5.7. ERMUSR 02-12-2019 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Association (MREA) in a joint effort to modernize CIP. The proposed improvements to CIP would allow for local flexibility to achieve savings mandates while providing statutory approval to incorporate beneficial and efficient electrification into the program. • System Forecasting—Staff had an initiative to develop improved five and ten year forecasting models for water and electric system growth and related resource planning. This project was not started in 2018 and was tabled until 2019. Related, staff has added a new 2019 initiative to work on updating the water hydrology model for use in system forecasting and planning. Theme 4:Technology—Implement the prudent use of technology to improve efficiency and increase customer choice, communication, and value. • ESRI GIS Mapping—Staff has been working to complete the implementation of the mapping system including GPS data collection.The goal is to transition all field staff over to the ESRI map.This project has been a work in progress for years and will carry over through 2019. • Cyber & Physical Security and IT/OT Support—Staff has worked with the city and a third party consultant to evaluate cyber and physical security for ERMU and the city. A joint committee was created.A small work group with the third party consultant developed the framework for a comprehensive cyber, physical, and information security policy. Progress stopped when the refinement of those policies exceeded staff resources.The initiative was tabled until the budgeted ERMU Operational Technology Supervisor was hired. ERMU was unable to fill the position, and staff will re-evaluate the position and re-post in early 2019.This initiative is a high priority for 2019. • Electric Vehicle—Staff had researched EV options for a go/no-go budget decision in 2017.The purchase of an EV was approved for the 2018 budget.The purchase of a Chevy Bolt was done through the State bidding process. Additionally, public charging stations had been purchased and installed.The work on the Branding Plan overlapped with work on the EV initiative as the vehicle, public charging stations, and marketing materials aligned with the new branding. ERMU received a grant from the American Public Power Association which covered a portion of the costs for the EV initiative.This initiative has received solid national attention because of the fleet assessment and the time-of-use rate design for public charging stations.The success of this initiative lead into a 2019 initiative to develop a program for EV charging stations at local businesses. • Utilities Conference Room Technology Upgrade—Approved in the 2019 budget were resources to update the technology primarily used for the commission meeting.The increase in remote participation in meetings and the aging of the current equipment has increased the priority to evaluate current and future needs and implement a solution this year.This initiative had been delayed because of the setbacks in filling the budgeted vacant OT Supervisor position. Page 4 of 7 76