Board Meeting Summary February 28, 2023

February 28, 2023

Board Information

The Board approved minor updates to the Board Policies and Procedures Handbook that were recommended by the Board Policy Committee, and adjustments to the 2023 budget were approved as presented.

General Manager's Report

Tony Schacher announced that Carter Parent from West Salem High School was selected as Salem Electric’s 2023 NRECA Youth Tour delegate. Each year the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association brings students together in Washington D.C. to learn about the electric utility industry and how the federal legislative process works. Nearly 50,000 students have participated in this program since its inception in the late 1950s.

The newly created Fleet and Material Reserve that the Board approved for 2023 has already had a substantial impact on procurement, with notable financial savings for the cooperative. Staff was able to take advantage of a purchase offer for an available replacement line truck, which saved the cooperative approximately $200,000, and the truck will be ready for service in several months rather than several years from now. 

Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) issued a draft proposal to public power for comment on its proposed post-2028 contract. Northwest Requirements Utilities and the Public Power Council worked together and submitted an updated proposal to BPA for consideration.

The City of Keizer has proposed an ordinance to replace utility franchise agreements. The changes could potentially and significantly impact the electric bills of our Keizer residential and general service members. Salem Electric met with city officials to oppose the changes. At the February Keizer City Council meeting, the council moved to place the public hearing regarding this matter on the agenda for their March 20 City Council Regular Session.