Massena Electric Department
Regular MeetingMassena, NY · December 19, 2024
Minutes
Approved by the MEUB 1/21/2025 Page |1
MASSENA ELECTRIC UTILITY BOARD
MINUTES of Thursday, December 19, 2024, 2024
Town of Massena Electric Department – 71 East Hatfield Street
Present:
James Shaw - excused Andrew McMahon, Superintendent
Richard Maginn Jeffrey Dobbins, Treasurer
Rene Hart Matt Gray, Deputy Superintendent
Charles Raiti Margo Rochefort, Deputy Treasurer
Mark Ryan Raymond Lancto, Town Liaison
Eric Gustafson, Attorney - excused Patrick Facteau, Town Liaison - excused
Board Member Hart opened the meeting at 1:01 pm
1) APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
RESOLUTION:
The Massena Electric Utility Board hereby approves the minutes of the regular meeting
of November 21, 2024 as presented.
Moved by Richard Maginn- Seconded by Charles Raiti - All in Favor
2) OPERATIONS UPDATE: by Matt Gray, Deputy Superintendent
A. Safety: MED has not had a lost time injury since June 8th, 2022. The number of consecutive
days without a lost time accident now stands at 906 days.
As of November 30th, 2024, MED has been 163 days without a reportable injury. MED
experienced a reportable injury on June 20th when an Employee cut their forearm while
stripping wire. The Employee is currently working with no lingering effects from the injury.
B. Customer Impact Chart: MED Customers experienced only 179 Customer Impact Minutes
throughout the month of November. This is one of the lowest levels of CIM in the last 13-months.
With this low level of CIM our 12-month average remains relatively unchanged since last month
and is now at 14,127.
C. Reliability: MED Crews responded to only seven calls throughout the month of November.
Four of the calls received contributed to our monthly CIM with five calls affecting only one
Customer and two calls affecting more than one Customer. The largest CIM contributor occurred
on the 16th when an animal contact at a transformer on Crescent Drive resulted in a 34-minute
outage for two Customers. The remaining CIM contributors were due to animal contacts or
broken taps during high wind. These calls were small in scope and easily remedied.
Approved by the MEUB 1/21/2025 Page |2
D. Work Schedule: MED staff continue to work with representatives from Air Products to install
a temporary feed to the site to support construction activities. This project will entail the
installation of a three-phase primary line extension and primary metering arrangement. This
project is currently in the design review phase.
MED Crews are continuing to address poles in need of replacement on Roosevelt Road and State
Highway 37C.
Crews have begun Infra-red scanning of all of our overhead facilities and addressing any
hotspots that have been found.
3) FINANCIAL REPORTS: by Jeff Dobbins, Treasurer
A. Write-Offs:
RESOLUTION:
The Massena Electric Utility Board hereby authorizes the write-off of bad debt
totaling $6,204.35 as audited by Mr. Rene Hart.
Moved by Charles Raiti - Seconded by Mark Ryan - All in Favor
B. Power Comparison Graph: Power Costs were $529,000 for the month. November Peak Demand
30,000 kW, low end for Nov., set Nov. 14th at 9:00 am. Third month this year the peak was set in
the morning. Low the night before was 20°. MWh purchased, 17,300. Overall a mild month and
low end for November. Supplemental Power costs were only $129,560 during Nov. 3,370 MWh
of incremental energy purchased. Zone D Average Energy rate was $29.15/MWh. Transmission
related expenditures totaled $160,000. UCAP (Unforced Capacity) was over $7,440 in November.
1st month of winter capacity period. Rate was less than $1.00/ kW down from over $4.00 during
summer period (May-Oct). Other ISO charges reflect costs for Oct. and were $82,800. Other
Transmission charges totaled $69,760. CES totaled $76,480. Impact to Customers in December, Base PPAC
1.0¢/ kWh and Supplemental PPAC of 1.6¢.
C. Cash Flow: The Operating Fund increased by $150,000, receipts higher than budgeted and
expenses were lower than anticipated. The Operating Fund balance as of November 30th was
7.97 MM. November receipts were over $1 MM, $138,300 more than budgeted. LI-HEAP opened
in Nov. and the Department received 2 LI-HEAP payments. $30,380 in interest revenue included interest
and discounts earned on Treasuries owned by the Department. November expenditures totaled
$888,490, $148,910 less than budgeted.
RESOLUTION:
The Massena Electric Utility Board hereby approves the bills as audited by
Mr. Rene Hart totaling $961,602.15.
Moved by Charles Raiti – Seconded by Mark Ryan- All in Favor
4) COMMITTEE REPORTS: by Andrew McMahon, Superintendent
A. Personnel
1. Mr. McMahon presented a resolution for Susan Hatch who announced her retirement from
Massena Electric after 35 years.
Approved by the MEUB 1/21/2025 Page |3
RESOLUTION:
Whereas, the Massena Electric Department has been in operation since 1981;
Whereas, Massena Electric's original motto was “the Spirit of Service”;
Whereas, Susan Hatch joined MED in April of 1989;
Whereas, after over 35 years Susan is one of the longest serving employees;
Whereas, Susan has served in multiple roles including Meter Reader and Senior Clerk;
Whereas Susan’s personality always resonated with customers in whatever role she did and in
her heart always maintained the Spirit of Service;
Whereas Susan retired effective December 14, 2024;
Therefore, Be It Resolved, The Massena Electric Utility Board hereby wishes Susan a long, healthy
and happy retirement!
Moved by Mark Ryan – Seconded by Charles Raiti- All in Favor
B. Finance & Economic Development
1. Energy Efficiency Programs: Treasurer Dobbins noted that there had been some interest in
audits recently. The requests included a commercial account and a landlord looking to make
improvements at some of their rental properties.
Weatherization Kits – to date 346 kits have been distributed with 120 kits remaining.
2. S&S Software Upgrade (Cloud servicing etc.): Treasurer Dobbins updated the board on the
timeline for this upgrade. Due to delays by S&S in getting some of the test environment ready,
the upgrade has been delayed until early May 2025. The transition to the new system was
originally planned for early Feb 2025. Most of the delay is related to the financial management
side of the software. S&S indicated that the changes required to this part of the system, which
includes payroll, inventory, and financial statement reporting, were taking longer than expected.
Both staff and S&S agreed it is important to make sure these sections are updated properly and
delaying the implementation date will allow S&S time to make the updates and the Department’s
staff time to test the new system.
3. Fund Transfer: Treasurer Dobbins reviewed the status of the reserve funds held by the
Department and noted that the balances for these funds could be found at the bottom of the cash
flow. In 2024 the Department expended roughly $500,000 from the Depreciation Fund. The
expenditures included the purchase of 5 vehicles during 2024 and some payments towards the
computer system upgrade. Based on these expenditures Treasurer Dobbins recommended to the
Finance Committee that a contribution be made from the Operating Fund to replenish the
Depreciation Fund.
RESOLUTION:
The Massena Electric Utility Board hereby authorizes the transfer of $500,000 from the
Operating Fund to the Depreciation Fund.
Moved by Richard Maginn – Seconded by Charles Raiti- All in Favor
Approved by the MEUB 1/21/2025 Page |4
C. Engineering & Energy
1. Cybersecurity: Treasurer Dobbins reported that there were no issues since the last board
meeting and that staff, and Adirondack Tech personnel, continue to monitor the network. He
also discussed recent upgrades to the office HVAC system. The upgrade included changes to the
software used to monitor the system and control the HVAC equipment installed. Steps were
taken to isolate the software and equipment so it does not pose a threat to the other parts of the
Department’s network.
Mr. McMahon informed the board that NERC has been sending out schedules for self-
certification. It appears that we do not have to self-certify this year, but Mr. Dobbins and our
staff continue to make sure we are compliant.
2. NYSERDA Projects: Mr. McMahon described progress on PON 5737 which we have been
approved for and the potential for PON 5896. The first program is for research of potential
Projects and the second is for implementation of projects. On the implementation projects, we
would be responsible for 1/3 of the total project cost.
3. Grant Funding, Federal and State: We are still hoping for funding under the PACES grant.
Unfortunately, it is a wait and see situation right now and we have some potential challenges.
4. AMI Procurement Update: Mr. McMahon is working with Mr. Gustafson on finalizing the
master agreement and contract language with Eaton. In the interim, Mr. McMahon has signed a
letter of intent with Mr. Gustafson's review that will lock in the pricing that was initially offered
last Spring.
5. Tree Power Program: Mr. McMahon noted that the utility had supported the planting of a
number of trees this fall. He said he is hopeful of getting more grants to support our work next
year.
5) LEGAL ISSUES: by Eric Gustafson, Attorney: Mr. Gustafson had no remarks for open session.
6) UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
History of MED Video - Mr. McMahon said that he and Mr. Winfrey are continuing to work on
this project. They have a great deal of content and now it is up to Mr. Winfrey to begin the
editing process.
Policy Review - There were no questions or comments.
RESOLUTION:
The Massena Electric Utility Board hereby approves the Massena Electric Department
policies as presented.
Moved by Mark Ryan – Seconded by Richard Maginn – All in Favor
7) NEW BUSINESS:
St. Lawrence Tour - Mr. Ryan had spoken to NYPA officials at the Rockville Centre meeting about
the potential to tour the St. Lawrence FDR power project. NYPA has offered some dates In May
that will work for them. Mr. McMahon will try to coordinate the dates of those board Members
who are interested in the tour.
Approved by the MEUB 1/21/2025 Page |5
8) ARTICLES OF INTEREST:
Mr. McMahon discussed the articles that were included in the board packet. Of particular note is
the proposed rate increases by NYPA. We are very concerned about the impacts that this NYPA
increase will have on our rate payers. Our trade associations have been working with NYPS to try
to assure that any increase is fair.
9) SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: Next regular meeting scheduled January 21, 2024
10) PUBLIC COMMENT:
11) EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Motion to move into executive session at 1:50 pm.
Moved by Charles Raiti – Seconded by Richard Maginn - All in Favor
Motion to move out of executive session at 1:56 pm.
Moved by Richard Maginn – Seconded by Mark Ryan -All in Favor
Motion to adjourn at 1:56 pm
Moved by Mark Ryan – Seconded by Charles Raiti - All in Favor
Approved by the MEUB 1/21/2025
Customer Impact
Customer Minutes Top Quartile 12-Month Average
90000
80000
70000
60000
50000
40000
30000
20000
10000
0
Nov-23 Dec-23 Jan-24 Feb-24 Mar-24 Apr-24 May-24 Jun-24 Jul-24 Aug-24 Sep-24 Oct-24 Nov-24
Page 7
Power Comparison Oct-2023 to Nov-2024
Approved by the MEUB 1/21/2025
kW Supplemental NYPA
Actual kW Purchased vs. Monthly Min & Max
55,000
50,000
45,000
40,000
2019- 2023 Max kW
35,000
30,000
25,000
2019 - 2023 Min kW
20,000
15,000
10,000
5,000
-
Oct-23 Nov-23 Dec-23 Jan-24 Feb-24 Mar-24 Apr-24 May-24 Jun-24 Jul-24 Aug-24 Sep-24 Oct-24 Nov-24
MWh Actual MWh Purchased vs. Monthly Min & Max Supplemental NYPA
30,000
27,500
25,000
22,500
2019 - 2023 Max MWh
20,000
17,500
2019 - 2023 Min MWh
15,000
12,500
10,000
7,500
5,000
2,500
-
Oct-23 Nov-23 Dec-23 Jan-24 Feb-24 Mar-24 Apr-24 May-24 Jun-24 Jul-24 Aug-24 Sep-24 Oct-24 Nov-24
Total Power Costs vs. Monthly Min & Max
$2,000,000
NYPA CES Transmission & ISO Supplemental
$1,800,000
$1,600,000
$1,400,000
$1,200,000
$1,000,000
$800,000
2019 - 2023 Max $
$600,000
$400,000
$200,000 2019- 2023 Min $
$-
Oct-23 Nov-23 Dec-23 Jan-24 Feb-24 Mar-24 Apr-24 May-24 Jun-24 Jul-24 Aug-24 Sep-24 Oct-24 Nov-24
% NYPA MWh 78% 62% 58% 56% 59% 62% 70% 83% 75% 75% 76% 90% 88% 78%
% NYPA $ 38% 33% 26% 17% 25% 29% 37% 39% 34% 33% 32% 41% 39% 36%
PPAC $0.008 $0.008 $0.008 $0.015 $0.012 $0.009 $0.006 $0.010 $0.013 $0.011 $0.012 $0.009 $0.007 $0.010
Supp PPAC $0.000 $0.014 $0.019 $0.045 $0.020 $0.014 $0.000 $0.000 $0.000 $0.000 $0.000 $0.000 $0.000 $0.016
CES $0.004 $0.004 $0.004 $0.004 $0.004 $0.003 $0.004 $0.004 $0.004 $0.004 $0.004 $0.004 $0.004 $0.005
Approved by the MEUB 1/21/2025
MASSENA ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOW
PERIOD ENDING NOVEMBER 30, 2024
BUDGET vs. ACTUAL
MONTH YEAR TO DATE
over/(under) over/(under) ANNUAL
ACTUAL BUDGET ACTUAL BUDGET BUDGET
1 OPERATING FUND
2 BEGINNING FUND BALANCE 7,820,233 348,999 7,762,534 7,762,534
3
4 CASH RECEIPTS:
5 RECEIPTS FROM CUSTOMERS 1,003,108 127,908 12,354,724 (2,181,676) 15,853,200
6 REIMBURSED WORK 0 (3,700) 68,294 26,994 45,000
7 RVRDA CONSULTING FEE 5,000 2,500 27,500 0 30,000
8 INTEREST REVENUES 30,380 10,580 344,869 127,069 237,600
9 TOTAL CASH RECEIPTS: 1,038,488 137,288 12,795,387 (2,027,613) 16,165,800
10
11 CASH EXPENDITURES:
12 SALARIES & WAGES 207,627 53,627 2,006,457 158,457 2,002,000
13 HEALTH INSURANCE 42,821 (180) 473,198 (41,802) 515,000
14 FICA & NYS RETIREMENT 14,660 3,060 383,814 2,314 393,100
15 Salaries & Employee Benefits 265,107 56,507 2,863,469 118,969 2,910,100
16
17 NYPA POWER 159,616 (8,484) 1,744,924 (29,976) 1,940,000
18 SUPPLEMENTAL POWER 56,704 (91,296) 2,281,653 (1,735,847) 4,428,300
19 ISO/TRANSMISSION 167,168 (17,232) 1,927,480 (8,720) 2,119,400
20 CES 50,441 (5,259) 677,841 (33,459) 777,700
21 Power & ISO 433,929 (122,271) 6,631,898 (1,808,002) 9,265,400
22
23 CONTRACT SERVICES 8,846 (8,254) 176,967 (11,733) 205,800
24 CONSULTING SERVICES 10,247 3,147 72,195 (5,905) 85,200
25 LEGAL SERVICES 20,512 2,112 176,471 (25,229) 220,100
26 FINANCIAL SERVICES 0 0 30,248 848 32,900
27 NYS SALES TAX 33,474 (2,526) 498,705 (76,295) 627,000
28 REAL ESTATE TAXES 0 0 615,424 (12,476) 627,900
29 POSTAGE 4,569 (1,131) 42,871 (19,829) 68,400
30 TELEPHONE 6,287 4,087 72,566 49,366 25,400
31 CONSUMER REFUNDS 18,448 14,048 93,053 44,653 52,800
32 INSURANCE 0 0 189,041 (45,259) 234,300
33 OTHER OPERATING EXP. 34,718 (7,782) 511,539 45,039 611,500
34 Paid to Suppliers & Vendors 137,101 3,701 2,479,082 (56,818) 2,791,300
35
36 MATERIALS & SUPPLIES 15,923 (42,777) 352,117 (293,583) 704,400
37 DEBT SERVICE 0 0 0 0 0
38 Contrib. to Depr Fund/Capital Exp. 36,429 (44,071) 261,049 (623,451) 965,000
39 CONTRIB. TO INS FUND 0 0 0 0 0
40 CONTRIB. to Post Retire. Hlth Ins Fund 0 0 0 0 0
41 ENERGY EFFICIENCY 0 0 75 75 206,900
42 Utility Investment & Other Activities 52,353 (86,847) 613,241 (916,959) 1,876,300
43
44 TOTAL CASH EXPENDITURES: 888,490 (148,910) 12,587,691 (2,662,809) 16,843,100
45
46 ENDING FUND BALANCE 7,970,230 7,970,230 635,197 7,085,234
47
48 CHANGE IN FUND BALANCE: 149,998 207,697 (677,300)
49 Monthly Change YTD Change
50 DEPRECIATION FUND BALANCE: 754,586 1,463 (517,115)
51 LIABILITY & CASUALITY FUND BALANCE: 929,933 0 13,350
52 POST RETIRE. HLTH INS. FUND BALANCE: 1,686,097 6,296 76,801
53 ENERGY EFFICIENCY FUND BALANCE: 73,204 (17,456) (29,282)
Agenda
MASSENA ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT
71 E. Hatfield Street • PO Box 209 • Massena New York 13662
Office: (315) 764-0253 • Fax: (315) 764-1498
www.massenaelectric.com
NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING
MASSENA ELECTRIC UTILITY BOARD
DATE: Thursday December 19, 2024
TIME: 1:00 p.m. – Monthly Meeting
Location: Massena Electric Department
71 E. Hatfield St.
Massena, NY 13662
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