility with no full-time staff at the plant.
forums during the bidding stages.
but cost much less. The new $30 million Southwest
An innovative partnership with the Florida DEP and
plant had a capacity of 30 MGD and replaced two
installing a highly sophisticated computer-based
older, less reliable plants: Martin and Dr. Phillips.
control system as part of Water Project 2000 made
Although ozone had long been used for water
this possible.
The M/ WBE participation was accomplished
To leave a lasting legacy, a Community Service Council comprising representatives from OUC, Black & Veatch and project contractors undertook a variety of volunteer community
OUC branded H2OUC and launched a full-scale marketing campaign around it.
projects, including the renovation of an American Red Cross Disaster Relief trailer and
Bob Haven: “Water Industry Visionary”
construction of a park for the Metropolitan Orlando Urban League.
General Manager (1994–2004) ob Haven came to OUC on July 1, 1994 and passed away while in office in 2004. He brought with him decades of water industry and city government experience. A graduate of George Washington University, Haven arrived in Orlando in August 1981 as Central Florida was experiencing tremendous growth. During his tenure at the City of Orlando, he undertook some of the City’s largest projects, first as Director of Public Works and then as Chief Administrative Officer. He was the leading force behind the Orlando Arena, a major renovation of the Citrus Bowl, Lake Eola improvements, the new City Hall, Conserv I and Conserv II, and other projects estimated to cost $1 billion. Haven was passionate about providing the highest quality water. At OUC, he spearheaded the most extensive water system upgrade in the
B
Launching OUC — The Reliable One In celebration of its 75th anniversary, Orlando Utilities Commission officially made service reliability part of its name . . . becoming OUC — The Reliable One in 1998. During the branding process, the utility conducted extensive research to determine what was most important to its customers. When asked in focus groups what came to mind when they thought of OUC, the responses were consistent: OUC was the reliable utility. Many still remembered the Christmas freeze of 1989, when their electricity remained on, while other Central Florida electric utilities instituted rolling brownouts due to power supply shortages. More than 12 years later, the OUC brand remains strong — as does the promise to provide the highest level of reliability to customers. Page 44
and Southwest plants, and converted Conway,
comprehensive effort to expand and
and Lake Highland — in favor of
The Curtis H. Stanton Energy Center Unit 2
Largely conceived by General Manager and CEO
modernize the water system infrastructure in OUC’s history called for
Stanton Energy Center Unit 2 Comes Online in 1996
a new Lake Highland plant, as well as the Southeast
utility’s history. Water Project 2000 mapped out a plan to convert OUC’s water treatment to ozone, the strongest disinfectant available. The new water product was well received by customers and branded H2OUC — “great tasting water straight from the tap.” Haven maintained OUC’s commitment to electric reliability — and under his management, the utility branded itself “OUC — The Reliable One.” The tagline is still used today, reinforcing the commitment to providing customers with the highest level of reliability. Under Haven’s leadership, OUC’s electric reliability was recognized as the best in the Southeastern U.S. Dogged in his pursuit of adding new customer programs that met the needs of large commercial customers and developers, Haven led the creation of OUCooling, a chilled water business, and OUConvenient Lighting, a
Page 45
commercial lighting program. While he was at the helm, the utility also expanded its operation to include the City of St. Cloud in Osceola County, adding 150 square miles to OUC’s service territory. Haven passed away on February 29, 2004. Before his death, he led the efforts to negotiate a 20-year Consumptive Use Permit agreement among OUC, Orange County and the St. Johns and South Florida Water Management Districts. “Bob’s water-industry expertise and tireless commitment laid the foundation for this crucial step in regional cooperation,” said OUC Commission Board President Tommy Boroughs. “Bob would be very pleased.”
About 5,000 visitors came to SEC for the Unit 2 dedication. The three-day celebration included a public open house that drew 3,500; a train ride for nearly 100 civic and political leaders; a “power breakfast” for 300 civic, industry, and electric utility leaders; and a picnic for more than 1,000 employees and family members.
OUC’s Southwest Water Plant opened in 1997.
Water Project 2000. . .Laying the Groundwork for Improved Quality For OUC’s Water Business Unit, Water Project 2000 was the story of the century. The most
began commercial operation on June 1, 1996, on time and $62 million under the original budget of $522 million. At 425 MW, it was the first pulverized coal unit of its size in the nation to use Selective Catalytic Reduction to remove nitrogen oxide from the flue gas — meeting and exceeding all federal regulations for air quality.
A Safe Work Environment Employing about 5,600 people on site during 39 months of construction, Stanton 2 was one of the safest such construction projects in the nation, earning the STAR award from the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration. OUC's aggressive safety program saved about $10 million in insurance premiums.
Like the first unit, Stanton 2 was jointly owned. As majority owner/operator, OUC retained 72 percent of Unit 2. The Florida Municipal Power Agency owned 28 percent on behalf of the following cities: Bushnell, Clewiston, Fort Pierce, Green Cove Springs, Homestead, Jacksonville Beach, Key West, Kissimmee, Ocala, Leesburg, Starke, St. Cloud and Vero Beach.
A Commitment to Maximizing Participation and Diversity From the onset, the Stanton 2 Project Team was committed to maximizing Central Florida participation and ensuring a diverse workforce. The team established a proactive multi-faceted M/ WBE outreach program with a full-time coordinator hired to run the program. The project achieved its objectives with approximately
70 percent of the craft workforce coming from the
Bob Haven, Water Project 2000 was the largest
Kirkman, Sky Lake and Pine Hills to ozone. The
capital program, in terms of scope and investment,
new operation converted the system to an ozone
ever undertaken by the Commission to replace and
water treatment process, which significantly
upgrade water infrastructure. The monies budgeted
closing five outdated water plants —
reduced the amount of chlorine used in treatment
for the endeavor totaled $164.3 million and required
Martin, Dr. Phillips, Kuhl, Primrose
and completely removed hydrogen sulfide —
five 10 percent water rate increases over a five-year
a harmless, naturally occurring compound that
period. The entire program was aggressively
building three larger plants and
gives water an unpleasant taste and odor. The
scheduled to be completed in five years between
converting four existing plants
program also expanded and improved pipelines
1995 and 2000, which enabled all OUC water
to the ozone treatment process.
and modernized the computer control system so
customers to enjoy the benefits as soon as possible,
As part of the effort, OUC built
that all water plants could be operated remotely.
and at about the same time.
Central Florida region, and 30 percent minorities and women. In addition, 37 percent of the more
Delivering H2OUC to the Tap
than $60 million in subcontracts, supplies and permanent plant material was awarded to
OUC’s first ozone treatment plant began
minority and women-owned business enterprises.
treatment, OUC took the technology to a new
operation in the spring of 1997, delivering a new
level. It was the first utility to master control of the
without goals but rather by proactive contractor
“product” called H2OUC — ozone-treated water
sophisticated ozone water treatment system from
commitments and by OUC hosting M/ WBE
that tasted as good or better than bottled water
a remote facility with no full-time staff at the plant.
forums during the bidding stages.
but cost much less. The new $30 million Southwest
An innovative partnership with the Florida DEP and
plant had a capacity of 30 MGD and replaced two
installing a highly sophisticated computer-based
older, less reliable plants: Martin and Dr. Phillips.
control system as part of Water Project 2000 made
Although ozone had long been used for water
this possible.
The M/ WBE participation was accomplished
To leave a lasting legacy, a Community Service Council comprising representatives from OUC, Black & Veatch and project contractors undertook a variety of volunteer community
OUC branded H2OUC and launched a full-scale marketing campaign around it.
projects, including the renovation of an American Red Cross Disaster Relief trailer and
Bob Haven: “Water Industry Visionary”
construction of a park for the Metropolitan Orlando Urban League.
General Manager (1994–2004) ob Haven came to OUC on July 1, 1994 and passed away while in office in 2004. He brought with him decades of water industry and city government experience. A graduate of George Washington University, Haven arrived in Orlando in August 1981 as Central Florida was experiencing tremendous growth. During his tenure at the City of Orlando, he undertook some of the City’s largest projects, first as Director of Public Works and then as Chief Administrative Officer. He was the leading force behind the Orlando Arena, a major renovation of the Citrus Bowl, Lake Eola improvements, the new City Hall, Conserv I and Conserv II, and other projects estimated to cost $1 billion. Haven was passionate about providing the highest quality water. At OUC, he spearheaded the most extensive water system upgrade in the
B
Launching OUC — The Reliable One In celebration of its 75th anniversary, Orlando Utilities Commission officially made service reliability part of its name . . . becoming OUC — The Reliable One in 1998. During the branding process, the utility conducted extensive research to determine what was most important to its customers. When asked in focus groups what came to mind when they thought of OUC, the responses were consistent: OUC was the reliable utility. Many still remembered the Christmas freeze of 1989, when their electricity remained on, while other Central Florida electric utilities instituted rolling brownouts due to power supply shortages. More than 12 years later, the OUC brand remains strong — as does the promise to provide the highest level of reliability to customers. Page 44
and Southwest plants, and converted Conway,
comprehensive effort to expand and
and Lake Highland — in favor of
The Curtis H. Stanton Energy Center Unit 2
Largely conceived by General Manager and CEO
modernize the water system infrastructure in OUC’s history called for
Stanton Energy Center Unit 2 Comes Online in 1996
a new Lake Highland plant, as well as the Southeast
utility’s history. Water Project 2000 mapped out a plan to convert OUC’s water treatment to ozone, the strongest disinfectant available. The new water product was well received by customers and branded H2OUC — “great tasting water straight from the tap.” Haven maintained OUC’s commitment to electric reliability — and under his management, the utility branded itself “OUC — The Reliable One.” The tagline is still used today, reinforcing the commitment to providing customers with the highest level of reliability. Under Haven’s leadership, OUC’s electric reliability was recognized as the best in the Southeastern U.S. Dogged in his pursuit of adding new customer programs that met the needs of large commercial customers and developers, Haven led the creation of OUCooling, a chilled water business, and OUConvenient Lighting, a
Page 45
commercial lighting program. While he was at the helm, the utility also expanded its operation to include the City of St. Cloud in Osceola County, adding 150 square miles to OUC’s service territory. Haven passed away on February 29, 2004. Before his death, he led the efforts to negotiate a 20-year Consumptive Use Permit agreement among OUC, Orange County and the St. Johns and South Florida Water Management Districts. “Bob’s water-industry expertise and tireless commitment laid the foundation for this crucial step in regional cooperation,” said OUC Commission Board President Tommy Boroughs. “Bob would be very pleased.”
In 2007, OUC and St. Cloud marked a decade-long relationship.
A New Power Partnership: OUC and the City of St. Cloud In a precedent-setting move, OUC entered
serve as the foundation for their partnership
into a 25-year Interlocal Agreement with its
moving forward:
neighbor, the City of St. Cloud, to manage,
• Reliability: OUC promised to make significant improvements in the reliability of electric service.
operate and maintain the City’s electric system. The agreement, which became effective May 1, 1997, was the first of its kind in the state. With vast tracts of undeveloped land, St. Cloud understood that it was on the threshold of tremendous growth — but that it would take an investment in infrastructure and competitive rates to realize that potential. With that in mind, St. Cloud looked to OUC, with its long record of outstanding service and affordable rates. The two entered a long-term agreement, identifying five areas that would
• Rates: OUC promised to lower the electric rates of St. Cloud customers. • Retention: OUC agreed to hire the St. Cloud utility employees. • Return: OUC agreed to provide regular payments to the City of St. Cloud based on revenue growth. • Representation: Both partners formed a contract committee to oversee the longterm agreement. Over the years, OUC kept its promises, continuing to provide clean, affordable, reliable power to St. Cloud and serving as a community partner to help make the City strong and prosperous.
OUC’s Downtown Chiller Plant.
A new business venture that generated additional revenues, OUCooling brought its first
OUC LAUNCHES
OUC took over the Convention Center’s existing
central chiller plant online in 1997. The 6,600-ton-
chillers, linking them to the OUCooling plant at
capacity facility was built for Lockheed Martin’s
nearby Lockheed Martin and saving Orange
Electronics & Missiles Company and served
County about $10 million by avoiding expansion.
11 buildings on the 300-acre complex.
Initially, OUC teamed up with Trigen-Cinergy
In February of 1998, OUCooling began the
Solutions to create the chilled water business,
operation of its first downtown facility. The plant
but the partnership ended in 2004.
was the first step in the creation of a downtown
Page 46
convention complexes. Under the agreement,
In 2009, thanks in part to OUC’s efforts, chilled
loop that would circulate chilled water through
OUCooling signed a 20-year contract to
water qualified for LEED (Leadership in Energy
underground pipes — eventually serving OUC’s
pump chilled water for the air conditioning
and Environmental Design) certification points.
administration building, City Hall, CNL Center,
at the Orange County Convention Center,
As of 2010, OUC had eight chiller plants,
Lincoln Tower and the Amway Center.
one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing
Page 47
with a cooling capacity of about 50,000 tons.
In 2007, OUC and St. Cloud marked a decade-long relationship.
A New Power Partnership: OUC and the City of St. Cloud In a precedent-setting move, OUC entered
serve as the foundation for their partnership
into a 25-year Interlocal Agreement with its
moving forward:
neighbor, the City of St. Cloud, to manage,
• Reliability: OUC promised to make significant improvements in the reliability of electric service.
operate and maintain the City’s electric system. The agreement, which became effective May 1, 1997, was the first of its kind in the state. With vast tracts of undeveloped land, St. Cloud understood that it was on the threshold of tremendous growth — but that it would take an investment in infrastructure and competitive rates to realize that potential. With that in mind, St. Cloud looked to OUC, with its long record of outstanding service and affordable rates. The two entered a long-term agreement, identifying five areas that would
• Rates: OUC promised to lower the electric rates of St. Cloud customers. • Retention: OUC agreed to hire the St. Cloud utility employees. • Return: OUC agreed to provide regular payments to the City of St. Cloud based on revenue growth. • Representation: Both partners formed a contract committee to oversee the longterm agreement. Over the years, OUC kept its promises, continuing to provide clean, affordable, reliable power to St. Cloud and serving as a community partner to help make the City strong and prosperous.
OUC’s Downtown Chiller Plant.
A new business venture that generated additional revenues, OUCooling brought its first
OUC LAUNCHES
OUC took over the Convention Center’s existing
central chiller plant online in 1997. The 6,600-ton-
chillers, linking them to the OUCooling plant at
capacity facility was built for Lockheed Martin’s
nearby Lockheed Martin and saving Orange
Electronics & Missiles Company and served
County about $10 million by avoiding expansion.
11 buildings on the 300-acre complex.
Initially, OUC teamed up with Trigen-Cinergy
In February of 1998, OUCooling began the
Solutions to create the chilled water business,
operation of its first downtown facility. The plant
but the partnership ended in 2004.
was the first step in the creation of a downtown
Page 46
convention complexes. Under the agreement,
In 2009, thanks in part to OUC’s efforts, chilled
loop that would circulate chilled water through
OUCooling signed a 20-year contract to
water qualified for LEED (Leadership in Energy
underground pipes — eventually serving OUC’s
pump chilled water for the air conditioning
and Environmental Design) certification points.
administration building, City Hall, CNL Center,
at the Orange County Convention Center,
As of 2010, OUC had eight chiller plants,
Lincoln Tower and the Amway Center.
one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing
Page 47
with a cooling capacity of about 50,000 tons.
OUC Sells Indian River Plant Steam Units, Diversifying the Generation Portfolio Negotiating the sale of the Indian River
looming in the future, OUC analyzed its
Plant steam units in 1999 signaled an
power generation facilities and other assets
important new direction for OUC. By selling
to determine how best to use them over
the steam units, but continuing to purchase
the short and long terms.
their power, the facility generated additional
In response to feedback from commercial customers, OUConsumption Online was developed to satisfy the need for easy access to online energy load data.
OUC sold the Indian River steam units
cash to invest in newer, cleaner technology.
to Reliant Energy for $205 million in cash,
The transaction was the first in a series of
a four-year agreement to purchase power
strategic moves in an asset restructuring plan
from the facility and an additional four-year
that called for diversifying the utility’s power
power purchase option. OUC maintained
resource portfolio and investing in more
ownership of the four combustion turbines
modern facilities. With market deregulation
at the plant.
OUC CONVENIENT LIGHTING BEGINS OPERATION In the fall of 2000, OUC flipped the switch
lighting solutions, customers could keep their
established to provide complete outdoor
electric and maintenance costs down.
lighting services for a wide spectrum of
OUC Begins Generating Electricity from Landfill Gas
for a monthly service fee. With OUC’s efficient
on OUConvenient Lighting, a new division
As part of this new venture, the lighting
commercial applications —
division entered a 10-year
from industrial parks to
contract with the City of
sports complexes to
Orlando to provide
residential developments.
complete installation and
The division was a
maintenance of the Citrus
natural fit, pairing OUC’s
Bowl’s field lighting —
On April 1, 1998, the Stanton Energy
the landfill and piped to SEC where it is
The gas from the landfill produces close
reputation for reliability with area businesses’
replacing the stadium’s old lights with higher
Center (SEC) began burning landfill gas
co-fired with coal. In addition to helping
to 100,000 megawatt hours of reduced-
need to install and maintain street lights and
output, energy-efficient ones. The project
from the Orange County landfill. One
reduce greenhouse gas emissions from
emissions power — offsetting about
exterior lighting on their properties. Under
increased the facility’s brightness and
44,000 tons of coal each year.
the program, OUC purchased, installed and
reduced energy costs, while using only half
maintained the lighting fixtures and lamps
as many fixtures.
of the largest and longest-running efforts
the landfill, the 12-MW green energy
of its kind in the state, the OUC Landfill
program displaces more than three
Looking to the future, OUC and Orange
Project is an economical renewable
percent of the fossil fuel required for
County have signed new agreements for
source of energy that is also reliable and
SEC Units 1 and 2, and provides enough
future landfill projects — expanding
sustainable. Methane gas is captured from
electricity every day for 10,000 homes.
capacity to 22 MW.
Page 48
Page 49
OUC Sells Indian River Plant Steam Units, Diversifying the Generation Portfolio Negotiating the sale of the Indian River
looming in the future, OUC analyzed its
Plant steam units in 1999 signaled an
power generation facilities and other assets
important new direction for OUC. By selling
to determine how best to use them over
the steam units, but continuing to purchase
the short and long terms.
their power, the facility generated additional
In response to feedback from commercial customers, OUConsumption Online was developed to satisfy the need for easy access to online energy load data.
OUC sold the Indian River steam units
cash to invest in newer, cleaner technology.
to Reliant Energy for $205 million in cash,
The transaction was the first in a series of
a four-year agreement to purchase power
strategic moves in an asset restructuring plan
from the facility and an additional four-year
that called for diversifying the utility’s power
power purchase option. OUC maintained
resource portfolio and investing in more
ownership of the four combustion turbines
modern facilities. With market deregulation
at the plant.
OUC CONVENIENT LIGHTING BEGINS OPERATION In the fall of 2000, OUC flipped the switch
lighting solutions, customers could keep their
established to provide complete outdoor
electric and maintenance costs down.
lighting services for a wide spectrum of
OUC Begins Generating Electricity from Landfill Gas
for a monthly service fee. With OUC’s efficient
on OUConvenient Lighting, a new division
As part of this new venture, the lighting
commercial applications —
division entered a 10-year
from industrial parks to
contract with the City of
sports complexes to
Orlando to provide
residential developments.
complete installation and
The division was a
maintenance of the Citrus
natural fit, pairing OUC’s
Bowl’s field lighting —
On April 1, 1998, the Stanton Energy
the landfill and piped to SEC where it is
The gas from the landfill produces close
reputation for reliability with area businesses’
replacing the stadium’s old lights with higher
Center (SEC) began burning landfill gas
co-fired with coal. In addition to helping
to 100,000 megawatt hours of reduced-
need to install and maintain street lights and
output, energy-efficient ones. The project
from the Orange County landfill. One
reduce greenhouse gas emissions from
emissions power — offsetting about
exterior lighting on their properties. Under
increased the facility’s brightness and
44,000 tons of coal each year.
the program, OUC purchased, installed and
reduced energy costs, while using only half
maintained the lighting fixtures and lamps
as many fixtures.
of the largest and longest-running efforts
the landfill, the 12-MW green energy
of its kind in the state, the OUC Landfill
program displaces more than three
Looking to the future, OUC and Orange
Project is an economical renewable
percent of the fossil fuel required for
County have signed new agreements for
source of energy that is also reliable and
SEC Units 1 and 2, and provides enough
future landfill projects — expanding
sustainable. Methane gas is captured from
electricity every day for 10,000 homes.
capacity to 22 MW.
Page 48
Page 49
OUC became the title sponsor of the OUC Half Marathon & 5K in downtown Orlando in 1999, a tradition that would continue for the next decade. Putting its own twist on the race that first started in 1976, OUC tapped fire hydrants to provide runners with refreshing H2OUC.
Part of the Downtown Skyline Over the decades, OUC has powered the City of Orlando and provided one of the few constants in the City’s oft-changing skyline.
Orlando Welcomes New Millennium
2005 as then-Governor Jeb Bush called for
With lasers and fireworks from Sydney,
statewide conservation.
Australia, to Orlando’s Lake Eola, cities around
As OUC moved from the Administration
the globe greeted the new millennium with a
From 1968 until 2001, the four-sided lit
Building to its new home in Reliable Plaza
flash — but without so much as a flicker of
Orlando Utilities sign atop the Administration
in 2008, the neon sign was removed from
their electric power grids. The rollover in the
Building stood like a beacon at the south end
the old building, cleaned and renovated
U.S. and Canada was monitored closely by the
of Orange Avenue. It went dark only briefly
before being relocated to the new facility.
North American Electricity Reliability Council,
in 1979 in recognition of the oil embargo.
In keeping with the energy and water
which reported that no Y2K events affected
efficiency of Reliable Plaza and OUC’s support
electricity production, transmission or delivery.
In 2001, the original sign was replaced with a new neon blue and green OUC logo
of water conservation, the familiar droplet
featuring a light bulb and faucet. OUC would
from the faucet was removed from the sign
deployed to strategic locations stood by as
turn out the lights on the sign once more in
and the logo.
the year 2000 began. All eyes were on critical
At OUC, nearly 300 employees who were
power, water and information management systems, but none had problems adjusting to the date change. OUC’s success was attributed to thousands of hours of work over the prior 2.5 years, including the implementation of a Y2K initiative.
In 2001, OUC launched a print advertising campaign to help recruit a diverse workforce.
Fuel Diversity: Stanton A and B Natural Gas Generating Units Come Online steam generators and a steam turbine, which
begin commercial operation in 2010;
went commercial on October 1, 2003. The
however, the gasification component was
efficient and environmentally advanced unit
cancelled in 2007 due to environmental
was a joint development project among
regulation uncertainty. OUC and Southern
OUC, Southern Company, the Florida
Company proceeded with the construction
Municipal Power Agency (FMPA) and
of a 300-MW combined-cycle natural gas
Kissimmee Utility Authority (KUA). The unit
plant. The unit came online in February 2010
was built north of the two existing coal units
and is owned and operated by OUC.
on 60 acres of the 3,280-acre Stanton Energy Center site. OUC and partner Southern Company An important aspect of OUC’s generation
Page 50
received a U.S. Department of Energy Grant
asset restructuring plan was to invest in
for Clean Coal project in 2004. The grant
clean, modern technology that provided fuel
was awarded to help build a $557 million,
diversity. The Stanton A and B units provide
285-MW advanced coal gasification facility
a combined 933 MWs of clean generation.
at SEC as part of the department’s Clean
Stanton A is a 633-MW, natural gas-fired
Coal Power Initiative. The project was
combined-cycle unit with heat-recovery
expected to break ground in 2007 and
Page 51
OUC became the title sponsor of the OUC Half Marathon & 5K in downtown Orlando in 1999, a tradition that would continue for the next decade. Putting its own twist on the race that first started in 1976, OUC tapped fire hydrants to provide runners with refreshing H2OUC.
Part of the Downtown Skyline Over the decades, OUC has powered the City of Orlando and provided one of the few constants in the City’s oft-changing skyline.
Orlando Welcomes New Millennium
2005 as then-Governor Jeb Bush called for
With lasers and fireworks from Sydney,
statewide conservation.
Australia, to Orlando’s Lake Eola, cities around
As OUC moved from the Administration
the globe greeted the new millennium with a
From 1968 until 2001, the four-sided lit
Building to its new home in Reliable Plaza
flash — but without so much as a flicker of
Orlando Utilities sign atop the Administration
in 2008, the neon sign was removed from
their electric power grids. The rollover in the
Building stood like a beacon at the south end
the old building, cleaned and renovated
U.S. and Canada was monitored closely by the
of Orange Avenue. It went dark only briefly
before being relocated to the new facility.
North American Electricity Reliability Council,
in 1979 in recognition of the oil embargo.
In keeping with the energy and water
which reported that no Y2K events affected
efficiency of Reliable Plaza and OUC’s support
electricity production, transmission or delivery.
In 2001, the original sign was replaced with a new neon blue and green OUC logo
of water conservation, the familiar droplet
featuring a light bulb and faucet. OUC would
from the faucet was removed from the sign
deployed to strategic locations stood by as
turn out the lights on the sign once more in
and the logo.
the year 2000 began. All eyes were on critical
At OUC, nearly 300 employees who were
power, water and information management systems, but none had problems adjusting to the date change. OUC’s success was attributed to thousands of hours of work over the prior 2.5 years, including the implementation of a Y2K initiative.
In 2001, OUC launched a print advertising campaign to help recruit a diverse workforce.
Fuel Diversity: Stanton A and B Natural Gas Generating Units Come Online steam generators and a steam turbine, which
begin commercial operation in 2010;
went commercial on October 1, 2003. The
however, the gasification component was
efficient and environmentally advanced unit
cancelled in 2007 due to environmental
was a joint development project among
regulation uncertainty. OUC and Southern
OUC, Southern Company, the Florida
Company proceeded with the construction
Municipal Power Agency (FMPA) and
of a 300-MW combined-cycle natural gas
Kissimmee Utility Authority (KUA). The unit
plant. The unit came online in February 2010
was built north of the two existing coal units
and is owned and operated by OUC.
on 60 acres of the 3,280-acre Stanton Energy Center site. OUC and partner Southern Company An important aspect of OUC’s generation
Page 50
received a U.S. Department of Energy Grant
asset restructuring plan was to invest in
for Clean Coal project in 2004. The grant
clean, modern technology that provided fuel
was awarded to help build a $557 million,
diversity. The Stanton A and B units provide
285-MW advanced coal gasification facility
a combined 933 MWs of clean generation.
at SEC as part of the department’s Clean
Stanton A is a 633-MW, natural gas-fired
Coal Power Initiative. The project was
combined-cycle unit with heat-recovery
expected to break ground in 2007 and
Page 51
OUC crews laid electric cable underground to power Orlando’s growing medical city.
A Decade of Reliability “The Reliable One” was benchmarked as the most reliable utility in the Southeast region in 2002, 2003, 2006 and 2007 and in the state
In addition, OUC’s generation units are among the most reliable in the nation.
decade, PA Consulting Group recognized
Generation reliability performance is measured
OUC as the winner of the Southeast region
by an Equivalent Forced Outage Rate (EFOR)
ReliabilityOne™ award, which is given annually
that measures unplanned outages, not
to the utilities that have excelled in delivering
scheduled ones. In 2010, the national average
reliable electric service to their customers.
for unplanned outages was about 8 percent; however, Stanton Energy Center’s coal-fired
National/Regional Events Affect Power Industry Northeast Blackout of 2003 On August 14, 2003, shortly after 2 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, a highvoltage power line in northern Ohio brushed against some overgrown trees and knocked out power in eight states and part of Canada. By 4:13 p.m.,
contributed to at least 11 deaths and
million dollars a day for an infraction,
cost an estimated $6 billion. In the wake
depending on its flagrancy and the
of the blackout, Congress passed the
risk incurred.
Energy Policy Act of 2005.
Energy Policy Act of 2005 The Energy Policy Act of 2005 was
South Florida Blackout of 2008 On February 26, 2008, an equipment
508 generating units at 256 power plants
designed to combat growing energy
failure and fire at a transmission
1 percent. Solid preventive maintenance,
across these eight states were off-line.
problems and changed U.S. energy
substation forced the automatic
largest utilities in key measurements of overall
including the use of 3-D (three-dimensional)
More than 61,800 MWs of electrical
policy by providing tax incentives and
shutdown of four generating units —
electric reliability: LBar (average length of
imaging, helps identify potential problems
load was lost in parts of Ohio, Michigan,
loan guarantees for energy production
two of them nuclear-powered —
single service interruptions) and System
before they arise.
New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey,
of various types. It also expanded the
at Florida Power & Light’s Turkey Point.
Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont
role of the Federal Energy Regulatory
Within minutes, the failure set off a
and the province of Ontario.
Commission (FERC) by requiring it to
cascade of power outages from Key
solicit, approve and enforce new electric
West to Daytona Beach and further
Commission’s utility data showed OUC’s
Units 1 and 2 averaged a remarkably low
performance well ahead of Florida’s four
Although power was successfully
Ken Ksionek: “Strong, Determined Leader”
restored to most customers within hours,
reliability standards from the North
north, affecting up to 2.5 million
General Manager (2004–present)
some areas of the United States did not
American Electricity Reliability
customers statewide. OUC’s generating
have power for two days and parts of
Corporation (NERC).
system automatically began to shut
en Ksionek was named interim General Manager after the death of Bob Haven and given the permanent position October 12, 2004. Ksionek had served as Vice President of OUC’s Energy Delivery Business Unit from 1995 to 2004 — managing the engineering, construction, maintenance and operation of OUC’s
K
the average number of outage minutes per year.
every year from 2002-2009. Four times in the
Comparison of the Florida Public Service
OUC line technicians help to ensure the utility’s award-winning record for electric reliability.
Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI),
electric distribution systems. Ksionek, a graduate of the University of Wisconsin, joined OUC in 1985 as Director of Construction for the Stanton Energy Center Unit 1 and then became the Director of Capital Projects and Co-Project Manager of Stanton Unit 2 Construction. During his tenure as Vice President of Energy Delivery, OUC gained national prominence for its reliability. Ksionek took over the General Manager and CEO position in what would become one of the most tumultuous years in OUC history. Having no time to prepare for the transition, he had to immediately deal with employees mourning the loss of a beloved leader and final negotiations on a 20-year water consumptive use permit. Testing the mettle of the new leader even further, Hurricane Charley pummeled Central Florida on Friday, August 13 — leaving 80 percent of OUC’s customers without power. OUC had never experienced a storm of this magnitude — and for the first
time had to ask other utilities for assistance. Charley was followed weeks later by Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne. Through it all, Ksionek proved to be the right leader for the right time. His intimate knowledge of the electric system and the emergency preparedness plan allowed him to respond quickly. Four years later, Ksionek would be tested yet again as he had to lead OUC through what has been labeled a national economic recession. The financial tsunami that followed required a steady hand as the utility faced volatile fuel markets and a local housing downturn that put a halt to customer growth. Through it all, Ksionek persevered and OUC fared well by effectively reducing expenses and improving operational efficiencies. At the same time, the electric and water utility industries were once again facing potential increased regulation. The Florida Public Service Commission approved compliance goals that would require the state’s larger
Page 52
electric utilities to reduce energy consumption and increase customer education. As typical of Ksionek, he not only wanted to meet the goals, but exceed them. As a result, OUC is well on its way to not only helping customers conserve, but also finding ways to weave sustainability through all parts of the organization. From building a Gold LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) customer service and administration center to constructing a solar farm at the Stanton Energy Center, OUC is committed to providing clean water and electricity that is affordable and reliable. Over the years, Ksionek’s steadiness and strength helped OUC weather whatever challenges have come its way. But, above all, his passion for reliability sets him apart. From the power plants to the meter, he knows every inch of the system and remains focused on providing the highest level of service to OUC’s customers.
Ontario experienced rolling blackouts
Prior to the blackout, NERC set
down 13 circuits at 11 substations
for up to two weeks due to a generation
voluntary standards. As a result of the
across the metro area. That left
capacity shortage. In total, about
regulation, FERC approved 96 new
11,438 customers, mostly residential,
50 million people lost power for up to
reliability standards covering trees,
without power for two to 20 minutes.
two days in the biggest blackout in
training and tools. It also gave FERC the
North American history. The event
authority to impose fines of up to a
OUC Secures 20-year Renewal of Water Consumptive Use Permit In 2004, OUC reached agreement on an historic 20-year renewal of its Consumptive Use Permit (CUP) with the St. Johns River and South Florida Water Management Districts. The permit, which represented a regional water solution among OUC, the water management districts and Orange County, authorized OUC to withdraw groundwater for treatment and distribution to customers. As part of the CUP and settlement agreement, OUC pledged to maintain its groundwater withdrawal allocation at the same level for the next 20 years, increase the use of reclaimed water, develop alternative water supply with utility partners and enhance conservation efforts. Page 53
In 2003, the Florida section of the American Water Works Association named H2OUC (OUC’s Orlando drinking water) the best in the state.
OUC crews laid electric cable underground to power Orlando’s growing medical city.
A Decade of Reliability “The Reliable One” was benchmarked as the most reliable utility in the Southeast region in 2002, 2003, 2006 and 2007 and in the state
In addition, OUC’s generation units are among the most reliable in the nation.
decade, PA Consulting Group recognized
Generation reliability performance is measured
OUC as the winner of the Southeast region
by an Equivalent Forced Outage Rate (EFOR)
ReliabilityOne™ award, which is given annually
that measures unplanned outages, not
to the utilities that have excelled in delivering
scheduled ones. In 2010, the national average
reliable electric service to their customers.
for unplanned outages was about 8 percent; however, Stanton Energy Center’s coal-fired
National/Regional Events Affect Power Industry Northeast Blackout of 2003 On August 14, 2003, shortly after 2 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, a highvoltage power line in northern Ohio brushed against some overgrown trees and knocked out power in eight states and part of Canada. By 4:13 p.m.,
contributed to at least 11 deaths and
million dollars a day for an infraction,
cost an estimated $6 billion. In the wake
depending on its flagrancy and the
of the blackout, Congress passed the
risk incurred.
Energy Policy Act of 2005.
Energy Policy Act of 2005 The Energy Policy Act of 2005 was
South Florida Blackout of 2008 On February 26, 2008, an equipment
508 generating units at 256 power plants
designed to combat growing energy
failure and fire at a transmission
1 percent. Solid preventive maintenance,
across these eight states were off-line.
problems and changed U.S. energy
substation forced the automatic
largest utilities in key measurements of overall
including the use of 3-D (three-dimensional)
More than 61,800 MWs of electrical
policy by providing tax incentives and
shutdown of four generating units —
electric reliability: LBar (average length of
imaging, helps identify potential problems
load was lost in parts of Ohio, Michigan,
loan guarantees for energy production
two of them nuclear-powered —
single service interruptions) and System
before they arise.
New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey,
of various types. It also expanded the
at Florida Power & Light’s Turkey Point.
Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont
role of the Federal Energy Regulatory
Within minutes, the failure set off a
and the province of Ontario.
Commission (FERC) by requiring it to
cascade of power outages from Key
solicit, approve and enforce new electric
West to Daytona Beach and further
Commission’s utility data showed OUC’s
Units 1 and 2 averaged a remarkably low
performance well ahead of Florida’s four
Although power was successfully
Ken Ksionek: “Strong, Determined Leader”
restored to most customers within hours,
reliability standards from the North
north, affecting up to 2.5 million
General Manager (2004–present)
some areas of the United States did not
American Electricity Reliability
customers statewide. OUC’s generating
have power for two days and parts of
Corporation (NERC).
system automatically began to shut
en Ksionek was named interim General Manager after the death of Bob Haven and given the permanent position October 12, 2004. Ksionek had served as Vice President of OUC’s Energy Delivery Business Unit from 1995 to 2004 — managing the engineering, construction, maintenance and operation of OUC’s
K
the average number of outage minutes per year.
every year from 2002-2009. Four times in the
Comparison of the Florida Public Service
OUC line technicians help to ensure the utility’s award-winning record for electric reliability.
Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI),
electric distribution systems. Ksionek, a graduate of the University of Wisconsin, joined OUC in 1985 as Director of Construction for the Stanton Energy Center Unit 1 and then became the Director of Capital Projects and Co-Project Manager of Stanton Unit 2 Construction. During his tenure as Vice President of Energy Delivery, OUC gained national prominence for its reliability. Ksionek took over the General Manager and CEO position in what would become one of the most tumultuous years in OUC history. Having no time to prepare for the transition, he had to immediately deal with employees mourning the loss of a beloved leader and final negotiations on a 20-year water consumptive use permit. Testing the mettle of the new leader even further, Hurricane Charley pummeled Central Florida on Friday, August 13 — leaving 80 percent of OUC’s customers without power. OUC had never experienced a storm of this magnitude — and for the first
time had to ask other utilities for assistance. Charley was followed weeks later by Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne. Through it all, Ksionek proved to be the right leader for the right time. His intimate knowledge of the electric system and the emergency preparedness plan allowed him to respond quickly. Four years later, Ksionek would be tested yet again as he had to lead OUC through what has been labeled a national economic recession. The financial tsunami that followed required a steady hand as the utility faced volatile fuel markets and a local housing downturn that put a halt to customer growth. Through it all, Ksionek persevered and OUC fared well by effectively reducing expenses and improving operational efficiencies. At the same time, the electric and water utility industries were once again facing potential increased regulation. The Florida Public Service Commission approved compliance goals that would require the state’s larger
Page 52
electric utilities to reduce energy consumption and increase customer education. As typical of Ksionek, he not only wanted to meet the goals, but exceed them. As a result, OUC is well on its way to not only helping customers conserve, but also finding ways to weave sustainability through all parts of the organization. From building a Gold LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) customer service and administration center to constructing a solar farm at the Stanton Energy Center, OUC is committed to providing clean water and electricity that is affordable and reliable. Over the years, Ksionek’s steadiness and strength helped OUC weather whatever challenges have come its way. But, above all, his passion for reliability sets him apart. From the power plants to the meter, he knows every inch of the system and remains focused on providing the highest level of service to OUC’s customers.
Ontario experienced rolling blackouts
Prior to the blackout, NERC set
down 13 circuits at 11 substations
for up to two weeks due to a generation
voluntary standards. As a result of the
across the metro area. That left
capacity shortage. In total, about
regulation, FERC approved 96 new
11,438 customers, mostly residential,
50 million people lost power for up to
reliability standards covering trees,
without power for two to 20 minutes.
two days in the biggest blackout in
training and tools. It also gave FERC the
North American history. The event
authority to impose fines of up to a
OUC Secures 20-year Renewal of Water Consumptive Use Permit In 2004, OUC reached agreement on an historic 20-year renewal of its Consumptive Use Permit (CUP) with the St. Johns River and South Florida Water Management Districts. The permit, which represented a regional water solution among OUC, the water management districts and Orange County, authorized OUC to withdraw groundwater for treatment and distribution to customers. As part of the CUP and settlement agreement, OUC pledged to maintain its groundwater withdrawal allocation at the same level for the next 20 years, increase the use of reclaimed water, develop alternative water supply with utility partners and enhance conservation efforts. Page 53
In 2003, the Florida section of the American Water Works Association named H2OUC (OUC’s Orlando drinking water) the best in the state.
Three Hurricanes in One Season: “A Year’s Worth of Work in 45 Days” In 45 days during Florida’s most active
poles over houses. Over the course of the three
hurricane season on record — the summer of
storms, OUC spent about $31 million to repair
2004 — Hurricanes Charley, Frances and Jeanne
damage. Though the hurricanes impacted OUC
hit Orlando, devastating Central Florida’s tree
financially, reimbursement for the bulk of
canopy and sending thousands of trees crashing
hurricane-related costs came from the Federal
into homes and miles of power lines. Charley
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and
knocked out power to 80 percent of OUC’s
the State of Florida. None of these costs was
customers; Frances, 40 percent; and Jeanne,
passed on to customers.
59 percent.
In all, OUC replaced 570 poles and 453
OUC linemen served on the front lines of
transformers, 26.6 miles of primary line and
restoration efforts, routinely working 16-hour
44.2 miles of secondary line. Only two boil water
days in dangerous conditions. With that effort,
alerts were issued — and more than 2,000
power was safely restored to OUC’s affected
linemen, tree trimmers and trouble technicians
customers at a faster rate than the neighboring
were called in to assist with restoration.
utilities. After Hurricane Charley, crews had to
Customer service representatives fielded more
replace rear-lot line poles that had been
than 160,000 calls, a 50 percent increase from
knocked over in customers’ backyards. In some
normal activity.
cases, cranes were used to lift replacement
Mutual Aid: Returning the Favor OUC was happy to return the favor for several
power to customers who had been out since
utilities that sent crews to restore power in
Frances swept through on September 4, 2004.
Orlando and St. Cloud after Charley devastated
OUC also sent linemen to the City of Opp,
the area. After completing its own power
Alabama (near the Florida-Alabama border)
restoration following Hurricane Frances and
to help the restoration effort in the wake of
making sure that Hurricane Ivan was going to
Hurricane Ivan. In September 2005, OUC electric
bypass Central Florida, OUC released crews
and water crews went to Gulfport, Mississippi, to
to Fort Pierce Utilities Authority to help restore
help communities impacted by Hurricane Katrina.
Page 54
Used with permission of the Orlando Sentinel, copyright 2011
Three Hurricanes in One Season: “A Year’s Worth of Work in 45 Days” In 45 days during Florida’s most active
poles over houses. Over the course of the three
hurricane season on record — the summer of
storms, OUC spent about $31 million to repair
2004 — Hurricanes Charley, Frances and Jeanne
damage. Though the hurricanes impacted OUC
hit Orlando, devastating Central Florida’s tree
financially, reimbursement for the bulk of
canopy and sending thousands of trees crashing
hurricane-related costs came from the Federal
into homes and miles of power lines. Charley
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and
knocked out power to 80 percent of OUC’s
the State of Florida. None of these costs was
customers; Frances, 40 percent; and Jeanne,
passed on to customers.
59 percent.
In all, OUC replaced 570 poles and 453
OUC linemen served on the front lines of
transformers, 26.6 miles of primary line and
restoration efforts, routinely working 16-hour
44.2 miles of secondary line. Only two boil water
days in dangerous conditions. With that effort,
alerts were issued — and more than 2,000
power was safely restored to OUC’s affected
linemen, tree trimmers and trouble technicians
customers at a faster rate than the neighboring
were called in to assist with restoration.
utilities. After Hurricane Charley, crews had to
Customer service representatives fielded more
replace rear-lot line poles that had been
than 160,000 calls, a 50 percent increase from
knocked over in customers’ backyards. In some
normal activity.
cases, cranes were used to lift replacement
Mutual Aid: Returning the Favor OUC was happy to return the favor for several
power to customers who had been out since
utilities that sent crews to restore power in
Frances swept through on September 4, 2004.
Orlando and St. Cloud after Charley devastated
OUC also sent linemen to the City of Opp,
the area. After completing its own power
Alabama (near the Florida-Alabama border)
restoration following Hurricane Frances and
to help the restoration effort in the wake of
making sure that Hurricane Ivan was going to
Hurricane Ivan. In September 2005, OUC electric
bypass Central Florida, OUC released crews
and water crews went to Gulfport, Mississippi, to
to Fort Pierce Utilities Authority to help restore
help communities impacted by Hurricane Katrina.
Page 54
Used with permission of the Orlando Sentinel, copyright 2011
OUC vehicles “then and now” — dieselpowered truck and hybrid bucket truck.
Customer Education and Outreach In the Community From hurricane preparedness to input on transmission line projects, OUC was committed to keeping customers informed through neighborhood outreach. OUC worked with St. Cloud and the community to determine the route of a new transmission line and the location of a new substation — holding several public meetings to speak with residents and invite their input. To determine the preferred route, engineers looked at 74 different transmission line segments and 96 alternative route combinations.
Hurricane Preparedness and Conservation Following the record-breaking hurricane season of 2004, OUC held 18 community meetings to discuss hurricane preparation and response for the 2005 storm season. The utility continued those meetings in 2006 and 2007. In early 2010, faced with a worsening economy and a rising number of calls from customers who were having difficulty paying their utility bills, OUC
Balancing Affordability, Reliability and Environmental Stewardship
consumption and, in turn, their utility bills.
Beginning in 2006, the demand for affordable,
Billing options and payment assistance also
reliable, clean generation was more important
were featured. Later that same year, OUC
than ever, as the whole country was embracing a
partnered with the City of Orlando for the
“green revolution.” Companies scrambled to add
Green Neighborhood Program, which would
renewable resources to their generation portfolios
deliver efficiency upgrades to more than 1,000
as Congress debated “climate” laws that would
inefficient homes throughout Orlando.
tax carbon emitted from power plants. Talk of “cap and trade” regulation was the rage as utilities
In the Classroom
began to look for ways to reduce their power plant
Throughout its history, OUC has often gone into local classrooms to talk to students about electrical safety, conservation, hurricane preparedness
carbon emissions.
Project AWESOME In 2009, OUC partnered with the
OUC undertook an electric Integrated Resource Plan to determine the best way to provide clean, affordable, reliable power and to comply with
and careers in utilities. In 2006, OUC
Orlando Science Center to develop
potential federal climate legislation. The utility also
renewed its outreach in the schools,
a program to educate all fifth grade
looked for ways to help customers become more
focusing on Central Florida’s diminishing
students in OUC’s electric and water
energy efficient.
water resources. OUC partnered with
service territories in Orange and Osceola
Orange County Utilities and arts teachers
counties about water conservation,
in Orange County Public Schools to
energy efficiency and alternative energy
A Commitment to Sustainability In response, OUC renewed its efforts to
A Green Fleet
so that they are as reliable as the crews and
That commitment to sustainability was equally evident in OUC’s growing fleet. OUC’s reputation for reliable and responsive electric and water service over the years stems, in large part, from the hard work of the Fleet Division that has kept the utility’s vehicles on the road and ready to roll. In 1955, the then-Automotive Department was responsible for maintaining 57 vehicles ranging from gas-powered trucks to tractors. Since that time, the fleet has grown to include more than 800 vehicles, many of which run on lower emission biodiesel and several of which are high-efficiency plug-in electric cars and hybrid bucket trucks. Service and repair
involve students in the annual Water Color Project,
resources. Project AWESOME (Alternative
implement programs, practices and standards
a regional art contest that challenged high school
records once kept in handwritten logs are now
Water & Energy Supply, Observation,
that promoted sustainability throughout the
students to use conservation themes to decorate
tracked via high-tech software that communicates
Methods & Education) was designed to
Commission. Initiatives included expanding the
rain barrels. Meanwhile, fifth graders submitted
with a vehicle’s onboard computer to run
encourage good habits at an early age
recycling program and upgrading facilities with
water conservation drawings for a chance to be
diagnostics, schedule maintenance and assess
utilizing hands-on water and energy
energy-efficient lighting and light sensors; installing
featured in the annual Water Color Project calendar.
fuel consumption and performance. These
activities. The curriculum met Sunshine
rain sensors on irrigation systems; adjusting
advancements have helped OUC improve the
State Standards and reached about 6,000
thermostats; and forming a Green Team of
efficiency and safety of the fleet, lowering
fifth graders each year.
employee volunteers who worked to implement
emissions and maximizing the life of the vehicles,
hosted a series of “Reliably Green” community meetings to inform customers about conservation
personnel they carry. In 2006, OUC began using biodiesel fuel in its diesel fleet trucks. Made from renewable domestic resources — like fats used in cooking grease — biodiesel is a cleaner burning, lower emission alternative to pure petroleum diesel fuels. The B20 mix integrated seamlessly into OUC’s current fueling system while reducing carbon dioxide emissions by more than 15 percent. The Fleet Division also incorporated a number of other eco-conscious policies, using earth-friendly products and disposing of contaminated fuels according to environmental standards. Tires, batteries and oil filters were recycled through vendors, while freon, antifreeze and motor oil were handled on site. Water was recycled, too — thanks to mini-water treatment plants and wash racks at the Pershing and Gardenia facilities that kept OUC vehicles clean. OUC uses computers to run vehicle diagnostics.
practical, sustainable operations in their areas.
tips and rebate programs that could reduce their
Lighting Retrofit Program Since 2003, OUC has provided its Lighting Retrofit Program for commercial customers —
with Orange County Public Schools had installed
retrofitting indoor lighting systems with more
energy-saving fixtures at 30 schools for an annual
energy-efficient, cost-effective ones for projected
energy savings of 2.2 MWs and more than
energy savings of 65-70 percent.
$900,000 in energy costs. At participating schools,
In return for the new lights, customers pay off
OUC was the first
By 2010, OUC’s indoor lighting partnership
municipal utility in Florida to acquire a
OUC replaced old lighting fixtures with more
the equipment by reimbursing OUC with the
energy-efficient retrofits. The schools benefitted
money they save on their electric bills. The
immediately as the up-front costs were spread
payback period was typically three to four years.
over multiple billing periods. Best of all, the
plug-in hybrid that gets up to 99 mpg.
charges were balanced out by lower power bills.
Page 56
Page 57
OUC vehicles “then and now” — dieselpowered truck and hybrid bucket truck.
Customer Education and Outreach In the Community From hurricane preparedness to input on transmission line projects, OUC was committed to keeping customers informed through neighborhood outreach. OUC worked with St. Cloud and the community to determine the route of a new transmission line and the location of a new substation — holding several public meetings to speak with residents and invite their input. To determine the preferred route, engineers looked at 74 different transmission line segments and 96 alternative route combinations.
Hurricane Preparedness and Conservation Following the record-breaking hurricane season of 2004, OUC held 18 community meetings to discuss hurricane preparation and response for the 2005 storm season. The utility continued those meetings in 2006 and 2007. In early 2010, faced with a worsening economy and a rising number of calls from customers who were having difficulty paying their utility bills, OUC
Balancing Affordability, Reliability and Environmental Stewardship
consumption and, in turn, their utility bills.
Beginning in 2006, the demand for affordable,
Billing options and payment assistance also
reliable, clean generation was more important
were featured. Later that same year, OUC
than ever, as the whole country was embracing a
partnered with the City of Orlando for the
“green revolution.” Companies scrambled to add
Green Neighborhood Program, which would
renewable resources to their generation portfolios
deliver efficiency upgrades to more than 1,000
as Congress debated “climate” laws that would
inefficient homes throughout Orlando.
tax carbon emitted from power plants. Talk of “cap and trade” regulation was the rage as utilities
In the Classroom
began to look for ways to reduce their power plant
Throughout its history, OUC has often gone into local classrooms to talk to students about electrical safety, conservation, hurricane preparedness
carbon emissions.
Project AWESOME In 2009, OUC partnered with the
OUC undertook an electric Integrated Resource Plan to determine the best way to provide clean, affordable, reliable power and to comply with
and careers in utilities. In 2006, OUC
Orlando Science Center to develop
potential federal climate legislation. The utility also
renewed its outreach in the schools,
a program to educate all fifth grade
looked for ways to help customers become more
focusing on Central Florida’s diminishing
students in OUC’s electric and water
energy efficient.
water resources. OUC partnered with
service territories in Orange and Osceola
Orange County Utilities and arts teachers
counties about water conservation,
in Orange County Public Schools to
energy efficiency and alternative energy
A Commitment to Sustainability In response, OUC renewed its efforts to
A Green Fleet
so that they are as reliable as the crews and
That commitment to sustainability was equally evident in OUC’s growing fleet. OUC’s reputation for reliable and responsive electric and water service over the years stems, in large part, from the hard work of the Fleet Division that has kept the utility’s vehicles on the road and ready to roll. In 1955, the then-Automotive Department was responsible for maintaining 57 vehicles ranging from gas-powered trucks to tractors. Since that time, the fleet has grown to include more than 800 vehicles, many of which run on lower emission biodiesel and several of which are high-efficiency plug-in electric cars and hybrid bucket trucks. Service and repair
involve students in the annual Water Color Project,
resources. Project AWESOME (Alternative
implement programs, practices and standards
a regional art contest that challenged high school
records once kept in handwritten logs are now
Water & Energy Supply, Observation,
that promoted sustainability throughout the
students to use conservation themes to decorate
tracked via high-tech software that communicates
Methods & Education) was designed to
Commission. Initiatives included expanding the
rain barrels. Meanwhile, fifth graders submitted
with a vehicle’s onboard computer to run
encourage good habits at an early age
recycling program and upgrading facilities with
water conservation drawings for a chance to be
diagnostics, schedule maintenance and assess
utilizing hands-on water and energy
energy-efficient lighting and light sensors; installing
featured in the annual Water Color Project calendar.
fuel consumption and performance. These
activities. The curriculum met Sunshine
rain sensors on irrigation systems; adjusting
advancements have helped OUC improve the
State Standards and reached about 6,000
thermostats; and forming a Green Team of
efficiency and safety of the fleet, lowering
fifth graders each year.
employee volunteers who worked to implement
emissions and maximizing the life of the vehicles,
hosted a series of “Reliably Green” community meetings to inform customers about conservation
personnel they carry. In 2006, OUC began using biodiesel fuel in its diesel fleet trucks. Made from renewable domestic resources — like fats used in cooking grease — biodiesel is a cleaner burning, lower emission alternative to pure petroleum diesel fuels. The B20 mix integrated seamlessly into OUC’s current fueling system while reducing carbon dioxide emissions by more than 15 percent. The Fleet Division also incorporated a number of other eco-conscious policies, using earth-friendly products and disposing of contaminated fuels according to environmental standards. Tires, batteries and oil filters were recycled through vendors, while freon, antifreeze and motor oil were handled on site. Water was recycled, too — thanks to mini-water treatment plants and wash racks at the Pershing and Gardenia facilities that kept OUC vehicles clean. OUC uses computers to run vehicle diagnostics.
practical, sustainable operations in their areas.
tips and rebate programs that could reduce their
Lighting Retrofit Program Since 2003, OUC has provided its Lighting Retrofit Program for commercial customers —
with Orange County Public Schools had installed
retrofitting indoor lighting systems with more
energy-saving fixtures at 30 schools for an annual
energy-efficient, cost-effective ones for projected
energy savings of 2.2 MWs and more than
energy savings of 65-70 percent.
$900,000 in energy costs. At participating schools,
In return for the new lights, customers pay off
OUC was the first
By 2010, OUC’s indoor lighting partnership
municipal utility in Florida to acquire a
OUC replaced old lighting fixtures with more
the equipment by reimbursing OUC with the
energy-efficient retrofits. The schools benefitted
money they save on their electric bills. The
immediately as the up-front costs were spread
payback period was typically three to four years.
over multiple billing periods. Best of all, the
plug-in hybrid that gets up to 99 mpg.
charges were balanced out by lower power bills.
Page 56
Page 57
Reliable Plaza Green Features Include: • Solar photovoltaic array on the roof. • Solar water heating via rooftop panels. • Water collection cistern for irrigation. • Low-flow plumbing fixtures.
THE GREENEST BUILDING IN DOWNTOWN ORLANDO
• Raised flooring for efficient heating and cooling. • High-efficiency, daylight-sensitive lighting.
When the land under OUC’s former parking garage was required for the
• VOC-free (Volatile Organic Compound) carpet and paint.
Department of Transportation’s expansion
Customer Features The first floor offered one-stop service to all OUC customers. An expanded
of State Road 408, OUC evaluated its
residential service center provided an
options and made the decision to build
improved customer experience with eight
a new 110,000-square-foot customer
teller stations, three drive-through lanes
service and administration center and
and more convenient parking.
set the standard for sustainable buildings in Orlando. While this new green home was a major milestone for OUC, it was also a first for the
Commercial and industrial customers had everything they needed in the new Commercial Service Center, and local developers, builders and contractors
Central Florida community. Designed to
enjoyed a single point of contact through
meet the requirements for Leadership in
the Development Services Center.
Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification, Reliable Plaza earned
Reliable Plaza also featured an interactive conservation education center, located on
the title of “The Greenest Building in
the first floor near Customer Service. With
Downtown Orlando.” It was designed
a live link to the building’s conservation
to use about 28 percent less energy and
systems, the center’s touch screen gave
40 percent less water than similar buildings
customers real-time data on how Reliable
built to code. More than 12,000 customers visited
Plaza used — and saved — energy and water. The center also provided information
Reliable Plaza monthly to pay their utility
on green building ideas, conservation tips
bills, set up or change service, or learn more
and programs customers could employ
about energy and water conservation.
at home. On November 11, 2008, Reliable Plaza was dedicated in honor of Veteran’s Day and the men and women of OUC who served their country. The American flag was raised by a group of OUC Veterans.
A Florida Original: The mural at Reliable Plaza is based on a landscape by Highwaymen artist Harold Newton (1934-94). Historian Gary Monroe noted, “Newton stands alone having created the images of modern Florida that symbolized the state as the place to really be alive.” Page 58
Page 59
Reliable Plaza Green Features Include: • Solar photovoltaic array on the roof. • Solar water heating via rooftop panels. • Water collection cistern for irrigation. • Low-flow plumbing fixtures.
THE GREENEST BUILDING IN DOWNTOWN ORLANDO
• Raised flooring for efficient heating and cooling. • High-efficiency, daylight-sensitive lighting.
When the land under OUC’s former parking garage was required for the
• VOC-free (Volatile Organic Compound) carpet and paint.
Department of Transportation’s expansion
Customer Features The first floor offered one-stop service to all OUC customers. An expanded
of State Road 408, OUC evaluated its
residential service center provided an
options and made the decision to build
improved customer experience with eight
a new 110,000-square-foot customer
teller stations, three drive-through lanes
service and administration center and
and more convenient parking.
set the standard for sustainable buildings in Orlando. While this new green home was a major milestone for OUC, it was also a first for the
Commercial and industrial customers had everything they needed in the new Commercial Service Center, and local developers, builders and contractors
Central Florida community. Designed to
enjoyed a single point of contact through
meet the requirements for Leadership in
the Development Services Center.
Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification, Reliable Plaza earned
Reliable Plaza also featured an interactive conservation education center, located on
the title of “The Greenest Building in
the first floor near Customer Service. With
Downtown Orlando.” It was designed
a live link to the building’s conservation
to use about 28 percent less energy and
systems, the center’s touch screen gave
40 percent less water than similar buildings
customers real-time data on how Reliable
built to code. More than 12,000 customers visited
Plaza used — and saved — energy and water. The center also provided information
Reliable Plaza monthly to pay their utility
on green building ideas, conservation tips
bills, set up or change service, or learn more
and programs customers could employ
about energy and water conservation.
at home. On November 11, 2008, Reliable Plaza was dedicated in honor of Veteran’s Day and the men and women of OUC who served their country. The American flag was raised by a group of OUC Veterans.
A Florida Original: The mural at Reliable Plaza is based on a landscape by Highwaymen artist Harold Newton (1934-94). Historian Gary Monroe noted, “Newton stands alone having created the images of modern Florida that symbolized the state as the place to really be alive.” Page 58
Page 59
STOCKING THE TOOLS OF THE TRADE
ChargePoint electric vehicle charging station located at City Hall.
From hard hats and gloves to cable and pipe, having the right part at the right time is a critical
In the spring of 2008, OUC had already felt
component in delivering reliable
the economic ground moving beneath Central
and affordable service for
Florida. From an increase in customers needing
customers. Dating back to the
payment arrangements . . .to well-established
earliest days of the Commission,
Innovation — From Light Poles to Charging Stations
Weathering Tough Economic Times
By 2010, OUC was maintaining
OUC planned for a brighter tomorrow with a
OUC’s supply chain area has made sure
an inventory of 26,000 parts and
customer growth, the utility realized a storm
employees had the tools and materials
supplies across 113,000 square feet of
was brewing and that it would be necessary
they needed to do the job. In 2007, the
warehousing and 28 acres of outside
to batten down the hatches and prepare for
largely manually intensive process of
storage area at five sites. In addition,
rough weather.
tracking, stocking and ordering items was
OUC was recycling tons of materials
converted to a wireless barcode scanning
in an environmentally responsible way,
measures that included a hiring freeze for non-
system that could provide data in real
including porcelain insulators, wooden
essential positions, release of contractors and
time, allowing OUC to keep the right
pallets, wooden wire and cable reels,
travel limitations, to name a few.
amount of parts on hand and accurately
brass water meters and more than
array provided a total of 2.8 kilowatts of power
solar charging stations for electric vehicles and
to charge the vehicles.
cutting-edge solar photovoltaic (PV) technology on utility poles.
as part of a national non-profit initiative called
electric-vehicle charging stations at Reliable Plaza
Project Get Ready. A Department of Energy
were powered by the sun — and were the first
ChargePoint America Grant would provide
of their kind in Orlando. Located on top of the
nearly 300 charging stations to Central Florida.
That June, OUC undertook cost-cutting
Knowing that customers would need more
New Conservation Requirements On December 1, 2009, the Florida Public
each year. To accomplish those goals, OUC was
Service Commission (PSC) established new peak
determined to ramp-up promotion of existing programs and introduce new ones to help
1.7 million pounds of steel, aluminum
help than ever, OUC launched new programs
needed for future projects. The high-
and copper. Across the Commission,
to reduce energy and water consumption and
for all large electric utilities in the State of Florida.
customers improve the efficiency of their homes
tech system enabled OUC to further
OUC also introduced single-stream
enable customers to pay utility bills over an
The new rules would require OUC to reduce
and businesses.
streamline its inventory, eliminating
recycling to make it easier for employees
extended period of time. In addition, OUC
energy consumption by an average 3,600,000 kWh
obsolete or excessive parts and reducing
to recycle a wider variety of materials
increased contributions to its Project Care
the costs of storing unneeded items.
and partnered with a vendor who
Utility Assistance Fund by 70 percent.
It also helped OUC improve efficiencies
purchased the recyclable paper and
in everything from purchasing to the
cardboard, diverting it from the landfill
warehouse, while expanding the use of
and generating revenue for charity.
sustainable practices such as recycling.
: e r a C t Projec ory A His t ing of H e l p
After passing the $1 million mark in assistance in 2008, OUC overhauled Project Care, the emergency bill payment assistance program first launched in 1994, to better assist those customers who needed help the most. In addition to matching employee and customer contributions 2 to 1, OUC increased customer allocations and made eligibility guidelines more flexible. In partnership with 2-1-1, a United Way agency, OUC also funded a full-time Project Care administrator to streamline the application and approval process for qualifying OUC customers experiencing temporary problems paying their utility bills. At the close of 2010, contributions had surpassed $2 million. Page 60
the City of Orlando, Orange County and others
fuels and efficient transportation, two of its three
demand and energy conservation requirements
forecast when materials would be
To help prepare Central Florida to support plug-in electric vehicles, OUC partnered with
As part of the utility’s commitment to alternative
businesses shutting down . . .to a halting of
building’s parking garage, the 16-panel solar
number of innovative projects including installing
Page 61
OUC installed the first utility pole-mounted solar PV system in Florida. The pilot project included 10 intelligent photovoltaic solar systems that together could produce up to 2 kilowatts that was pumped directly into the power grid.
STOCKING THE TOOLS OF THE TRADE
ChargePoint electric vehicle charging station located at City Hall.
From hard hats and gloves to cable and pipe, having the right part at the right time is a critical
In the spring of 2008, OUC had already felt
component in delivering reliable
the economic ground moving beneath Central
and affordable service for
Florida. From an increase in customers needing
customers. Dating back to the
payment arrangements . . .to well-established
earliest days of the Commission,
Innovation — From Light Poles to Charging Stations
Weathering Tough Economic Times
By 2010, OUC was maintaining
OUC planned for a brighter tomorrow with a
OUC’s supply chain area has made sure
an inventory of 26,000 parts and
customer growth, the utility realized a storm
employees had the tools and materials
supplies across 113,000 square feet of
was brewing and that it would be necessary
they needed to do the job. In 2007, the
warehousing and 28 acres of outside
to batten down the hatches and prepare for
largely manually intensive process of
storage area at five sites. In addition,
rough weather.
tracking, stocking and ordering items was
OUC was recycling tons of materials
converted to a wireless barcode scanning
in an environmentally responsible way,
measures that included a hiring freeze for non-
system that could provide data in real
including porcelain insulators, wooden
essential positions, release of contractors and
time, allowing OUC to keep the right
pallets, wooden wire and cable reels,
travel limitations, to name a few.
amount of parts on hand and accurately
brass water meters and more than
array provided a total of 2.8 kilowatts of power
solar charging stations for electric vehicles and
to charge the vehicles.
cutting-edge solar photovoltaic (PV) technology on utility poles.
as part of a national non-profit initiative called
electric-vehicle charging stations at Reliable Plaza
Project Get Ready. A Department of Energy
were powered by the sun — and were the first
ChargePoint America Grant would provide
of their kind in Orlando. Located on top of the
nearly 300 charging stations to Central Florida.
That June, OUC undertook cost-cutting
Knowing that customers would need more
New Conservation Requirements On December 1, 2009, the Florida Public
each year. To accomplish those goals, OUC was
Service Commission (PSC) established new peak
determined to ramp-up promotion of existing programs and introduce new ones to help
1.7 million pounds of steel, aluminum
help than ever, OUC launched new programs
needed for future projects. The high-
and copper. Across the Commission,
to reduce energy and water consumption and
for all large electric utilities in the State of Florida.
customers improve the efficiency of their homes
tech system enabled OUC to further
OUC also introduced single-stream
enable customers to pay utility bills over an
The new rules would require OUC to reduce
and businesses.
streamline its inventory, eliminating
recycling to make it easier for employees
extended period of time. In addition, OUC
energy consumption by an average 3,600,000 kWh
obsolete or excessive parts and reducing
to recycle a wider variety of materials
increased contributions to its Project Care
the costs of storing unneeded items.
and partnered with a vendor who
Utility Assistance Fund by 70 percent.
It also helped OUC improve efficiencies
purchased the recyclable paper and
in everything from purchasing to the
cardboard, diverting it from the landfill
warehouse, while expanding the use of
and generating revenue for charity.
sustainable practices such as recycling.
: e r a C t Projec ory A His t ing of H e l p
After passing the $1 million mark in assistance in 2008, OUC overhauled Project Care, the emergency bill payment assistance program first launched in 1994, to better assist those customers who needed help the most. In addition to matching employee and customer contributions 2 to 1, OUC increased customer allocations and made eligibility guidelines more flexible. In partnership with 2-1-1, a United Way agency, OUC also funded a full-time Project Care administrator to streamline the application and approval process for qualifying OUC customers experiencing temporary problems paying their utility bills. At the close of 2010, contributions had surpassed $2 million. Page 60
the City of Orlando, Orange County and others
fuels and efficient transportation, two of its three
demand and energy conservation requirements
forecast when materials would be
To help prepare Central Florida to support plug-in electric vehicles, OUC partnered with
As part of the utility’s commitment to alternative
businesses shutting down . . .to a halting of
building’s parking garage, the 16-panel solar
number of innovative projects including installing
Page 61
OUC installed the first utility pole-mounted solar PV system in Florida. The pilot project included 10 intelligent photovoltaic solar systems that together could produce up to 2 kilowatts that was pumped directly into the power grid.
Green Neighborhood Program In 2010, OUC partnered with the City of
of high energy consumption, thanks to
Orlando on the Green Neighborhood Program,
funding from OUC and the federal stimulus
a weatherization fix-up program that targeted
funds the City received in the form of an Energy
homes in some of the City’s least energy-efficient
Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG).
neighborhoods. Based on historical consumption
Participants in the Green Neighborhood Program
data from OUC, the City developed an energy
received an energy and water audit from OUC
intensity map to identify the neighborhoods with
followed by a complimentary package of electric
the highest energy consumption per square foot.
and water conservation measures valued up
The Green Neighborhood Program was
to $1,000.
In 2010, the Green Neighborhood Program: Implemented more than $700,000 in conservation measures for a total annual energy savings of more than 1.3 million kWh in more than 1,000 homes in the City of Orlando.
provided free to neighborhoods with a history
New Power Partnerships: OUC Sells Electricity to Vero Beach and Bartow Power plants take years to permit and construct and are built with growth in mind. Utilities forecast their generation requirements and supplement
OUC Partners on Largest Solar Rooftop Array in Southeast at the Orange County Convention Center In May 2009, OUC joined Orange County to
In addition to the grant, OUC contributed
flip the switch on the largest rooftop solar PV
$1.5 million to the project and would receive
system in the Southeast United States. The 1-MW
10 years worth of Renewable Energy Credits.
array atop the Orange County Convention Center
of power over a definite period of time as the
future energy requirements above the City’s
utility grows into its load requirements.
current resource level.
On January 1, 2010, OUC became the exclusive
Also in 2010, OUC and the City of Bartow
their electricity needs by selling blocks of
power provider for the City of Vero Beach —
signed a seven-year power purchase agreement.
generation to other municipalities or utilities
providing about 100 MW of electricity to the
OUC would provide wholesale power to the City
through power purchase agreements. Such power
beachfront community for a period of 20 years.
beginning January 1, 2011; Bartow would then
partnerships with other municipalities have been an
The agreement made OUC Vero Beach’s exclusive
distribute it through its existing infrastructure
effective way for OUC to contract large increments
power provider and power marketer, supplying
to about 11,000 customers.
The PV system, which utilizes high-efficiency,
was the result of a partnership between OUC and
flat-plate collectors, covered about 200,000
Orange County that was awarded a $2.5 million
square feet of the Convention Center’s
grant from the State of Florida to install the
North/South building and would generate
landmark project. DOE named the installation
1,300 to 1,500 MWH of electricity per year —
a Solar America Showcase.
the equivalent amount of power used by 80 to
OUR COMMITMENT TO FUTURE GENERATIONS
In 2010, OUC added a 31-kW solar array atop the Dr. Phillips Cinedome at the Orlando Science Center.
100 typical homes. And no greenhouse gas emissions would be produced in the process.
A Solar City in the Sunshine State OUC’s efforts to ready Central Florida for a renewable future were rewarded in 2008 as its hometown was designated a “Solar America City” by the U.S. Department of Energy. The ongoing green partnership between OUC, the City of Orlando and Orange County received $450,000 in funding and technical expertise to help develop solar projects in the community that could be replicated across the country. The previous year, OUC had launched solar photovoltaic and solar thermal programs that helped customers eliminate the upfront costs of solar. The program included a partnership with the Orlando Federal Credit Union to provide no- or low-interest loans to homeowners. Page 62
At the close of the first decade of the new millennium, OUC remained committed to building upon the strong foundation it had established over the past 87 years. Through it all, one thing has been constant — the employees of OUC continue to provide the highest level of reliability at affordable rates while acting as good stewards of the environment.
Page 63
Green Neighborhood Program In 2010, OUC partnered with the City of
of high energy consumption, thanks to
Orlando on the Green Neighborhood Program,
funding from OUC and the federal stimulus
a weatherization fix-up program that targeted
funds the City received in the form of an Energy
homes in some of the City’s least energy-efficient
Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG).
neighborhoods. Based on historical consumption
Participants in the Green Neighborhood Program
data from OUC, the City developed an energy
received an energy and water audit from OUC
intensity map to identify the neighborhoods with
followed by a complimentary package of electric
the highest energy consumption per square foot.
and water conservation measures valued up
The Green Neighborhood Program was
to $1,000.
In 2010, the Green Neighborhood Program: Implemented more than $700,000 in conservation measures for a total annual energy savings of more than 1.3 million kWh in more than 1,000 homes in the City of Orlando.
provided free to neighborhoods with a history
New Power Partnerships: OUC Sells Electricity to Vero Beach and Bartow Power plants take years to permit and construct and are built with growth in mind. Utilities forecast their generation requirements and supplement
OUC Partners on Largest Solar Rooftop Array in Southeast at the Orange County Convention Center In May 2009, OUC joined Orange County to
In addition to the grant, OUC contributed
flip the switch on the largest rooftop solar PV
$1.5 million to the project and would receive
system in the Southeast United States. The 1-MW
10 years worth of Renewable Energy Credits.
array atop the Orange County Convention Center
of power over a definite period of time as the
future energy requirements above the City’s
utility grows into its load requirements.
current resource level.
On January 1, 2010, OUC became the exclusive
Also in 2010, OUC and the City of Bartow
their electricity needs by selling blocks of
power provider for the City of Vero Beach —
signed a seven-year power purchase agreement.
generation to other municipalities or utilities
providing about 100 MW of electricity to the
OUC would provide wholesale power to the City
through power purchase agreements. Such power
beachfront community for a period of 20 years.
beginning January 1, 2011; Bartow would then
partnerships with other municipalities have been an
The agreement made OUC Vero Beach’s exclusive
distribute it through its existing infrastructure
effective way for OUC to contract large increments
power provider and power marketer, supplying
to about 11,000 customers.
The PV system, which utilizes high-efficiency,
was the result of a partnership between OUC and
flat-plate collectors, covered about 200,000
Orange County that was awarded a $2.5 million
square feet of the Convention Center’s
grant from the State of Florida to install the
North/South building and would generate
landmark project. DOE named the installation
1,300 to 1,500 MWH of electricity per year —
a Solar America Showcase.
the equivalent amount of power used by 80 to
OUR COMMITMENT TO FUTURE GENERATIONS
In 2010, OUC added a 31-kW solar array atop the Dr. Phillips Cinedome at the Orlando Science Center.
100 typical homes. And no greenhouse gas emissions would be produced in the process.
A Solar City in the Sunshine State OUC’s efforts to ready Central Florida for a renewable future were rewarded in 2008 as its hometown was designated a “Solar America City” by the U.S. Department of Energy. The ongoing green partnership between OUC, the City of Orlando and Orange County received $450,000 in funding and technical expertise to help develop solar projects in the community that could be replicated across the country. The previous year, OUC had launched solar photovoltaic and solar thermal programs that helped customers eliminate the upfront costs of solar. The program included a partnership with the Orlando Federal Credit Union to provide no- or low-interest loans to homeowners. Page 62
At the close of the first decade of the new millennium, OUC remained committed to building upon the strong foundation it had established over the past 87 years. Through it all, one thing has been constant — the employees of OUC continue to provide the highest level of reliability at affordable rates while acting as good stewards of the environment.
Page 63
“Reliability is our corporate culture, the heart of our business.”
OUC’s state-of-the-art Water Quality Laboratory performs more than 20,000 chemical and bacteriological tests annually to ensure the quality and safety of OUC’s drinking water.
– Ken Ksionek, General Manager and CEO from 2004-Present
O U C R E L I A B I L I T Y & WAT E R Q U A L I T Y
A Long-Term Commitment to Reliability and Quality Although it was 1998 before OUC officially
1875 –1922
1923 –1949
Reliable, Efficient Power Plants OUC’s commitment to reliability starts at its
1950 –1969
1970 –1989
Water Quality
frequent power outages. Although shield
high-voltage electric energy. OUC's electric
became known as “The Reliable One,” the
wire was commonly used for this purpose in
distribution engineering division was always at
power plant facilities. From the world-class peaking
operation on March 18, 1887, the goal has been
commitment to providing the highest level of
transmission lines, its application on distribution
the forefront of that development by being
gas turbines of the old Lake Highland Plant and the
to provide citizens of Orlando with a safe, clean,
service to customers goes back to the early days
lines was limited.
one of the leading users of new technology
marvel of efficiency that was the Indian River Plant
reliable source of drinking water. Through the
created by the industry. In some instances, it was
when it opened in 1960 to the modern powerhouse
years, OUC has remained committed to
necessary to replace existing facilities that had
of the Stanton Energy Center, OUC has sought
providing the highest level of water quality
already been designed and constructed due to
to build and maintain a clean, efficient and
and installing a reliable distribution system to
failure of some component.”
dependable generation fleet for its customers.
facilitate growth.
of the company. The need for reliable service began at the turn of the 20th
Underground Utilities OUC installed its first underground feeder lines
century when
in 1934 with funds from the federal government.
28 streetlights
These lines were predominantly used for
were installed
By the late 1970s, OUC had established
Maintaining a reliable fleet of generation that
commercial installation. “When I started work
a policy to underground all new construction,
uses a diverse mix of fuel has saved OUC customers
and located
at OUC in 1949, the downtown area was almost
and by 2010, more than 60 percent of electric
millions of dollars over the years. OUC power
throughout
completely served by underground electrical
distribution lines were underground.
resource employees work 24/7 to ensure that plants
Orlando. By
distribution,” recalled Assistant General Manager
1903, 24-hour
Lou Stone. ”It is my understanding that the
OUC remains at the forefront of technology
are well-maintained and available when necessary.
and currently utilizes the industry-proven
In fact, OUC has a long history of not only meeting,
electric service was available, and Orlando was
distribution cables were installed in duct work
Crosslinked Polyethylene (XLPE) and Ethylene
but exceeding industry standards for availability
on its way to becoming a vibrant city. As the
that had been constructed by the WPA (Works
Propylene Rubber (EPR) underground power
and forced outage time. SEC Units 1 and 2 have an
City grew, so did the need to control crime.
Progress Administration) in the early 1930s. The
cables. The utility will continue to seek more
equivalent availability rate of 87.88, which is the
Street lighting was crucial to maintaining public
primary installation was constructed with cables
efficient insulations, while striving to keep costs
time the generating unit is capable of delivering
safety, thereby creating a need for reliable
that utilized lead covering on the outer surface.
under control.
at full capacity, compared to the national average
electric service.
This was the standard at that time.”
Over the years, OUC has remained committed
of 82.88. In addition, a combined Equivalent
Stone went on to say that “underground
Forced Outage Rate (EFOR) of 2 percent compared
to investing in the technology and infrastructure
construction for electrical distribution was just
to the national average of around 8 percent saves
to ensure a high level of electric reliability. During
beginning to enter the market when I became
OUC ratepayers by reducing the costs associated
the 1950s, the utility took that commitment to the
Manager of Electric Operations in the latter
with unexpected outages like having to find
next level by investing in a new technology called
half of the 1960s. It was a painful experience for
replacement power.
a static shield wire.
both the industry and users like OUC. The major
These two base load units, which rarely get a
OUC was one of the first utilities in the state
problem was the development of insulation that
chance to rest, help ensure that OUC has an ample
to use static shield wire to protect its distribution
would withstand the rigors of being underground
supply of power — whether it’s the hottest day of
system against lightning strikes — a cause of
for many years and the stresses associated with
summer or coldest winter night. The utility’s record reliability is due in large part to its trademark preventive and predictive maintenance schedule and a dedicated, well-trained workforce. To identify potential weaknesses before problems arise, OUC utilizes state-of-the-art technologies such as vibration monitoring and analysis, thermography and Low Frequency Electromagnetic Technique electronic boiler tube mapping. Aside from the intricate inspection process, which Engineering and distribution activities reached unparalleled levels in 1990 as work orders soared 47 percent to $28 million. Nearly two decades later, OUC continued to power growth including a new Medical City in Southeast Orlando.
includes preventive maintenance and repairs,
1990 –2010
Since the first water works system began
From Lake Water to the Floridan Aquifer OUC originally drew its water from lakes. In the mid-’50s, it turned to the Floridan Aquifer for its
Ensuring Reliable, Safe Drinking Water In 1995, OUC began Water Project 2000 — the most comprehensive water system upgrade in the utility’s history. By treating the water with ozone, a strong but safe disinfectant, OUC dramatically reduced the use of chlorine in the water system and removed hydrogen sulfide, a naturally occurring compound that can create an unpleasant taste and odor in water. The result was tap water that tasted as good as bottled and it bore OUC’s name — H2OUC. H2OUC was named the best drinking water
water supply. Located a quarter of a mile or more
in the state in 2003 by the Florida section of the
below the earth’s surface, this vast underground
American Water Works Association (AWWA).
reservoir contains some of the cleanest water in
A panel of judges tested water from 10 utilities
the nation. This water is as clean today as it was in
across the state, checking for taste, color, clarity
the 1950s, according to tests conducted by OUC’s
and smell.
own sophisticated Water Quality Laboratory. Today this water is delivered through a highly reliable system of remotely controlled, interconnected water plants.
The Copper-Lightning Connection Central Florida’s reputation as the lightning capital of the United States never became more evident after hundreds of “pinhole”-sized leaks began forming in copper pipes. During the 1980s and early ‘90s, OUC’s water department, led by laboratory superintendent Dick Dunham, determined that four factors led to accelerated pinhole leaks: lightning, water chemistry, copper plumbing grounding practices and low-quality plumbing workmanship. This was in the time period before the widespread use of PVC pipes. OUC was able to determine that better grounding of plumbing pipes could reduce the chance of a leak.
OUC has traditionally chosen to fuel its boiler with a lower sulfur, higher quality coal that, in turn, lowers maintenance costs for SEC. Credit also must be given to the OUC plant
OUC personnel operate all seven water plants remotely from the utility’s water production control room.
employees and the regular training they undergo to hone and expand their skills in order to keep up with the latest processes and techniques required to maintain a high-performing plant. OUC’s power plant engineers, operations, and maintenance personnel are dedicated, knowledgeable, and have
Page 64
the proven ability to rise to any challenge.
Page 65
“Reliability is our corporate culture, the heart of our business.”
OUC’s state-of-the-art Water Quality Laboratory performs more than 20,000 chemical and bacteriological tests annually to ensure the quality and safety of OUC’s drinking water.
– Ken Ksionek, General Manager and CEO from 2004-Present
O U C R E L I A B I L I T Y & WAT E R Q U A L I T Y
A Long-Term Commitment to Reliability and Quality Although it was 1998 before OUC officially
1875 –1922
1923 –1949
Reliable, Efficient Power Plants OUC’s commitment to reliability starts at its
1950 –1969
1970 –1989
Water Quality
frequent power outages. Although shield
high-voltage electric energy. OUC's electric
became known as “The Reliable One,” the
wire was commonly used for this purpose in
distribution engineering division was always at
power plant facilities. From the world-class peaking
operation on March 18, 1887, the goal has been
commitment to providing the highest level of
transmission lines, its application on distribution
the forefront of that development by being
gas turbines of the old Lake Highland Plant and the
to provide citizens of Orlando with a safe, clean,
service to customers goes back to the early days
lines was limited.
one of the leading users of new technology
marvel of efficiency that was the Indian River Plant
reliable source of drinking water. Through the
created by the industry. In some instances, it was
when it opened in 1960 to the modern powerhouse
years, OUC has remained committed to
necessary to replace existing facilities that had
of the Stanton Energy Center, OUC has sought
providing the highest level of water quality
already been designed and constructed due to
to build and maintain a clean, efficient and
and installing a reliable distribution system to
failure of some component.”
dependable generation fleet for its customers.
facilitate growth.
of the company. The need for reliable service began at the turn of the 20th
Underground Utilities OUC installed its first underground feeder lines
century when
in 1934 with funds from the federal government.
28 streetlights
These lines were predominantly used for
were installed
By the late 1970s, OUC had established
Maintaining a reliable fleet of generation that
commercial installation. “When I started work
a policy to underground all new construction,
uses a diverse mix of fuel has saved OUC customers
and located
at OUC in 1949, the downtown area was almost
and by 2010, more than 60 percent of electric
millions of dollars over the years. OUC power
throughout
completely served by underground electrical
distribution lines were underground.
resource employees work 24/7 to ensure that plants
Orlando. By
distribution,” recalled Assistant General Manager
1903, 24-hour
Lou Stone. ”It is my understanding that the
OUC remains at the forefront of technology
are well-maintained and available when necessary.
and currently utilizes the industry-proven
In fact, OUC has a long history of not only meeting,
electric service was available, and Orlando was
distribution cables were installed in duct work
Crosslinked Polyethylene (XLPE) and Ethylene
but exceeding industry standards for availability
on its way to becoming a vibrant city. As the
that had been constructed by the WPA (Works
Propylene Rubber (EPR) underground power
and forced outage time. SEC Units 1 and 2 have an
City grew, so did the need to control crime.
Progress Administration) in the early 1930s. The
cables. The utility will continue to seek more
equivalent availability rate of 87.88, which is the
Street lighting was crucial to maintaining public
primary installation was constructed with cables
efficient insulations, while striving to keep costs
time the generating unit is capable of delivering
safety, thereby creating a need for reliable
that utilized lead covering on the outer surface.
under control.
at full capacity, compared to the national average
electric service.
This was the standard at that time.”
Over the years, OUC has remained committed
of 82.88. In addition, a combined Equivalent
Stone went on to say that “underground
Forced Outage Rate (EFOR) of 2 percent compared
to investing in the technology and infrastructure
construction for electrical distribution was just
to the national average of around 8 percent saves
to ensure a high level of electric reliability. During
beginning to enter the market when I became
OUC ratepayers by reducing the costs associated
the 1950s, the utility took that commitment to the
Manager of Electric Operations in the latter
with unexpected outages like having to find
next level by investing in a new technology called
half of the 1960s. It was a painful experience for
replacement power.
a static shield wire.
both the industry and users like OUC. The major
These two base load units, which rarely get a
OUC was one of the first utilities in the state
problem was the development of insulation that
chance to rest, help ensure that OUC has an ample
to use static shield wire to protect its distribution
would withstand the rigors of being underground
supply of power — whether it’s the hottest day of
system against lightning strikes — a cause of
for many years and the stresses associated with
summer or coldest winter night. The utility’s record reliability is due in large part to its trademark preventive and predictive maintenance schedule and a dedicated, well-trained workforce. To identify potential weaknesses before problems arise, OUC utilizes state-of-the-art technologies such as vibration monitoring and analysis, thermography and Low Frequency Electromagnetic Technique electronic boiler tube mapping. Aside from the intricate inspection process, which Engineering and distribution activities reached unparalleled levels in 1990 as work orders soared 47 percent to $28 million. Nearly two decades later, OUC continued to power growth including a new Medical City in Southeast Orlando.
includes preventive maintenance and repairs,
1990 –2010
Since the first water works system began
From Lake Water to the Floridan Aquifer OUC originally drew its water from lakes. In the mid-’50s, it turned to the Floridan Aquifer for its
Ensuring Reliable, Safe Drinking Water In 1995, OUC began Water Project 2000 — the most comprehensive water system upgrade in the utility’s history. By treating the water with ozone, a strong but safe disinfectant, OUC dramatically reduced the use of chlorine in the water system and removed hydrogen sulfide, a naturally occurring compound that can create an unpleasant taste and odor in water. The result was tap water that tasted as good as bottled and it bore OUC’s name — H2OUC. H2OUC was named the best drinking water
water supply. Located a quarter of a mile or more
in the state in 2003 by the Florida section of the
below the earth’s surface, this vast underground
American Water Works Association (AWWA).
reservoir contains some of the cleanest water in
A panel of judges tested water from 10 utilities
the nation. This water is as clean today as it was in
across the state, checking for taste, color, clarity
the 1950s, according to tests conducted by OUC’s
and smell.
own sophisticated Water Quality Laboratory. Today this water is delivered through a highly reliable system of remotely controlled, interconnected water plants.
The Copper-Lightning Connection Central Florida’s reputation as the lightning capital of the United States never became more evident after hundreds of “pinhole”-sized leaks began forming in copper pipes. During the 1980s and early ‘90s, OUC’s water department, led by laboratory superintendent Dick Dunham, determined that four factors led to accelerated pinhole leaks: lightning, water chemistry, copper plumbing grounding practices and low-quality plumbing workmanship. This was in the time period before the widespread use of PVC pipes. OUC was able to determine that better grounding of plumbing pipes could reduce the chance of a leak.
OUC has traditionally chosen to fuel its boiler with a lower sulfur, higher quality coal that, in turn, lowers maintenance costs for SEC. Credit also must be given to the OUC plant
OUC personnel operate all seven water plants remotely from the utility’s water production control room.
employees and the regular training they undergo to hone and expand their skills in order to keep up with the latest processes and techniques required to maintain a high-performing plant. OUC’s power plant engineers, operations, and maintenance personnel are dedicated, knowledgeable, and have
Page 64
the proven ability to rise to any challenge.
Page 65
0 1 0 2 IN
MERS CUSTO C I R LECT MERS 54 E CUSTO 178,3 R E T A 39 W EES 135,9 ATED MPLOY E GENER 7 H W M 1,12 N OF ILLIO LONS L 7.5 M A G ON BILLI MPED 24.9 WATER PU
From 2009 –2010, OUC updated its website and launched a conservationfocused site, as well as a mobile version to reach customers on the go.
C U S T O M E R
S E R V I C E
1875 –1922
1923 –1949
1950 –1969
Customer Service: Always at the Heart of OUC ustomer service has been the heart of OUC since the earliest days of the utility. While the technology has changed, the mission to provide convenient, reliable, friendly service remains the same today as it was in 1923.
Location, Location, Location In 1936, convenience meant a central
OUC.com was redesigned in 2000 to improve
behind the cashier windows and joined
the utility also issued a mobile version of OUC.com
downtown location on the corner of Wall and
the frontline ranks of customer service.
navigation and then translated into Spanish in
North Main where customers could start or stop
The photo below appeared in a special
2007 to reach a growing segment of customers.
switching to smart or web-enabled phones to
service and pay their electric and water bills
advertising section of the April 14, 1968 Orlando
The translated website further added to OUC’s
manage their accounts.
before crossing the street to the Southern Bell
Sentinel showing a group of female representatives
Telephone Company to take care of their
“smartly attired in their new uniforms and ready
telephone account. With their postcard-sized
to extend their warm welcome to customers.”
keep pace with technology — enhancing and
bilingual representatives and a fully translated
bill stub in hand, customers would stand in line
The Sentinel section also noted that customers
automating phone service options while still
interactive, automated phone system.
to speak to one of the OUC customer service
could expect to receive “prompt, courteous and
maintaining a personal touch with local walk-in
representatives — who at that time were all men. By the time OUC opened a new Administration
thorough attention … in person or by telephone” from OUC’s Customer Service Division.
Building in 1968, women had moved out from
Any Time, Anywhere Over the decades, Customer Service would
and call centers.
to reach the growing number of customers
existing efforts to deliver critical information and service to Spanish-speaking customers through
In 2009, OUC upgraded the website again to provide customers with easier access to key
By 1994, convenience meant providing
information and to lay the foundation to add to its
online service to customers with the launch
online services for customers and vendors. In 2010,
of OUC.com. And as the popularity of the
OUC added ReliablyGreen.com, a one-stop, 24-hour
Internet increased, OUC added features that
online shop for energy and water conservation
allowed customers to view their accounts,
information, rebates and programs. That year,
pay their bills, make service requests and even apply for a job at OUC via the website.
In 2003, OUC added a number of customer service features to its website.
Edna Heath (on left) who joined OUC on May 11, 1955 as a Clerk Typist and Relief Cashier celebrated the opening of three downtown offices. She started at the Wall Street office before moving to City Hall and then to the Administration Building at 500 S. Orange Avenue in 1968. She officially retired in 1990 as Superintendent of Revenue Collections, but came back to work for the company as a contractor. When customer service moved temporarily to the corner of Jefferson Street and Orange Avenue while the new energy and water efficient administration building was under construction, Ms. Edna, as she had become known, went with them. On November 11, 2008, she was a notable part of the celebration at the opening of Reliable Plaza. Just as she had for decades, Ms. Edna continued to serve customers until leaving OUC in 2010 and capping 55 years of dedicated service to The Reliable One. Page 66
Page 67
1970 –1989
1990 –2010
0 1 0 2 IN
MERS CUSTO C I R LECT MERS 54 E CUSTO 178,3 R E T A 39 W EES 135,9 ATED MPLOY E GENER 7 H W M 1,12 N OF ILLIO LONS L 7.5 M A G ON BILLI MPED 24.9 WATER PU
From 2009 –2010, OUC updated its website and launched a conservationfocused site, as well as a mobile version to reach customers on the go.
C U S T O M E R
S E R V I C E
1875 –1922
1923 –1949
1950 –1969
Customer Service: Always at the Heart of OUC ustomer service has been the heart of OUC since the earliest days of the utility. While the technology has changed, the mission to provide convenient, reliable, friendly service remains the same today as it was in 1923.
Location, Location, Location In 1936, convenience meant a central
OUC.com was redesigned in 2000 to improve
behind the cashier windows and joined
the utility also issued a mobile version of OUC.com
downtown location on the corner of Wall and
the frontline ranks of customer service.
navigation and then translated into Spanish in
North Main where customers could start or stop
The photo below appeared in a special
2007 to reach a growing segment of customers.
switching to smart or web-enabled phones to
service and pay their electric and water bills
advertising section of the April 14, 1968 Orlando
The translated website further added to OUC’s
manage their accounts.
before crossing the street to the Southern Bell
Sentinel showing a group of female representatives
Telephone Company to take care of their
“smartly attired in their new uniforms and ready
telephone account. With their postcard-sized
to extend their warm welcome to customers.”
keep pace with technology — enhancing and
bilingual representatives and a fully translated
bill stub in hand, customers would stand in line
The Sentinel section also noted that customers
automating phone service options while still
interactive, automated phone system.
to speak to one of the OUC customer service
could expect to receive “prompt, courteous and
maintaining a personal touch with local walk-in
representatives — who at that time were all men. By the time OUC opened a new Administration
thorough attention … in person or by telephone” from OUC’s Customer Service Division.
Building in 1968, women had moved out from
Any Time, Anywhere Over the decades, Customer Service would
and call centers.
to reach the growing number of customers
existing efforts to deliver critical information and service to Spanish-speaking customers through
In 2009, OUC upgraded the website again to provide customers with easier access to key
By 1994, convenience meant providing
information and to lay the foundation to add to its
online service to customers with the launch
online services for customers and vendors. In 2010,
of OUC.com. And as the popularity of the
OUC added ReliablyGreen.com, a one-stop, 24-hour
Internet increased, OUC added features that
online shop for energy and water conservation
allowed customers to view their accounts,
information, rebates and programs. That year,
pay their bills, make service requests and even apply for a job at OUC via the website.
In 2003, OUC added a number of customer service features to its website.
Edna Heath (on left) who joined OUC on May 11, 1955 as a Clerk Typist and Relief Cashier celebrated the opening of three downtown offices. She started at the Wall Street office before moving to City Hall and then to the Administration Building at 500 S. Orange Avenue in 1968. She officially retired in 1990 as Superintendent of Revenue Collections, but came back to work for the company as a contractor. When customer service moved temporarily to the corner of Jefferson Street and Orange Avenue while the new energy and water efficient administration building was under construction, Ms. Edna, as she had become known, went with them. On November 11, 2008, she was a notable part of the celebration at the opening of Reliable Plaza. Just as she had for decades, Ms. Edna continued to serve customers until leaving OUC in 2010 and capping 55 years of dedicated service to The Reliable One. Page 66
Page 67
1970 –1989
1990 –2010
T H E
D* . T. BLAN JUDGE Went 1923 Presid
J. F. ANGE* Member 1923-24
NAME Judge W.T. Bland J.F. Ange Judge L.C. Massey H.L. Beeman Alvin Jefferson Nye H.H. Dickson W.R. O'Neal L.B. Fort Mayor L.M. Autrey Dr. H.G. Edwards Turner Evans Mayor James L. Giles J. Merle McElroy Mayor S.Y. Way George F. Brass H.L. McDonald H.C. Babcock Mayor V.W. Estes C.P. Dickinson E.W. Yandre C.G. Magruder H.N. Dickson L.B. McLeod J.T. Branham Mayor Wm. Beardall Clarence A. Johnson Dr. H.M. Beardall
H. H . Mem DICKSO Presid ber 1923-3N* ent 19 0 28-30
JUDGE L. C. MASSEY* Member 1923-24
D LEO1946 . Mc L. B er Since 47 b 19 Memresident P
. BEARDALL MAYOR WM ce 1941 Member Sin
C O M M I S S I O N E R S
H. L. BEEMAN* Member 1923-24
J. T. BRAN Member Sin HAM President 19ce 1943 44-45
N C. A. JOHNSO 1944 Member Since 6 President 194
ARDALL DR. H. M. BEce 1937 Member Sin 9-40 President 193
Page 68
MEMBER 1923 1923-1924 1923-24 1923-24 1923-1926 1923-1931 1924-1928 1924-1932 1926-1928 Dec. 1926-Dec. 1934 1928-1939 1929-1931 1931-1934 1932-1934, 1938-1940 1933-1936 1935-1938 1935-1938 1935-1937 1939-1944 1939-1942 1940-1943 1945 1946-1949 1943-1954 1941-1952 1944-1955 1937-1948
1875 –1922
PRESIDENT 1923
1928-1929-1930 1924-1925-1926-1927
1931-1932-1933-1934 1937
1936 1935 1938 1941-1943-1944 1942
1947-1948 1945-1949-1953 1946-1950 1939-1940
1923 –1949
NAME Dr. J.S. McEwen W.A. Hutchinson E.A. Stebbins E.L. Brewton Mayor J. Rolfe Davis A.P. Clark R.T. Overstreet S.M. Heasley Mayor Robert S. Carr Mayor Carl T. Langford Lloyd Gahr E.G. Langston Wallace Mercer Tom Denmark
MEMBER 1949-1953 1949-Aug. 1952 Aug. 1952-1954 1953-1960 1953- Nov. 1956 1955-1962 1955-1962 1956-1963 Nov. 1956-Jan. 1967 March 7, 1967-Oct. 31, 1980 1961-1964 1962-May 1969 1963-1968 1964-1971
Richard H. Lawrence
1965-June 12, 1973
Sam Wilkins Richard W. Simpson Henry T. Meiner Grover C. Bryan Charles J. Hawkins Grace C. Lindblom H.E. Gene Johnson Mayor Bill Frederick W.M. Sanderlin I. Richard Weiner James H. Pugh Jr. Royce B. Walden James B. Greene Jerry Chicone Jr. Susan McCaskill-Little Richard L. Fletcher Jr. Mel R. Martinez
1969-1978 May 1969-1976 1972-1979 June 12, 1973-1980 1977-Oct. 18, 1983 1979-1986 1980 resigned July 7, 1981 Nov. 2, 1980-Oct. 31, 1992 April 14, 1981-March 14, 1989 Aug. 12, 1981-Aug. 16, 1983 Sept. 15, 1983-1991 Nov. 30, 1983-March 1992 Jan. 1, 1987-1988 Dec. 13, 1988-March 9, 1993 April 11, 1989-March 9, 1993 July 9, 1991-Dec. 31, 2000 Jan. 1, 1992-Aug. 1997
Ray D. McCleese Mayor Glenda E. Hood Carol P. Wilson, Ph.D. Tico Perez Tommy Boroughs Lonnie C. Bell Katie Porta Mayor Buddy Dyer Maylen Dominguez Dan Kirby, AIA, AICP Craig McAllaster, Ed.D. Linda Ferrone
March 27, 1992-Dec. 31, 2001 Nov. 1, 1992-Feb. 25, 2003 April 23, 1993-Dec. 31, 2001 Dec. 9, 1997-May 15, 2006 Jan. 1, 2001-Dec. 31, 2008 Jan. 1, 2002-Feb. 2008 Jan. 1, 2003-Dec. 31, 2010 Feb. 26, 2003 May 15, 2006-Present 2008-Present 2009-Present 2011-Present
1950 –1969
1970 –1989
PRESIDENT 1952 1951 1954 1955-1959
1990 –2010
1998 Commission ers
1956-1960 1957-1961 1958-1962 Ray D. McCleese Commission Pre sident
1963 1964-1968 1965 1966-1969 and until July 1, 1970 1967 and from July 1, 1970-1971 1973-1977 1972-1976 1974-1978 1975-1979 1980 1981-1982
1983-1984
Tico Perez Commissioner
Dr. Carol P. Wilson First Vice President
The Honorable Glenda Hood Mayor-Commissi oner
Richard L. Fletch er, Jr. Second Vice Pre sident
Robert C. Haven , P.E. General Manager and Chief Executive Officer
2010 Commissioners
1985-1988-1989 1986-1987 1990-1991-1992 1993-Aug. 23, 1994 Aug. 23, 19941995-1996 1997-1998 1999-2000 2001-2002-2003 2004-2005 2006-2007 2008-2009-2010 issioner; Ken Ksionek, aig McAllaster, Comm (Standing, from left) Cr ond Vice President. Kirby, AIA, AICP, Sec n Da O; CE & ger na General Ma Mayor, Commissioner; y Dyer, City of Orlando (Seated, from left) Budd First Vice President. ; Maylen Dominguez, Katie Porta, President
2011
Page 69
T H E
D* . T. BLAN JUDGE Went 1923 Presid
J. F. ANGE* Member 1923-24
NAME Judge W.T. Bland J.F. Ange Judge L.C. Massey H.L. Beeman Alvin Jefferson Nye H.H. Dickson W.R. O'Neal L.B. Fort Mayor L.M. Autrey Dr. H.G. Edwards Turner Evans Mayor James L. Giles J. Merle McElroy Mayor S.Y. Way George F. Brass H.L. McDonald H.C. Babcock Mayor V.W. Estes C.P. Dickinson E.W. Yandre C.G. Magruder H.N. Dickson L.B. McLeod J.T. Branham Mayor Wm. Beardall Clarence A. Johnson Dr. H.M. Beardall
H. H . Mem DICKSO Presid ber 1923-3N* ent 19 0 28-30
JUDGE L. C. MASSEY* Member 1923-24
D LEO1946 . Mc L. B er Since 47 b 19 Memresident P
. BEARDALL MAYOR WM ce 1941 Member Sin
C O M M I S S I O N E R S
H. L. BEEMAN* Member 1923-24
J. T. BRAN Member Sin HAM President 19ce 1943 44-45
N C. A. JOHNSO 1944 Member Since 6 President 194
ARDALL DR. H. M. BEce 1937 Member Sin 9-40 President 193
Page 68
MEMBER 1923 1923-1924 1923-24 1923-24 1923-1926 1923-1931 1924-1928 1924-1932 1926-1928 Dec. 1926-Dec. 1934 1928-1939 1929-1931 1931-1934 1932-1934, 1938-1940 1933-1936 1935-1938 1935-1938 1935-1937 1939-1944 1939-1942 1940-1943 1945 1946-1949 1943-1954 1941-1952 1944-1955 1937-1948
1875 –1922
PRESIDENT 1923
1928-1929-1930 1924-1925-1926-1927
1931-1932-1933-1934 1937
1936 1935 1938 1941-1943-1944 1942
1947-1948 1945-1949-1953 1946-1950 1939-1940
1923 –1949
NAME Dr. J.S. McEwen W.A. Hutchinson E.A. Stebbins E.L. Brewton Mayor J. Rolfe Davis A.P. Clark R.T. Overstreet S.M. Heasley Mayor Robert S. Carr Mayor Carl T. Langford Lloyd Gahr E.G. Langston Wallace Mercer Tom Denmark
MEMBER 1949-1953 1949-Aug. 1952 Aug. 1952-1954 1953-1960 1953- Nov. 1956 1955-1962 1955-1962 1956-1963 Nov. 1956-Jan. 1967 March 7, 1967-Oct. 31, 1980 1961-1964 1962-May 1969 1963-1968 1964-1971
Richard H. Lawrence
1965-June 12, 1973
Sam Wilkins Richard W. Simpson Henry T. Meiner Grover C. Bryan Charles J. Hawkins Grace C. Lindblom H.E. Gene Johnson Mayor Bill Frederick W.M. Sanderlin I. Richard Weiner James H. Pugh Jr. Royce B. Walden James B. Greene Jerry Chicone Jr. Susan McCaskill-Little Richard L. Fletcher Jr. Mel R. Martinez
1969-1978 May 1969-1976 1972-1979 June 12, 1973-1980 1977-Oct. 18, 1983 1979-1986 1980 resigned July 7, 1981 Nov. 2, 1980-Oct. 31, 1992 April 14, 1981-March 14, 1989 Aug. 12, 1981-Aug. 16, 1983 Sept. 15, 1983-1991 Nov. 30, 1983-March 1992 Jan. 1, 1987-1988 Dec. 13, 1988-March 9, 1993 April 11, 1989-March 9, 1993 July 9, 1991-Dec. 31, 2000 Jan. 1, 1992-Aug. 1997
Ray D. McCleese Mayor Glenda E. Hood Carol P. Wilson, Ph.D. Tico Perez Tommy Boroughs Lonnie C. Bell Katie Porta Mayor Buddy Dyer Maylen Dominguez Dan Kirby, AIA, AICP Craig McAllaster, Ed.D. Linda Ferrone
March 27, 1992-Dec. 31, 2001 Nov. 1, 1992-Feb. 25, 2003 April 23, 1993-Dec. 31, 2001 Dec. 9, 1997-May 15, 2006 Jan. 1, 2001-Dec. 31, 2008 Jan. 1, 2002-Feb. 2008 Jan. 1, 2003-Dec. 31, 2010 Feb. 26, 2003 May 15, 2006-Present 2008-Present 2009-Present 2011-Present
1950 –1969
1970 –1989
PRESIDENT 1952 1951 1954 1955-1959
1990 –2010
1998 Commission ers
1956-1960 1957-1961 1958-1962 Ray D. McCleese Commission Pre sident
1963 1964-1968 1965 1966-1969 and until July 1, 1970 1967 and from July 1, 1970-1971 1973-1977 1972-1976 1974-1978 1975-1979 1980 1981-1982
1983-1984
Tico Perez Commissioner
Dr. Carol P. Wilson First Vice President
The Honorable Glenda Hood Mayor-Commissi oner
Richard L. Fletch er, Jr. Second Vice Pre sident
Robert C. Haven , P.E. General Manager and Chief Executive Officer
2010 Commissioners
1985-1988-1989 1986-1987 1990-1991-1992 1993-Aug. 23, 1994 Aug. 23, 19941995-1996 1997-1998 1999-2000 2001-2002-2003 2004-2005 2006-2007 2008-2009-2010 issioner; Ken Ksionek, aig McAllaster, Comm (Standing, from left) Cr ond Vice President. Kirby, AIA, AICP, Sec n Da O; CE & ger na General Ma Mayor, Commissioner; y Dyer, City of Orlando (Seated, from left) Budd First Vice President. ; Maylen Dominguez, Katie Porta, President
2011
Page 69
O U C S E RV I C E T E R R I TO RY
AT T R I B U T I O N S number of sources — including personal interviews with key OUC personnel — were used in the preparation of this book. They include:
Bacon, Eve. Orlando A Centennial History, Volumes I and II. Chuluota, Florida; The Mickler House, 1975. Blackman, William Fremont, Ph.D., LL.D., History of Orange County, Florida. Chuluota, Florida; The Mickler House, 1973 [c1927]. Evans, Stephen. Orlando Then and Now. San Diego, California; Thunder Bay Press, 2007. Hilt, David W., P.E. “Northeast Blackout Impacts and Actions and the Energy Policy Act of 2005.” North American Electric Reliability Council. Hood, Mayor Glenda E, and Bachman, Bill. Orlando: The City Beautiful. Memphis, Tennessee; Towery Publishing, Inc., 1997. Luff, Harry. Personal Interview. 16 May 2008. Luff, Harry. “Orlando Utilities Commission: Recollections by Harry Luff, Jr. General Manager-Retired.” March 2006. Minkel, J.R., “The 2003 Northeast Blackout – Five Years Later.” Scientific American, August 13, 2008. Orlando Utilities Commission Annual Reports, Newsletters and Publications, 1923-2010. Orlando Sentinel articles, as annotated in the text. Porter, Tara Mosier, Ph.D. et al. Historic Orange County: The Story of Orlando and Orange County. San Antonio, Texas: Historical Publishing Network, 2009. Stanton, Curtis H. Personal Interview. 16 May 2008. Stone, Louis E. Personal Interview. 16 May 2008. Stone, Louis E. Speech at Stanton Energy Center. 4 April 1985. Stone, Louis E. Written in Stone: The Life and Times of Lou Stone. Family Heritage Publishers, 2010. Photo Credits: Orange County Regional History Center The following photographs used in this document are courtesy of the Orange County Regional History Center. We appreciate their help and expertise in researching and locating these photos.
OUC Water Service Area OUC Electric Service Area
• Cover and Page 5: Downtown Orlando, 1930-1950. • Pages 1 and 2: Orlando’s first power plant/Orlando Water and Light, 1901.
Water Service Area: 200 square miles City of Orlando/Orange County Electric Service
• Page 2 – First utility electric pole, 1887.
Area: 244 square miles
• Page 4 – Judge John Cheney.
St. Cloud Electric Service Area: 150 square miles
• Page 6 – Downtown Orlando, 1930-1950. • Page 6 – OUC’s new office building, 1936. • Page 11 – Orlando parades during World War II.
O U C FAC I L I T I E S
• Page 16 – Glenn L. Martin Company. Other Photo Credits: • Page 15 – Man’s landing on the moon, ASII-40-5875. Courtesy of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. • Page 23 – Walt Disney World® opening day. Copyright 1971, Gary Gimee. • Page 37 – Entrance to Universal Orlando® Resort courtesy of Universal Orlando® Resort.
ADMINISTRATION, CUSTOMER SERVICE & OPERATIONS Reliable Plaza / 100 W. Anderson St. Administration, Customer Service Walk-In, Drive Through and Call Centers; Human Resources OUC Administration Building / 500 S. Orange Ave. (Closed) Pershing / 6003 Pershing Ave. Primary facility for Electric Operations; Electric and Water 24-hour Operations Center; Energy Delivery; Customer Service Call Center Gardenia / 3800 Gardenia Ave. Primary facility for Water Operations; Customer Service Walk-In and Drive Through Center; Water Quality Lab Curtis H. Stanton Energy Center / 5100 S. Alafaya Trail Power Production St. Cloud City Hall / 1300 9th St. Customer Service Center St. Cloud T&D Building St. Cloud Electric Operations
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GENERATION Curtis H. Stanton Energy Center Stanton Unit 1 Coal-Fired – 68.55 percent ownership (291 MW) Stanton Unit 2 Coal-Fired – 71.59 percent ownership (304 MW) Stanton Unit A Combined Cycle – 28 percent ownership (177 MW) Stanton Unit B Combined Cycle – 100 percent ownership (300 MW) Indian River Plant Indian River Combustion Turbines (IRP – A&B) – 48.8 percent ownership (37 MW) Indian River Combustion Turbines (IRP – C&D) – 79 percent ownership (177 MW) Lake Highland Plant (closed) Lake Ivanhoe Plant (closed) OTHER GENERATION Coal-fired McIntosh Unit 3 – 40 percent ownership (146 MW) Nuclear Crystal River Unit 3 – 1.60 percent ownership (14 MW) St. Lucie Unit 2 – 6.09 percent ownership (52 MW) OTHER FACILITIES 29 electric substations / 7 water plants / 8 chilled water plants
O U C S E RV I C E T E R R I TO RY
AT T R I B U T I O N S number of sources — including personal interviews with key OUC personnel — were used in the preparation of this book. They include:
Bacon, Eve. Orlando A Centennial History, Volumes I and II. Chuluota, Florida; The Mickler House, 1975. Blackman, William Fremont, Ph.D., LL.D., History of Orange County, Florida. Chuluota, Florida; The Mickler House, 1973 [c1927]. Evans, Stephen. Orlando Then and Now. San Diego, California; Thunder Bay Press, 2007. Hilt, David W., P.E. “Northeast Blackout Impacts and Actions and the Energy Policy Act of 2005.” North American Electric Reliability Council. Hood, Mayor Glenda E, and Bachman, Bill. Orlando: The City Beautiful. Memphis, Tennessee; Towery Publishing, Inc., 1997. Luff, Harry. Personal Interview. 16 May 2008. Luff, Harry. “Orlando Utilities Commission: Recollections by Harry Luff, Jr. General Manager-Retired.” March 2006. Minkel, J.R., “The 2003 Northeast Blackout – Five Years Later.” Scientific American, August 13, 2008. Orlando Utilities Commission Annual Reports, Newsletters and Publications, 1923-2010. Orlando Sentinel articles, as annotated in the text. Porter, Tara Mosier, Ph.D. et al. Historic Orange County: The Story of Orlando and Orange County. San Antonio, Texas: Historical Publishing Network, 2009. Stanton, Curtis H. Personal Interview. 16 May 2008. Stone, Louis E. Personal Interview. 16 May 2008. Stone, Louis E. Speech at Stanton Energy Center. 4 April 1985. Stone, Louis E. Written in Stone: The Life and Times of Lou Stone. Family Heritage Publishers, 2010. Photo Credits: Orange County Regional History Center The following photographs used in this document are courtesy of the Orange County Regional History Center. We appreciate their help and expertise in researching and locating these photos.
OUC Water Service Area OUC Electric Service Area
• Cover and Page 5: Downtown Orlando, 1930-1950. • Pages 1 and 2: Orlando’s first power plant/Orlando Water and Light, 1901.
Water Service Area: 200 square miles City of Orlando/Orange County Electric Service
• Page 2 – First utility electric pole, 1887.
Area: 244 square miles
• Page 4 – Judge John Cheney.
St. Cloud Electric Service Area: 150 square miles
• Page 6 – Downtown Orlando, 1930-1950. • Page 6 – OUC’s new office building, 1936. • Page 11 – Orlando parades during World War II.
O U C FAC I L I T I E S
• Page 16 – Glenn L. Martin Company. Other Photo Credits: • Page 15 – Man’s landing on the moon, ASII-40-5875. Courtesy of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. • Page 23 – Walt Disney World® opening day. Copyright 1971, Gary Gimee. • Page 37 – Entrance to Universal Orlando® Resort courtesy of Universal Orlando® Resort.
ADMINISTRATION, CUSTOMER SERVICE & OPERATIONS Reliable Plaza / 100 W. Anderson St. Administration, Customer Service Walk-In, Drive Through and Call Centers; Human Resources OUC Administration Building / 500 S. Orange Ave. (Closed) Pershing / 6003 Pershing Ave. Primary facility for Electric Operations; Electric and Water 24-hour Operations Center; Energy Delivery; Customer Service Call Center Gardenia / 3800 Gardenia Ave. Primary facility for Water Operations; Customer Service Walk-In and Drive Through Center; Water Quality Lab Curtis H. Stanton Energy Center / 5100 S. Alafaya Trail Power Production St. Cloud City Hall / 1300 9th St. Customer Service Center St. Cloud T&D Building St. Cloud Electric Operations
Page 70
GENERATION Curtis H. Stanton Energy Center Stanton Unit 1 Coal-Fired – 68.55 percent ownership (291 MW) Stanton Unit 2 Coal-Fired – 71.59 percent ownership (304 MW) Stanton Unit A Combined Cycle – 28 percent ownership (177 MW) Stanton Unit B Combined Cycle – 100 percent ownership (300 MW) Indian River Plant Indian River Combustion Turbines (IRP – A&B) – 48.8 percent ownership (37 MW) Indian River Combustion Turbines (IRP – C&D) – 79 percent ownership (177 MW) Lake Highland Plant (closed) Lake Ivanhoe Plant (closed) OTHER GENERATION Coal-fired McIntosh Unit 3 – 40 percent ownership (146 MW) Nuclear Crystal River Unit 3 – 1.60 percent ownership (14 MW) St. Lucie Unit 2 – 6.09 percent ownership (52 MW) OTHER FACILITIES 29 electric substations / 7 water plants / 8 chilled water plants
Reliable Plaza 100 W. Anderson St. Orlando, FL 32801 Phone: 407.423.9100 Fax: 407.236.9616 www.ouc.com
© 2011 Orlando Utilities Commission