OUC History Book by oucthereliableone

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

B R O W N In the early years, OUC had to

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

‘‘T

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.

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

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

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

C O M PA N Y

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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:

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.

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:

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.

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.

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

Page 24

Page 25

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

the McIntosh Unit 3 Power Plant, a coal-fired

Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) declared an The embargo swiftly was followed by a steep hike

becoming co-owners with the City of Lakeland on

in 1983.

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

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.

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.

Page 31

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

t er s Reading Mheen and Now T

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.

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

Page 33

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.

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,

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

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

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.

Page 36

Taking n Conservatio into the Classroom

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.

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