Gainesville Regional Utilities Authority

Gainesville Regional Utilities Authority AGENDA Monday, October 7, 2024, 5:30 p.m. GRU Administration Building 301 SE 4th Avenue Gainesville, Fl 32601 Authority Directors Eric Lawson - Chair David Haslam - Vice Chair Craig Carter Jack Jacobs Robert Skinner If you have a disability and need accommodation in order to participate in this meeting, please call (352) 334-5051 at least two business days in advance. TTY (Text Telephone Telecommunication Device) users please call 711 (Florida Relay Service). For Speech to Speech (STS) relay, please call 1-877-955-5334. For STS Spanish relay, please call 1-877-955-8773. For STS French Creole relay, please call 1-877-955-8707.  Gainesville Regional Utilities Authority A. CALL TO ORDER Agenda Statement: The Gainesville Regional Utilities Authority encourages civil public speech. The Gainesville Regional Utilities Authority expects each person entering this chamber to treat others with respect and courtesy. Speakers are expected to focus on agenda items under discussion. Signs, props, posters, food, and drinks should be left outside the auditorium. B. ROLL CALL C. INVOCATION D. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE E. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA (Regular and Consent) F. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of Minutes from the September 4 2024 Meeting G. CHAIR COMMENTS H. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT (for items not on the agenda, not to exceed 30 minutes total) I. CONSENT AGENDA Page 2 of 52  Gainesville Regional Utilities Authority 1. 2024-748 Fort Clarke Blvd. Sanitary Sewer Gravity Main Improvements Project (B) Department: Gainesville Regional Utilities/Water WasteWater Description: This item is seeking approval to proceed with a construction contract for Fort Clarke Blvd. Sanitary Sewer Gravity Main Improvements Project. The new gravity sewer main will be 24-inch diameter PVC pipe that will replace a 16- inch ductile iron pipe that has exceeded its service life. The overall project length is roughly 2,500 feet of new gravity sewer main and will include three trenchless jack and bore pipe crossings under existing Alachua County roadways. The existing 16- inch ductile iron main will either be removed or abandoned/grouted in place. The proposed gravity sewer main will be replaced all the way to the existing Lift Station 21, located at 1920 Fort Clarke Blvd. GRU Procurement issued an Invitation To Bid (ITB) for the improvements to prospective firms and posted on OpenGov on August 20, 2024. Two (2) responses were received on September 24, 2024. The contract award will be made to the lowest, responsive, responsible Respondent as GRU’s CEO determines to be in GRU’s best interest. The Intent to Award is attached. Fiscal Note: The funds for this project are included in the FY25-FY26 Water/Wastewater budget and partially funded by the Resilient Florida Grant Program. Recommendation: GRUA authorize the CEO, or his designee, to negotiate and execute a contract with Commercial Industrial Corporation of Ocala, FL for the Fort Clarke Blvd. Sanitary Sewer Gravity Main Improvements Project for the price of $6,101,879.00, subject to legal review and approval. J. CEO COMMENTS K. ATTORNEY COMMENTS L. RESOLUTIONS (Roll Call Required) M. BUSINESS DISCUSSION ITEMS Page 3 of 52  Gainesville Regional Utilities Authority 1. 2024-750 Informational presentation on the 2019 and 2023 Integrated Resource Plans (IRP) and their significance to GRU operations and planning (B) Department: Gainesville Regional Utilities/ Office of the CEO Description: Once every three to five years, GRU’s Energy Supply group conducts a complex study called an Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) through which the utility analyzes alternatives to meet the electrical energy and demand requirements of its retail electric customers over a long-term planning horizon (typically 20 to 30 years). Over the past five (5) years, GRU is fortunate to have completed two (2) IRPs – one in 2019 and the other in 2023 – to consider. The span of time and information are invaluable in evaluating GRU’s energy future. Taking the form of a complex long-term generation expansion production model, the IRP simulates production cost and market interactions in arriving at Net Present Value of Revenue Requirements (NPVRR) based on a select set of operating scenarios with a magnitude of assumptions. Each scenario and each assumption are impacted by future risk – regulatory, financial, market, operating, and prospects of emerging technology. GRU’s 2019 and 2023 IRPs identified the best path forward given the evolution of energy resource technologies along with the risk surrounding each scenario. Completed just 4 years apart both IRPs identify different, yet somewhat similar paths forward. This presentation highlights the differences, similarities, and trends in the two IRPs as the basis for developing the best action plan for GRU’s future power generation needs Fiscal Note: None at this point in time. Recommendation: The GRU Authority consider the agenda as information only and participate and ask questions as needed. Page 4 of 52  Gainesville Regional Utilities Authority 2. 2024-751 Launch of Customer Advocate Program (B) Department: Gainesville Regional Utilities/Community Relations Description: As part of GRU’s overall Customer First initiative, the first program being implemented is our Customer Advocate Program under the supervision of our Community Relations Department. The Vision of the program is to foster and maintain: A thriving atmosphere and culture of trust where our customers are empowered to pursue their issues and complaints with confidence knowing that they have a reliable partner who will ensure their matters will be heard and addressed. The programs goals and objectives are to: • Expand Community Relation’s Ombudsman role to develop a strong partnership with and on behalf of GRU customers, and • Ensure that our customers are aware of resources and services that are available and assist them in accessing payment assistance through GRU’s ProjectShare and other agencies, and • Be responsive and timely in addressing customer issues, and • Explore programs and opportunities to assist customers for utility payments, and. • Improve customer dissatisfaction through positive customer interactions, and • Ensure that customers are aware that their voices are heard and their issues are resolved fairly, and • Make recommendations for improvement of internal customer service processes based on customer interactions, and • Provide multiple points of contact for customers to be heard – surveys, drop boxes, social media presence, etc., and • Reduce communication/language barriers by establishing a pool of employees to assist when needed. GRU plans to launch the Customer Advocate Program on September 30, 2024. Fiscal Note: No additional personnel changes or other expense budget modifications are anticipated with the program. Recommendation: The agenda item is for informational purposes to inform the GRU Authority of the steps being taken to further GRU’s positive presence in the community. Page 5 of 52  Gainesville Regional Utilities Authority N. DIRECTOR COMMENTS O. ADJOURNMENT Page 6 of 52  Gainesville Regional Utilities Authority MINUTES September 4, 2024, 5:30 p.m. GRU Administration Building 301 SE 4th Avenue Gainesville, FL 32601 Directors Present: Chair Lawson, Vice Chair Haslam Craig Carter, Jack Jacobs, Robert Skinner ____________________________________________________________________ A. CALL TO ORDER B. ROLL CALL C. INVOCATION Director Carter led the invocation. D. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE E. ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS 1. 2024-666 Oath of Office for New Authority Director (NB) City Clerk Kristen Bryant swore in new GRU Authority Director Jack Jacobs. Recommendation: The City Clerk Kristen Bryant administer an oath of office for the new director of the Authority. Heard F. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA Public Comment: Jim Konish Moved by Craig Carter Seconded by Vice-Chair Haslam Aye (5): Chair Lawson, Vice Chair Haslam, Craig Carter, Jack Jacobs, Robert Skinner Approved (5 to 0) Page 7 of 52 1 G. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Public Comment: None 1. Approval of Minutes from the August 7 2024 Meeting Moved by Craig Carter Seconded by Robert Skinner Aye (5): Chair Lawson, Vice Chair Haslam, Craig Carter, Jack Jacobs, Robert Skinner Approved (5 to 0) H. CHAIR COMMENTS Chair Lawson shared a few updates with the board and public. I. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT Debbie Martinez, Chuck Ross, Angela Casteel, Jim Konish, Donald Shepherd, Richard Schwab, Eddie Hodge J. CONSENT AGENDA 1. 2024-631 SW 24th Avenue Sanitary Sewer Force Main Improvements Project (B) Moved by Craig Carter Seconded by Vice-Chair Haslam Recommendation: GRUA authorize the CEO, or his designee, to negotiate and execute a contract with Commercial Industrial Corp. for SW 24th Avenue Sanitary Sewer Force Main Improvements Project for the price of $4,965,360.00, subject to legal review and approval. Approved On Consent 2. 2024-637 Jacob Rodgers v. William Stormant and City of Gainesville, d/b/a Gainesville Regional Utilities; Case No. 2016-CA-659; Eighth Judicial Circuit, in and for Alachua County, Florida. (B) Moved by Craig Carter Seconded by Vice-Chair Haslam Recommendation: The Gainesville Regional Utilities Authority 1) approve the terms of the proposed settlement; and 2) authorize the City Attorney settle the claim of Jacob Rodgers v. William Stormant and City of Gainesville, d/b/a Gainesville Regional Utilities; Case No. 2016-CA-659; Eighth Judicial Circuit, in and for Alachua County, Florida. Approved On Consent Page 8 of 52 2  3. 2024-665 William and Eulajean Malphurs v. City of Gainesville; Case No. 2023-CA-4832; Eighth Judicial Circuit, in and for Alachua County, Florida. (NB) Moved by Craig Carter Seconded by Vice-Chair Haslam Recommendation: The Gainesville Regional Utilities Authority 1) approve the terms of the settlement; and 2) authorize the City Attorney settle the claim of William and Eulajean Malphurs v. City of Gainesville; Case No. 2023-CA-4832; Eighth Judicial Circuit, in and for Alachua County, Florida. Approved On Consent K. CEO COMMENTS The CEO, Ed Bielarski, spoke to some of the items brought up during general public comment. L. ATTORNEY COMMENTS Public Comment: Jim Konish, Jeffrey Shapiro, Chuck Ross, Donald Shepherd, Angela Casteel, Debbie Martinez, Bobby Mermer, Elizabeth Hill Moved by Craig Carter Seconded by Robert Skinner Motion: For the GRU Authority Board to authorize Folds Walker to work with GRU CEO to draft language to prepare for a lawsuit to file against the City of Gainesville, if necessary, without waiting for another GRUA board meeting. Aye (5): Chair Lawson, Vice Chair Haslam, Craig Carter, Jack Jacobs, Robert Skinner Approved (5 to 0) M. RESOLUTIONS (Roll Call Required) 1. 2024-557 Resolution Authorizing the Amendment of Resolution No. 2024-557 Adopted by the GRU Authority on August 7, 2024 (B) Public Comment: Jim Konish, Ernesto Martinez Moved by Craig Carter Seconded by Robert Skinner Recommendation: The GRU Authority adopt the proposed resolution. Aye (5): Chair Lawson, Vice Chair Haslam, Craig Carter, Jack Jacobs, Robert Skinner Approved as Recommended (5 to 0) Page 9 of 52 3 2. 2024-632 A resolution eliminating the twenty-five percent surcharge imposed on Gainesville Regional Utilities water and wastewater connection charges to entities and consumers located outside of the corporate limits of the City of Gainesville. (B) Public Comment: Jim Konish, Bobby Mermer, Chuck Ross, Angela Casteel, Debbie Martinez, Jeffrey Shapiro, Donald Shepherd The board discussed the item. CEO Ed Bielarski commented on the item. Moved by Craig Carter Seconded by Vice-Chair Haslam Recommendation: The GRUA adopt the proposed resolution. Aye (5): Chair Lawson, Vice Chair Haslam, Craig Carter, Jack Jacobs, Robert Skinner Approved as Recommended (5 to 0) 3. 2024-633 A resolution authorizing Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) to obtain a Utility Attorney who shall be a legal advisor to and attorney for (GRU) free from the direction and control of another legal entity, such as the City Commission. (B) Public Comment: Jim Konish, Debbie Martinez, Jeffrey Shapiro, Donald Shepherd CEO Ed Bielarski shared that the utility attorney is no longer with the City of Gainesville, and added that there is representation at the meeting from the City Attorney's Office. Director Carter spoke to the item. Moved by Craig Carter Seconded by Robert Skinner Recommendation: The GRUA adopt the proposed resolution. Aye (5): Chair Lawson, Vice Chair Haslam, Craig Carter, Jack Jacobs, Robert Skinner Approved as Recommended (5 to 0) Page 10 of 52 4 4. 2024-634 A resolution requesting reinstatement to the previous provision in the City Code of Ordinances exempting Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) from applicable right-of-way regulations and permit fees other than to the extent GRU is acting as a com *Abbreviated Title of Item exceeded character limit. Should say "as a communications services provider". Public Comment: Jim Konish, Chuck Ross, Brian Singleton, Angela Casteel, Bobby Mermer, Donald Shepherd CEO Ed Bielarski spoke to the item, and addressed some public comments that were made. Director Skinner and Carter inquired about the item. Water/Wastewater Officer Debbie Daugherty spoke to a question from Director Skinner. Moved by Craig Carter Seconded by Vice-Chair Haslam Recommendation: The GRUA adopt the proposed resolution. Aye (5): Chair Lawson, Vice Chair Haslam, Craig Carter, Jack Jacobs, Robert Skinner Approved as Recommended (5 to 0) Page 11 of 52 5  5. 2024-636 A resolution requesting City of Gainesville’s Ordinance No. 2024- 352 and Ordinance No. 2024-448 placing a referendum on the November ballot be rescinded and taking all necessary actions to ensure the ballot measure shall not appear therewith. (B) Public Comment: Jim Konish, Bobby Mermer, Chuck Ross, Angela Casteel, Elizabeth Hill, Jeffrey Shapiro, Kristen Bryant Folds Walker Attorney Kiersten Ballou addressed a question from City Clerk Kristen Bryant. Director Skinner made an inquiry of GRUA Attorney Folds Walker. Folds Walker Attorney Scott Walker addressed the question from Director Skinner. Director Carter spoke to the item at hand. Moved by Craig Carter Seconded by Robert Skinner Recommendation: The GRUA adopt the proposed resolution. Aye (5): Chair Lawson, Vice Chair Haslam, Craig Carter, Jack Jacobs, Robert Skinner Approved as Recommended (5 to 0) N. BUSINESS DISCUSSION ITEMS O. DIRECTOR COMMENTS Director Skinner discussed some of the challenges with customer service and the improvements that are taking to place to improve the service. Director Carter discussed the assistance from several staff members with different concerns brought forward from the community. Director Jacobs shared the intent of the board to make things better for everyone. Director Haslam shared that the utility has a lot of wonderful people working for it. Chair Lawson shared that he will bring forward an item in the future regarding customer service as well what the next steps are for the IRP. P. ADJOURNMENT Chair Lawson adjourned the meeting at 7:39pm. _________________________ Christine Kunkel, GRUA Staff Liaison Page 12 of 52 6  Gainesville Regional Utilities Authority Agenda Item Report File Number: 2024-748 Agenda Date: October 7, 2024 Department: Gainesville Regional Utilities Title: 2024-748 Fort Clarke Blvd. Sanitary Sewer Gravity Main Improvements Project (B) Department: Gainesville Regional Utilities/Water WasteWater Description: This item is seeking approval to proceed with a construction contract for Fort Clarke Blvd. Sanitary Sewer Gravity Main Improvements Project. The new gravity sewer main will be 24-inch diameter PVC pipe that will replace a 16- inch ductile iron pipe that has exceeded its service life. The overall project length is roughly 2,500 feet of new gravity sewer main and will include three trenchless jack and bore pipe crossings under existing Alachua County roadways. The existing 16-inch ductile iron main will either be removed or abandoned/grouted in place. The proposed gravity sewer main will be replaced all the way to the existing Lift Station 21, located at 1920 Fort Clarke Blvd. GRU Procurement issued an Invitation To Bid (ITB) for the improvements to prospective firms and posted on OpenGov on August 20, 2024. Two (2) responses were received on September 24, 2024. The contract award will be made to the lowest, responsive, responsible Respondent as GRU’s CEO determines to be in GRU’s best interest. The Intent to Award is attached. Fiscal Note: The funds for this project are included in the FY25-FY26 Water/Wastewater budget and partially funded by the Resilient Florida Grant Program. Recommendation: GRUA authorize the CEO, or his designee, to negotiate and execute a contract with Commercial Industrial Corporation of Ocala, FL for the Fort Clarke Blvd. Sanitary Sewer Gravity Main Improvements Project for the price of $6,101,879.00, subject to legal review and approval. Page 13 of 52  Item#2024-748 Fort Clarke Blvd. Sanitary Sewer Gravity Main Improvements Project GRUA Meeting Project Overview October 7, 2024 Page 14 of 52  Project Overview  Replacement of gravity sewer trunk main along Fort Clarke Blvd. from NW 90th Terrace south to Lift Station 21.  Details: • Installed parallel to active, existing 16-inch gravity sewer main • ~2,500 feet of new 24-inch PVC gravity sewer main, including three trenchless jack and bore pipe crossings under roadways • Working hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Partially funded (40%) by the Resilient Florida grant program and must be under contract by Dec. 31, 2024, to meet grant requirements Page 215 of 52 9/30/2024  Site Plan New Gravity Sewer Main Route Page 316 of 52 9/30/2024  Procurement Overview  Invitation to bid released via OpenGOV on August 20, 2024  Non-mandatory pre-bid meeting held September 10, 2024 at GRU Eastside Operations Center and Site Visit.  Awarded to lowest, responsive, responsible respondent  Proposals received September 24, 2024 via GRU e-Procurement Portal.  Recommend award to Commercial Industrial Corporation Page 417 of 52 9/30/2024  Recommendation  GRUA authorize the CEO, or his designee, to negotiate and execute a contract with Commercial Industrial Corporation for Fort Clarke Blvd. Sanitary Sewer Gravity Main Improvements Project for the price of $6,101,879.00, subject to legal review and approval. Page 518 of 52 9/30/2024  Item#2024-748 A GAINESVILLE REGIONAL UTILITIES PURCHASING DIVISION NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD ITB# 2024-084 ~Via OpenGov~ October 1, 2024 To All Respondents of ITB No. 2024-084 Fort Clarke Blvd. Sanitary Sewer Gravity Main Improvements Project (Grant Funded) Gainesville Regional Utilities has completed its review of the responses submitted to the above referenced ITB and is recommending award, pending FDEP funding approval, to Commercial Industrial Corp. as the lowest Responsive Responsible Respondent based on the line items listed below. VENDOR NAME ITEMS INCLUDED BID AMOUNT Commercial Industrial Corp. Total Base Bid Price (Items 1-47) Not to Exceed $ 5,732,479.00 Owner Allowance Items: Item# 48 $ 97,000.00 Item# 49 $ 60,000.00 Item# 50 $ 120,000.00 Item# 51 $ 92,400.00 Total Bid Amount $ 6,101,879.00 : SanPik, Inc. Total Base Bid Price (Items 1-47) Not to Exceed $ 5,966,375.00 Owner Allowance Items: Item# 48 $ 20,000.00 Item# 49 $ 60,000.00 Item# 50 $ 200,000.00 Item# 51 $ 66,500.00 Total Bid Amount $ 6,312,875.00 Thank you for your time participating on this ITB and for your interest in doing business with Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU). If you have any questions, please contact me via email at veleza1@gru.com. Prepared By: Annie Velez Procurement Specialist III Page 19 of 52  Gainesville Regional Utilities Authority Agenda Item Report File Number: 2024-750 Agenda Date: October 7, 2024 Department: Gainesville Regional Utilities Title: 2024-750 Informational presentation on the 2019 and 2023 Integrated Resource Plans (IRP) and their significance to GRU operations and planning (B) Department: Gainesville Regional Utilities/ Office of the CEO Description: Once every three to five years, GRU’s Energy Supply group conducts a complex study called an Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) through which the utility analyzes alternatives to meet the electrical energy and demand requirements of its retail electric customers over a long-term planning horizon (typically 20 to 30 years). Over the past five (5) years, GRU is fortunate to have completed two (2) IRPs – one in 2019 and the other in 2023 – to consider. The span of time and information are invaluable in evaluating GRU’s energy future. Taking the form of a complex long-term generation expansion production model, the IRP simulates production cost and market interactions in arriving at Net Present Value of Revenue Requirements (NPVRR) based on a select set of operating scenarios with a magnitude of assumptions. Each scenario and each assumption are impacted by future risk – regulatory, financial, market, operating, and prospects of emerging technology. GRU’s 2019 and 2023 IRPs identified the best path forward given the evolution of energy resource technologies along with the risk surrounding each scenario. Completed just 4 years apart both IRPs identify different, yet somewhat similar paths forward. This presentation highlights the differences, similarities, and trends in the two IRPs as the basis for developing the best action plan for GRU’s future power generation needs Fiscal Note: None at this point in time. Recommendation: The GRU Authority consider the agenda as information only and participate and ask questions as needed. Page 20 of 52  Item#2024-750 Reconciling GRU’s Energy Future 10/7/24 Page 21 of 52  The Plan – “Optionality” • Run our existing assets as long as we can • History of success in doing so: • 2017 – Biomass PPA was bought out & plant modified to run more efficiently • 2021 – Kelly plant was repowered • 2021 – DH2 was converted to dual fuel capability • 2022 – DH1 life extension undertaken • Firm up natural gas supplies and transport to end reliance on coal • Pursue additional generation when the opportunity arises • Solar • Battery • RICE – Natural Gas plant • Long-term PPAs • Pursue transmission and generation alliances Page 222 of 52  Existing Capacity GRU Generation and Load Forecast (as of 2023) Page 323 of 52  IRP Process • At least once every five years, GRU (and most electric utilities) conducts an integrated resource plan (IRP) analysis to evaluate future energy demands and resource options • GRU has had two IRPs performed over the past five years (2019 and 2023) • IRP is a financial model through which future energy supply costs are calculated using a selected set of inputs and variables • Output of the model is only as valuable as the reliability of the inputs (future cost of gas, solar, etc.) • The IRP provides the broader strategic path for the utility, not the specific plan • The specific plan is defined within the confines of GRU’s budget, capital plan, and long- term plan Page 424 of 52  Overview  There are several key differences between the 2019 and 2023 IRPs Page 525 of 52  Baseline Scenarios R evenue R equirements Capacity Added Over Next 10 Years Net Present Nominal Cost T otal Solar Natural B attery Scenario / Sensitiv ity Capacity PPA Value (Millions $) (Millions $) (MW) (Nameplate/Net) G as Storage 2019 IRP $1,961 $2,723 253 80/28 225 0 0 2023 IRP $1,652 $2,701 159 150/54 0 80 25 • 2019 IRP baseline selected solar in 2021; a large gas unit in 2032; and reciprocating gas engines in 2032 • 2023 IRP baseline selected solar in 2029; batteries in 2029; varying levels of capacity PPAs (beginning in 2027); and deferred the retirements of CT1, CT2, and DH2 by five years *For comparison purposes, the 2023 IRP baseline scenario was truncated to 20 years Page 626 of 52  Other 2023 IRP Final Scenarios R es o u rce P lan C o s t C apacity A dded Ov er N ex t 10 Years Net P resent Nominal Cost T otal S olar Natural B attery S cenario / S ensitiv ity Capacity P P A Value (M illions $) (M illions $) (M W) (Nameplate/Net) G as S torag e B as elin e $1,652 $2,701 159 150/54 0 80 25 B as elin e w ith 2028 C T $1,655 $2,706 159 150/54 30 50 25 B as elin e (D H F S 2 R etires 2032) $1,664 $2,720 291 150/54 0 110 100 Market R elian ce u n til 2032 $1,686 $2,760 162 75/27 0 110 25 F u ll Market R elian ce beg in n in g 2032 $1,921 $3,241 412 75/27 0 385 0 B as elin e (N o S an d B lu ff) $1,658 $2,704 159 150/54 0 30 75 Market R elian ce u n til 2032 (N o S an d B lu ff) $1,687 $2,754 162 75/27 0 110 25 *For comparison purposes, the 2023 IRP baseline scenario was truncated to 20 years Page 727 of 52  Existing Capacity GRU Generation and Load Forecast (as of 2023) Page 828 of 52  The GAP Looking at the N – 1 Criteria Page 929 of 52  Deferring Unit Retirements • Generation units must ultimately retire, but their useful life may be longer than previously planned • Deferring existing unit retirements can decrease future capacity needs (and future costs) o Deferring GT1 & GT2’s retirements by five years delays near-term capacity needs by 35 MW (through 2031) o Deferring DH2’s retirement by five years delays ~100 MW of capacity need from 2032 through 2036 Page10 30 of 52  Possible Resource Mix to Meet N-1 Baseline (No Sand Bluff) Page11 31 of 52  Solar Conundrum Solar Price Escalation • Original Sand Bluff price: $31.52/MWh (July 2020) • Renegotiated Sand Bluff price: $40.56/MWh (February 2023) • Current Price: likely greater than $50/MWh Pricing Used in Evaluating Sensitivity of Solar PPAs Cost Solar PPA Price Sensitivity Evaluated in 2023 IRP Modeled PLEXOS Result Scenario 2025 Price Tier 1 Tier 2 $/MWh MW MW current Baseline $47.35 275 200 pricing A $51.65 275 25 already B $62.50 275 0 near here C $75.63 0 0 - Result of sensitivity analysis was that solar price would have to increase substantially before model stops selecting Tier 1 solar *Tier 1 solar is locally connected to GRU’s transmission system; Tier 2 solar is imported via GRU’s existing transmission system; Tier 3 solar is imported via a new transmission line. Tier 2 & 3 solar is subject to other utilities’ transmission charges. Page12 32 of 52  Surge in Utility- Scale Solar Costs • There has been a surge in utility- scale solar pricing in the last three years • Inflation, the data center industry, and demand have been drivers Source: Level 10 Energy Page13 33 of 52  The Optionality • Run our existing assets as long as we can Plan • Firm up natural gas supplies and transport to end reliance on coal • Pursue additional generation when the opportunity arises • Solar • Battery • RICE – Natural Gas plant • Long-term PPAs • Pursue transmission and generation alliances Page14 34 of 52  Thank You! Page15 35 of 52  Gainesville Regional Utilities Authority Agenda Item Report File Number: 2024-751 Agenda Date: October 7, 2024 Department: Gainesville Regional Utilities Title: 2024-751 Launch of Customer Advocate Program (B) Department: Gainesville Regional Utilities/Community Relations Description: As part of GRU’s overall Customer First initiative, the first program being implemented is our Customer Advocate Program under the supervision of our Community Relations Department. The Vision of the program is to foster and maintain: A thriving atmosphere and culture of trust where our customers are empowered to pursue their issues and complaints with confidence knowing that they have a reliable partner who will ensure their matters will be heard and addressed. The programs goals and objectives are to: • Expand Community Relation’s Ombudsman role to develop a strong partnership with and on behalf of GRU customers, and • Ensure that our customers are aware of resources and services that are available and assist them in accessing payment assistance through GRU’s ProjectShare and other agencies, and • Be responsive and timely in addressing customer issues, and • Explore programs and opportunities to assist customers for utility payments, and. • Improve customer dissatisfaction through positive customer interactions, and • Ensure that customers are aware that their voices are heard and their issues are resolved fairly, and • Make recommendations for improvement of internal customer service processes based on customer interactions, and • Provide multiple points of contact for customers to be heard – surveys, drop boxes, social media presence, etc., and • Reduce communication/language barriers by establishing a pool of employees to assist when needed. GRU plans to launch the Customer Advocate Program on September 30, 2024. Fiscal Note: No additional personnel changes or other expense budget modifications are anticipated with the program. Page 36 of 52 Recommendation: The agenda item is for informational purposes to inform the GRU Authority of the steps being taken to further GRU’s positive presence in the community. Page 37 of 52  Item#2024-751 Gainesville Regional Utilities Customer Advocate Program Page 38 of 52  Some of What We Do Now Enhanced Services o Community Relations serves as the Ombudsman to o Ensure that our customers are aware of resources the community on behalf of the utility. and services that are available to them. o Expand Community Relations’ Ombudsman role to o Community Relations investigates and collaborates facilitate a strong partnership of advocacy on behalf with Customer Service staff to resolve customer of our customers regarding their utility bills and issues. services. o Community Relations keeps customers abreast of the o Assist customers in accessing help for payment progress of their reported issue and its ultimate assistance. resolution. o Stay abreast of programs and opportunities available o Community Relations serves as GRU’s liaison with to our customers for utility payment assistance. GRU’s ProjectShare Partners. o Be responsive and timely to address customer issues. o Community Relations partners with other local o Improve customer dissatisfaction through positive agencies including the Community Action Network to customer interactions and the adoption of and provide community outreach events to facilitate adherence to GRU’s WE Motto. customers obtaining assistance with their utility bills. o Make recommendations for review and analysis of internal processes based on issues, complaints, and insights obtained through this process. Page 239 of 52 10/1/2024  GRU’s Customer Advocate Program Awareness and Accessibility 1. Dedicated phone line and email address 2. Flyers and retractable sign in the lobby 3. Availability of a Customer Advocate in the lobby. 4. CAP intake form: https://forms.office.com/g/skiywW9z1v 5. GRU website – jot form: https://www.gru.com/Our- Community/Customer-Advocates Page 340 of 52 10/1/2024 Advocate Services:  Assistance with setting up reasonable, affordable payment arrangements  Assistance with appealing decisions on behalf of the customer  Help the customer to understand billing process and the specific details regarding their “case”  Keep customers abreast of the status of their “case”  Help the customer with applying to programs for utility payment assistance  Follow up with customers to ensure they are able to honor their payment arrangements  Be more accessible (dedicated phone line, daily presence in the lobby, GRU website) Page 441 of 52 10/1/2024  GRU Customer Advocate Contact Information Phone Number: 352–393-1020 Email: CommunityRelations@gru.com A customer advocate will have a daily preference in GRU’s lobby as follows: Page 542 of 52 10/1/2024  Thank You Page 43 of 52  Item#2024-751 Gainesville Regional Utilities Community Relations: Customer Advocate Program  An Abbreviated Business Plan & Strategy Page 44 of 52  Vision Statement A thriving atmosphere and culture of trust where our customers are empowered to pursue their issues and complaints with confidence knowing that they have a reliable partner who will ensure that their matters will be heard and addressed. Page 45 of 52  Today’s Situation 1. Community Relations serves as the Ombudsman to the community on behalf of the utility. 2. Community Relations receives and processes customer complaints and issues that escalate to GRU’s CEO. 3. Community Relations investigates and collaborates with Customer Service staff to resolve customer issues. 4. Community Relations keeps customers abreast of the progress of their reported issue and its ultimate resolution. 5. Community Relations maintains a log of referred matters and ultimate resolutions. 6. Community Relations serves as GRU’s liaison with GRU’s ProjectShare Partners. 7. Community Relations partners with other local agencies including the Community Action Network to provide community outreach events to facilitate customers obtaining assistance with their utility bills. 8. Community Relations serves as a clearinghouse for fielding customer inquiries and referring them to the appropriate source for assistance. Page 46 of 52  Goals and Objectives 1. Expand Community Relations’ Ombudsman role to facilitate a strong partnership of advocacy on behalf of our customers regarding their utility bills and services. 2. Ensure that our customers are aware of resources and services that are available to them and assist them in accessing help for payment assistance through GRU’s ProjectShare and other agencies or programs. 3. Stay abreast of programs and opportunities available to our customers for utility payment assistance. 4. Be responsive and timely to address customer issues. 5. Improve customer dissatisfaction through positive customer interactions and the adoption of and adherence to GRU’s WE Motto. 6. Ensure that customers are keenly aware that their voices are heard and their issues will be resolved fairly and timely. 7. Make recommendations for review and analysis of internal processes based on issues, complaints, suggestions and insights obtained through this process. 8. Provide multiple avenues for customers to relay information regarding their concerns including surveys, drop boxes, etc. 9. Reduce communication/language barriers by establishing a pool of employees to assist where needed. Page 47 of 52  GRU’s ‘WE’ Motto GRU Customer Advocate WE are here for you. We statements:  We bring together case management expertise to help our customers  We are here to help  We provide 1:1 support to our customers  We help customers understand their options  We provide a quality experience to every customer; it’s our top priority  We provide in-depth, hands-on support required to address and resolve issues  We help the customer navigate customer service with confidence  We utilize appropriate communication lines in relaying problems, concerns, questions, and potential resolutions  We facilitate effective communication between the customer and utility professionals  We always maintain a courteous demeanor  We demonstrate effective, empathetic and professional communication  We identify and address existing gaps and opportunities within existing customer service processes to ensure customers receive support for their issues Page 48 of 52  Advocate Services  Assistance with setting up reasonable, affordable payment arrangements  Assistance with appealing decisions on behalf of the customer  Helping the customer to understand billing process and the specific details regarding their “case”  Keep customers abreast of the status of their “case”  Helping the customer with applying to programs for utility payment assistance  Follow up with customers to ensure they are able to honor their payment arrangements Page 49 of 52  Proposed Implementation 1. Define the role of Community Relations/Customer Advocate to internal stakeholders/partners: a) Meet with the leaders of the internal stakeholders (i.e., Customer Service Director, Customer Service Managers, Customer Experience Manager, etc.) to provide information regarding the expanded role of Community Relations as the Customer Advocate. b) Express the importance of each stakeholder’s role and partnership in the successful facilitation of this program for our customers. c) Ensure that front line customer service staff are aware of how to escalate issues to Community Relations by referring customers directly to an Advocate or contacting the Advocate via e-mail or phone on behalf of the customer. d) Provision of literature that provides program guidelines and contact information e) Referring customers to the lobby phone to contact a Customer Advocate for an immediate consultation or to schedule a consultation for a later date (dependent upon the severity of customer’s issue). 2. Collaborate with Communications to develop and implement a plan for notification of the availability of this resource internally and externally, creation and provision of collateral, etc. a) Flyers posted in the lobby and at the customer service stalls b) Notification about the program on the utility bill Page 50 of 52  Proposed Implementation (cont.) c) Message regarding the program on the television in GRU’s lobby d) Literature/handouts that explains the program and provides contact information to be used at events GRU attends or coordinates. e) Exploration and consideration of other avenues as recommended by Communications 3. Determination of the collaborative roles of the Customer Experience Manager, Customer Service Manager, etc. a) Customer Advocate may regularly schedule meetings with the CS Manager or CE Manager for consultation with and on behalf of the customer. 4. Designation of private office/meeting location for in-person meetings with customers: a) Assignment and utilization of the glass encased office for impromptu and scheduled meetings. b) Provide schedule in lobby that customers can use to schedule a meeting. Also make business cards easily accessible in the lobby. Page 51 of 52  Recommendations Most of the Customer Advocate work is currently within the scope of Community Relations’ responsibility as the utility’s Ombudsman for the community. Expanding Community Relations’ role as described herein would entail the following recommendations*: • Meet with the Chief Customer Officer to discuss the incorporation of Community Relations at an increased level. • Discuss and determine level of interface and partnership with other managers of customer services (e.g., Customer Experience Manager, Customer Service Manager, etc.) if deemed appropriate. • Work with Communications to devise and implement plan to bring awareness about this service, create collateral, etc. • Revise internal processes for expanded level of service. • Develop an implementation schedule to include a rollout schedule for each phase of this program. *Note: With the exception of the rollout schedule, each of these items have been discussed in detail under the Proposed Implementation section. Page 52 of 52