KEYS News
With trick-or-treating right around the corner, Keys Energy Services (KEYS) wants to make sure families can see clearly, and drivers can see trick-or-treaters, to make Halloween festivities safe for children of all ages. KEYS’ customers are urged to contact KEYS to report any burned out, malfunctioning, or 24-hour burning street lights so they can be repaired prior to October 31. Customers can submit their request online at https://www.keysenergy.com/customer-service-requests/ or by calling (305) 295-1010.
When contacting KEYS, customers are asked to have the following information to help expedite repairs:
- The street address of the home or business closest to the street light in question.
- The street light pole number – a bright yellow number affixed at eye level on the street side of the pole.
- Determine whether the light is burned out (not lit during dusk and/or evening hours), malfunctioning (flickering), or 24-hour burning (lit 24-hours a day).
“KEYS maintains street lights at the request of the City of Key West and Monroe County,” said KEYS’ General Manager & CEO Lynne Tejeda. She added that, “we make every effort to identify and repair malfunctioning or burned out street lights in a timely manner to assure public safety for all, especially during a busy holiday that children love.”
Keys Energy Services’ (KEYS) Sean Kipp will celebrate his 15th anniversary with the Utility on October 16.
Kipp is a Maintenance Person within KEYS’ Facilities section. In his current position he is responsible for performing maintenance and construction on all KEYS’ facilities.
In observance of Columbus/Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Keys Energy Services’ (KEYS) offices will be closed on Monday, October 11.
KEYS’ offices will re-open for regular business on Tuesday, October 12, at 8:00A.
Keys Energy Services’ (KEYS) Amber Menendez will celebrate her 15th anniversary with the Utility on October 2.
Menendez is the Collections Supervisor in the Customer Services department and is responsible for overseeing the duties and responsibilities of the Collections Section, including bill payments, collections, and final accounts.
A multimillion-dollar Transmission Line (TIELINE) project to replace more than 1,400 insulators within Keys Energy Services (KEYS) service area is nearing its final stretch. Remaining work is scheduled for October through November and when complete, will increase the lifespan of the main source of power for the Lower Florida Keys.
Insulators are protective equipment that prevent conductors (electric wires) from contacting one another or the support tower or pole. This project is utilizing a polymer insulator specifically designed for high contamination areas. The insulators being replaced were installed in 1998 and are exhibiting signs of deterioration.
In April 2020, the Utility Board approved an approximate $4.5-million unit price contract to Grays Power Supply LLC for the replacement of the TIELINE insulators. As part of this reliability work, Grays, and their subcontractor BHI Energy, is working on 486 poles to replace approximately 1,400 insulators. This work is being performed on fully energized power lines and thus far has been completed on 462 poles.
In October contractors will be working at locations between mile markers 11 – 28, Monday through Thursday, weather permitting. Traffic will only be affected at one location at a time. Work will take place from 9:00A – 4:00P and will require Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) and related lane closures. Where lanes are closed, flaggers and alternating traffic will be deployed. No work is scheduled to take place Friday through Sunday per Department of Transportation (DOT) restrictions. Additionally, no work is scheduled to take place the week of October 25 due to expected heavy traffic related to Fantasy Fest events. Given that this work is being performed on fully energized power lines, nighttime work is not possible out of an abundance of caution for the safety of workers.
The Utility Board awarded a unit price contract for aerial and visual transmission line (TIELINE) inspections to Chesapeake Bay Helicopters, Inc. in an annual estimated total amount of $94,944.40 at their regular meeting on September 22.
Chesapeake Bay Helicopters, Inc. will perform a comprehensive aerial inspection on approximately 620 TIELINE poles in 2022. Follow-up inspections will be performed every two years to facilitate ongoing identification of maintenance needs. The base contract term is through December 31, 2022, with the inspections in the first year of the contract scheduled to be complete by June 1, 2022.
The Board also approved the renewal of property, general liability, automobile liability, physical damage comprehensive and collision, and worker’s compensation insurances with Preferred Governmental Insurance Trust, with the premium amount of $560,956. Additionally, they approved the renewal of equipment breakdown insurance with Hartford Steam Boiler with the premium amount of $109,841.
The regular meeting of the Utility Board took place at 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 22, in the Board Room of KEYS’ Service Building, 1001 James Street, Key West.
Keys Energy Services (KEYS) is sending 60 power transformers to Houma, Louisiana, to assist Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government Utilities with post-Hurricane Ida power restoration.
On Tuesday, September 14, KEYS crews loaded the power transformers onto a semi-trailer truck that will deliver the equipment to Houma, LA.
“At KEYS we are well aware of the challenges utilities face in restoring power after a major weather event,” said KEYS’ General Manager & CEO Lynne Tejeda. “While boots on the ground do the physical work of restoring power, equipment shortages can adversely impact their progress. KEYS was not called on to assist with post-Hurricane Ida restoration efforts, but the shipment of these transformers will assist restoration efforts and help to light the path to recovery for our fellow citizens in Gulf Coast.”
The Utility Board held a public hearing and approved Keys Energy Services (KEYS) Fiscal Year (FY)* 2022 budget and five-year financial plan, during their regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday, September 8.
The approved FY 2022 budget for KEYS is $101-million. The budget supports KEYS’ Goals and Objectives which include a heavy emphasis on storm hardening and maintaining the reliability of transmission and distribution facilities.
In other business, the Board:
- Awarded a unit price contract for transmission grounding repairs to Inland Construction and Engineering, Inc. (ICE) in the estimated total amount of $547,510. The work will include repairing and replacing ground wires on 99 structures, both above and below water at depths up to 30-feet. The work is slated to be complete before the end of FY 2022.
- Approved a $965,363 contract with American Superconductor Corporation for upgrades to the Stock Island and Big Pine Key Dynamic Volt-Amp Reactive (DVAR) equipment which will increase capacity for importing power into the Keys. Additionally, the Board approved cost sharing agreements with the Florida Keys Electric Cooperative and Florida Municipal Power Agency to split the cost of the contract equally three ways.
The regular meeting of the Utility Board took place at 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 8, in the Board Room of Keys Energy Services’ Service Building, 1001 James Street, Key West
*KEYS’ Fiscal Year runs from October 1 to September 30.
Dan Sabino has been promoted to Keys Energy Services (KEYS) Assistant General Manager and Director of Engineering & Control effective August 30. Sabino previously served as Director of Engineering & Control.
In his new role, Sabino will continue overseeing the Engineering Services section, which includes the design and maintenance of the utility’s electrical transmission and distribution infrastructure and control systems, as well as the Control Center, which is staffed 24 hours a day and monitors the utility’s electrical grid and dispatches KEYS’ personnel for trouble calls. Additionally, he will be responsible for overseeing KEYS’ Fleets and Facilities sections and filling in for the General Manager & CEO in her absence.
“Dan is very dedicated to KEYS and has a strong understanding of our operations,” said KEYS’ General Manager & CEO Lynne Tejeda. “I look forward to working with him in his new role.”
Sabino has been employed by KEYS since 2006 and has held various positions within the Engineering, Transmission and Distribution, and Generation departments. Prior to his work with KEYS he was a Principal Engineer for Westinghouse Electric Corporation. He holds both Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Electrical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh.
In observance of Labor Day, Keys Energy Services’ (KEYS) offices will be closed on Monday, September 6.
KEYS’ offices will re-open for regular business on Tuesday, September 7, at 8:00A.
A multimillion-dollar Transmission Line (TIELINE) project to replace more than 1,400 insulators within Keys Energy Services (KEYS) service area is nearing its final stretch. Remaining work is scheduled for September through October and when complete, will increase the lifespan of the main source of power for the Lower Florida Keys.
Insulators are protective equipment that prevent conductors (electric wires) from contacting one another or the support tower or pole. This project is utilizing a polymer insulator specifically designed for high contamination areas. The insulators being replaced were installed in 1998 and are exhibiting signs of deterioration.
In April 2020, the Utility Board approved an approximate $4.5-million unit price contract to Grays Power Supply LLC for the replacement of the TIELINE insulators. As part of this reliability work, Grays, and their subcontractor BHI Energy, is working on 486 poles to replace approximately 1,400 insulators. This work is being performed on fully energized power lines and thus far has been completed on 462 poles.
In September contractors will be working at locations between mile markers 11 – 28, Monday through Thursday, weather permitting. Traffic will only be affected at one location at a time. Work will take place from 9:00A – 4:00P and will require Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) and related lane closures. Where lanes are closed, flaggers and alternating traffic will be deployed. No work is scheduled to take place Friday through Sunday per Department of Transportation (DOT) restrictions. Given that this work is being performed on fully energized power lines, nighttime work is not possible out of an abundance of caution for the safety of workers.
The Utility Board awarded contracts for transmission and distribution system upgrades to Michels Power, Inc. and Xtreme Powerline Construction totaling approximately $3.9-million at their regular meeting on August 25.
The Board awarded a contract to Michels Power, Inc. in the amount of $1,590,252.03 to replace the static line, and associated hardware, along the entirety of the span of transmission line (TIELINE) from Big Pine Key to Marathon. Static lines are the lightning protection for power systems and are strung at the very top of power poles. The current line set to be replaced was originally installed in 1987. The static line is scheduled to be replaced in early 2022.
The Board also awarded a unit price contract to Xtreme Powerline Construction in the amount of $2,287,781.20 to replace distribution poles and lines throughout Keys Energy Services’ (KEYS) service area. The project scope includes: replacing approximately 310 distribution poles, removing approximately 360 wood or concrete poles, and installing approximately one-quarter mile of distribution lines on Varela Street. All components of the project are scheduled to be complete by spring of 2022.
The regular meeting of the Utility Board took place at 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 25, in the Board Room of KEYS’ Service Building, 1001 James Street, Key West.
Keys Energy Services’ (KEYS) crews are protected by the Florida Move Over Act as they work alongside local roads and highways to power paradise.
On July 1, 2014, the Act was amended to include utility service vehicles and sanitation vehicles to the list of public safety vehicles motorists must already slow down or move over for to protect personnel who work on roads and highways.
Under the law, motorists are required to:
- Approach law enforcement patrol cars, emergency vehicles, utility service vehicles, sanitation vehicles, and tow trucks/wreckers with caution.
- Change lanes away from public safety vehicles if traveling on a multi-lane roadway and able to move over safely; or
- Slow down while maintaining a safe speed of 20-mph below posted speed limits, being careful not to impede or block the flow of traffic unless otherwise directed by a law enforcement officer.
Violating the Move Over law can result in a fine and points on your license.
Specific provisions of the law can be viewed online at www.leg.state.fl.us.
A multimillion-dollar Transmission Line (TIELINE) project to replace more than 1,400 insulators within Keys Energy Services (KEYS) service area is nearing its final stretch. Remaining work is scheduled for August through October and when complete, will increase the lifespan of the main source of power for the Lower Florida Keys.
Insulators are protective equipment that prevent conductors (electric wires) from contacting one another or the support tower or pole. This project is utilizing a polymer insulator specifically designed for high contamination areas. The insulators being replaced were installed in 1998 and are exhibiting signs of deterioration.
In April 2020, the Utility Board approved an approximate $4.5-million unit price contract to Grays Power Supply LLC for the replacement of the TIELINE insulators. As part of this reliability work, Grays, and their subcontractor BHI Energy, is working on 486 poles to replace approximately 1,400 insulators. This work is being performed on fully energized power lines and thus far has been completed on 427 poles.
In August contractors will be working at locations between mile markers 10 – 40, Monday through Thursday, weather permitting. Traffic will only be affected at one location at a time. Work will take place from 9:00A – 4:00P and will require Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) and related lane closures. Where lanes are closed, flaggers and alternating traffic will be deployed. No work is scheduled to take place Friday through Sunday per Department of Transportation (DOT) restrictions. Given that this work is being performed on fully energized power lines, nighttime work is not possible out of an abundance of caution for the safety of workers.
Managers and public officials from public power utilities throughout Florida elected five officers to lead a statewide wholesale power agency in 2021-2022. Elections for the Florida Municipal Power Agency’s (FMPA) Board of Directors and Executive Committee took place at a public meeting in Naples, Florida, on Wednesday, July 21.
Members of FMPA re-elected Barbara Quiñones, Director of Electric Utilities for Homestead Public Services, as Chair of the Board of Directors. This is her third term as Chair. Quiñones previously served as FMPA’s Vice Chair and has been a member of FMPA’s Board since 2009. She is also a board member and past president of the Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA), a trade association representing Florida’s public power utilities.
Lynne Tejeda, General Manager and CEO of Keys Energy Services, was re-elected Vice Chair. This is her third term. She was appointed as her utility’s alternate to FMPA’s Board of Directors in 2005 and as a member of the Board in 2013. Tejeda is a past president of FMEA.
Larry Mattern, Vice President of Operations for Kissimmee Utility Authority, was re-elected as Secretary. This is his third term. Previously, he served as FMPA’s Treasurer for four years. Mattern was appointed as his utility’s alternate to FMPA’s Board of Directors in 2007 and as a director in 2014. He has served on the Executive Committee since 2011.
Allen Putnam, Director of Beaches Energy Services, was re-elected as Treasurer. This is his third term. Putnam has 25 years of experience in Florida public power. He has been with Beaches Energy for six years, where he manages the utility’s daily operations and long-term planning. Putnam is a member of FMPA’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee. He is the immediate past president of FMEA.
FMPA’s Board of Directors makes policy decisions for the power supply projects of FMPA, except the All-Requirements Project. Each of FMPA’s 31 members appoints one representative to the Board of Directors. A Nominating Committee recommends a slate of officers to the Board, and officers are elected by popular vote of the members.
FMPA members also re-elected Howard McKinnon, retired Town Manager of the Town of Havana, as Chair of the Executive Committee for 2021-2022. This is his 11th term as Chair. McKinnon has served on the Executive Committee and FMPA’s Board of Directors since 2006.
Lynne Tejeda was re-elected as Vice Chair. She was first elected to fill an unexpired term as Vice Chair of the Executive Committee in December 2014. Tejeda has served on the Executive Committee since 2005.
The elected Secretary and Treasurer of FMPA’s Board of Directors, Larry Mattern and Allen Putnam, also serve as Secretary and Treasurer for the Executive Committee.
FMPA’s Executive Committee includes one appointed representative from each member of FMPA’s All-Requirements Project. The Executive Committee governs and manages the business affairs of the All-Requirements Project.
FMPA’s All-Requirements Project provides all the wholesale power needs of 13 Florida cities, including Bushnell, Clewiston, Fort Meade, Fort Pierce, Green Cove Springs, Havana, Jacksonville Beach, Key West, Kissimmee, Leesburg, Newberry, Ocala and Starke.
Florida Municipal Power Agency (FMPA) is a wholesale power agency owned by municipal electric utilities in Florida. FMPA’s mission is to provide low-cost, reliable and clean power, plus value-added services for FMPA’s owner-customers that benefit their communities and customers. The 31 members of FMPA serve nearly 2.6 million Floridians and employ more than 3,700 people.
Last week, Julio J. Torrado, Director of Human Resources & Communications for Keys Energy Services (KEYS), was recognized by the Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) as its Member of the Year at the organization’s annual banquet.
The Member of the Year award is given to an individual or group within a FMEA member utility who exemplifies extraordinary service and dedication to FMEA and Florida public power.
“Julio is always ready to serve and stepped into an important role for us when needed. He not only shines for going above and beyond in a most difficult year, but for his ongoing commitment to the advancement of public power in Florida,” said Amy Zubaly, FMEA Executive Director. “We are so thankful to have public power champions like Julio on our side and are pleased to recognize him as the 2021 Member of the Year.”
Torrado is currently the chair of the FMEA Florida Public Power Communicators Committee and a founding member of FMEA’s Diversity in Florida Public Power interest group. He is active with the American Public Power Association, having served on the national association’s Public Communications Committee, Human Resources Committee and Energy Services Committee. He has also represented public power at various local, state and national conferences.
“There are no finer people than my Florida public power colleagues and it is a tremendous honor to be selected among them as the FMEA Member of the Year,” said Torrado. “In addition to serving the customers of KEYS, it has been a great privilege to serve other public power communities through FMEA.”
Torrado becomes the third individual from KEYS to earn this honor since the Member of the Year was first awarded in 1980. Former General Manager & CEO and Utility Board Chair Bobby Padron received the honor in 1998, and current General Manager & CEO Lynne Tejeda was so honored in 2017.
FMEA is the statewide trade association representing Florida’s public power utilities. The association actively represents and advocates for member cities’ interests on a wide variety of state and federal issues, provides education and training for members and serves as a clearinghouse for industry news and information.
Municipal electric utilities provide affordable, reliable electric service, and have been doing so for more than a century. As community-owned and locally managed organizations, these utilities are focused on serving local needs and interests while reinvesting back into the communities they serve.
For more information on FMEA and Florida’s public power communities, please visit www.flpublicpower.com.
The Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) represents the unified interests of 33 public power communities across the state, which provide electricity to more than 3 million of Florida’s residential and business consumers.
Keys Energy Services’ (KEYS) Daniel Delice will celebrate his 15th anniversary with the Utility on July 20.
Delice is a Meter Services Technician within the Customer Services department. In his current role he is responsible for supporting the Meter Services and Collections sections with the installation, removal, maintenance, and reading of electrical meters.
Jeanette Williams has been named Keys Energy Services’ (KEYS) Outstanding Employee of the Third Quarter for 2021.
Williams has worked for the Utility for five years and currently serves as an Accounting and Financial Analyst within the Finance department. In her current post she is responsible for maintaining timely accounting records and analyses for KEYS and its retirement system. Williams was recently promoted and effective August 30, 2021, will assume the role of Supervisor of Accounting and Analysis and be responsible for supervising all accounting and financial functions for KEYS.
In recalling her favorite thing about KEYS Williams cited, “community involvement and commitment to giving back.” When asked what she finds most rewarding about her job she said she, “enjoys learning new industry practices, improving processes, and sharing knowledge with the Finance team.”
Williams was born and raised in the Florida Keys, where she raised her daughters along with her husband Kyle. In her spare time, she enjoys boating with family and friends.
The Employee of the Quarter Committee selects an employee four times a year for this award. Employees are considered for the award after being nominated by their peers. Final selection of the outstanding employee is based on several factors, which include attendance, attitude, efficiency, initiative, and job performance.
Three Keys Energy Services’ (KEYS) employees will celebrate longevity milestones with the Utility on July 5:
Chasity Curry will celebrate her 20th anniversary and currently serves as the Department Staff Assistant for the Engineering and Control department. In her post she is responsible for providing clerical and administrative assistance to the Director of Engineering & Control, as well as the Engineering and Control Center Supervisors.
Mike Griffin will celebrate his 15th anniversary and serves as a Maintenance Person within the Facilities section. In his current post he is responsible for performing maintenance and construction on all KEYS’ buildings and grounds.
Jeanette Williams will celebrate her 5th anniversary and currently serves as an Accounting and Financial Analyst within the Finance department. In her current post she is responsible for maintaining timely accounting records and analyses for the electric utility and retirement system. Williams was recently promoted and effective August 30 will assume the role of Supervisor of Accounting and Analysis and be responsible for supervising all accounting and financial functions for KEYS.
Keys Energy Services (KEYS) is prepared to restore service as quickly as possible if electrical facilities are damaged by Tropical Storm/Hurricane Elsa.
Crews will be in the field working until sustained winds exceed 35 miles per hour. At that time, all crews will be called in from the field. If power outages occur at this time, KEYS will not attempt to restore power until after the storm has passed. Additionally, KEYS will not intentionally shut power off in advance of a tropical weather event. Essential utility employees will be on standby to begin the restoration process once it is safe to do so.
KEYS has a number of agreements in place so that, if needed, emergency supplies and additional crews from other utilities will quickly mobilize to assist in the restoration effort. KEYS has established priorities for storm restoration that are intended to emphasize health, safety, and essential community services and to restore service in a manner that will affect the greatest number of customers first. The time required to restore power will largely be due to the extent of damage to our system. Restoration crews will work as quickly as possible to restore power.
KEYS has over 100 megawatts of local generation available to provide power if the Transmission Line (TIELINE) is compromised. If the generating units weather the storm without damage, they will be started as soon as it is safe to do so. Customers should expect KEYS to call for conservation and rotating power outages while on local generation.
Annual Independence Day festivities are a popular time for fireworks. KEYS reminds its customers that power lines and utility poles can be dangerous when setting up firework displays, potentially disrupting the lives of thousands.
KEYS recommends these safety tips to avoid a potentially tragic accident:
- Carefully set up and use fireworks only in areas clear of overhead power lines.
- Do not string fireworks on utility poles.
- If using a ladder or pole to set up fireworks, keep a 10-foot clearance from power lines. Power lines are energized and can cause serious electrical shock, burn, or electrocution.
- If an object becomes entangled in an overhead power line, do not try to free it. Instead call KEYS at (305) 295-1010 to report the problem.
"Our job is to keep the lights on and we’ll do a better job of that if we can keep fireworks from contacting our lines,” said Lynne Tejeda, KEYS’ General Manager & CEO. “We ask that our customers show good judgment while celebrating Independence Day with fireworks,” she added.
In observance of Independence Day, Keys Energy Services’ (KEYS) offices will be closed on Monday, July 5. KEYS’ offices will re-open for regular business on Tuesday, July 6, at 8:00A.
Keys Energy Services (KEYS) is proud to announce that its 25th annual Energy Conservation calendars are now available. Customers can pick up a FREE copy of the calendar at KEYS’ Service Building at 1001 James Street in Key West, while supplies last. Additionally, an electronic copy of the calendar is available for download on the KeysEnergy.com homepage.
KEYS’ calendar follows the local school academic year and highlights energy conservation practices using the art of elementary school students.
Calendars have been distributed to all elementary schools within KEYS’ service area and will be given to students during “Meet the Teacher” day prior to the start of classes.
KEYS’ Energy Conservation calendar has received numerous awards over the years, including the prestigious Bronze Anvil Award from the Public Relations Society of America for its innovative presentation and content.
Six of the 16 Florida municipal electric utilities that are part of one of the largest municipal-backed solar projects in the nation reached a milestone in reducing power plant emissions after the first two solar sites in the Florida Municipal Solar Project completed their first year of operations. The group celebrated the milestone today with a tour of the Harmony Solar Energy Center, which provides 74.5 megawatts of emission-free energy.
“FMPA and its members are committed to providing clean energy with diverse fuel sources that ensure affordable and reliable electricity,” said Jacob Williams, general manager and CEO of the Florida Municipal Power Agency (FMPA). “Over the last year, we took a major step forward in reducing emissions in a cost-effective way by bringing these two solar farms online.”
The Harmony Solar Energy Center in St. Cloud and the Taylor Creek Solar Energy Center in east Orange County near Wedgefield came online in June 2020 and provide zero-emissions energy to six Florida cities, including Fort Pierce, Jacksonville Beach, Key West, Kissimmee, Ocala and Orlando.
The large-scale solar project enables participants to provide solar energy to customers in the most cost-effective way. The cost of solar power from the project is approximately one-third the cost of a typical private, rooftop solar system.
Over the past year, the Harmony and Taylor Creek solar sites have generated more than 370,000 megawatt hours, enough energy to power approximately 31,576 homes per year. The sites have also reduced carbon emissions equivalent to:
- Eliminating 262,213 metric tons of carbon dioxide
- Taking more than 57,000 vehicles off the road annually
- Planting 4.3 million trees in 10 years
Participants of the Florida Municipals Solar Project plan to add three more solar farms. When the first two phases are complete in late 2023, the project will total approximately 1.5 million solar panels that will have the capability to generate nearly 375 megawatts on more than 3,000 acres of land. That is enough solar energy to power approximately 75,000 homes.
This is the first large utility-scale solar project for FMPA and its members. The 16 local utilities that will purchase power from the project include: Alachua, Bartow, Beaches Energy Services (Jacksonville Beach), Fort Pierce Utilities Authority, Havana, Homestead, Keys Energy Services (Key West), Kissimmee Utility Authority, Lake Worth Beach, Mount Dora, New Smyrna Beach, Newberry, Ocala, Orlando Utilities Commission, Wauchula and Winter Park. These cities are member-owners of FMPA along with 15 other municipal utilities.
For more information on the Florida Municipal Solar Project or FMPA, visit www.fmpa.com.
Florida Municipal Power Agency (FMPA) is a wholesale power agency owned by municipal electric utilities in Florida. FMPA’s mission is to provide low-cost, reliable and clean power, plus value-added services for FMPA’s owner-customers that benefit their communities and customers. The 31 members of FMPA serve 2.6 million Floridians and employ more than 3,700 people.
Keys Energy Services (KEYS) has been made aware of several customers receiving scam phone calls involving their electric accounts.
Within the scam, customers are informed a payment is immediately due on their electric account or they will have their service disconnected for nonpayment. Customers are then pressured to pay by phone using credit or prepaid debit cards to avoid an interruption in service. Well informed individuals have prevented the fraud from being perpetrated, but all KEYS’ customers are advised to remain vigilant to avoid falling prey to the scam.
“If customers are unsure of the authenticity of a call and need to verify its legitimacy, they should contact KEYS at (305) 295-1000 and ask to speak with a Customer Services representative,” said Lynne Tejeda, KEYS’ General Manager & CEO. She went on to add that, “at that time they can check the status of their account and verify their account information.”
Keys Energy Services’ (KEYS) Victoria Albury will celebrate her 5th anniversary with the Utility on June 13.
Albury is a Collections Representative within the Customer Services department. In her current role she is responsible for the collection schedule, past due and final account notifications and procedures, and the collection of returned items and payment arrangements.
In observance of Memorial Day, Keys Energy Services’ (KEYS) offices will be closed on Monday, May 31.
KEYS’ offices will re-open for regular business on Tuesday, June 1, at 8:00A.
Keys Energy Services (KEYS) advises its customers that additional aerial drone inspections of the Transmission Line (TIELINE) in Key West are scheduled to be conducted Monday, May 24, through Saturday, May 29, from 6:00A to 6:00P daily – weather permitting.
KEYS recently awarded a contract to Grays/BHI Energy for transmission pole top repairs for an estimated cost of $2-million. As part of this work the contractor is utilizing aerial drone technology to inspect the TIELINE within KEYS’ service area (Key West to the Seven Mile Bridge). The use of aerial drones will help save on costs as well as pose less of an inconvenience to the public.
KEYS customers should be aware of the aerial drone flying close to the TIELINE throughout Key West during the one-week inspection period. Additionally, residents are advised to drive safely while this work is in progress, and keep their focus on the road and not the drone flying overhead. Any needed repairs identified by the aerial drone inspections will be completed by Grays/BHI Energy crews.
“These inspections are required in order to maintain the reliability of our system,” said Lynne Tejeda, KEYS’ General Manager & CEO. She went on to add that, “the exposure of our system to the Florida Keys environment requires constant maintenance in order to reliably power paradise.”
Annual graduation festivities are a popular time for Mylar/metallic balloon sales. Not surprisingly, it is also a time of year utilities across the country experience numerous balloon-related power outages. Keys Energy Services (KEYS) reminds its customers that Mylar/metallic balloons which are allowed to drift away can land on power lines and in electrical substations, potentially resulting in power outages. Since 2010 KEYS’ customers have experienced over 45 power outages directly caused by balloons or kites.
KEYS recommends these safety tips for handling Mylar/metallic balloons:
- Keep Mylar/metallic balloons indoors and never release them outside.
- Secure helium-filled balloons with a weight heavy enough to prevent them from drifting away.
- Never tie a balloon to a child’s wrist. If the balloon comes in contact with electricity, the electricity could flow through the balloon to the child, which could cause serious injury or death.
- Never attach metallic streamers/string to a balloon.
- When the celebration is over, puncture the balloon in several places and dispose it to keep it safely away from power lines and electrical equipment. Partially-inflated balloons can easily become airborne.
- Do not attempt to retrieve a balloon, or any object, tangled in power lines. Instead call KEYS at (305) 295-1010 to report the problem.
“Our job is to keep the lights on and we’ll do a better job of that if we can keep Mylar/metallic balloons from contacting our lines,” said Lynne Tejeda, KEYS’ General Manager & CEO. “We ask that our customers show good judgment and never release a Mylar/metallic balloon outside,” she added.
On May 21, 2021, Keys Energy Services’ (KEYS) Walter O. Cashwell will retire after nearly 24-years of continuous service to the Utility.
Cashwell was originally hired on September 8, 1997, when the Utility was named City Electric System (CES). Cashwell previously worked with a Tallahassee based contractor who was performing work for CES in 1995. He added that by the time the contract was complete he, “had fallen in love with this beautiful town and its people.” Cashwell kept an eye on job postings and applied at the first chance he got. During his tenure he served as a Journeyman Lineman for 14-years prior to completing his career with KEYS as the Fleets & Facilities Supervisor.
In recalling the biggest changes he has seen during his career, Cashwell noted several building projects that occurred under his watch, including the construction of the Yarbrough & Medina Transmission & Distribution Facility, the renovation of the William Arnold Service Building, the renovation of the Ralph Garcia Building and Fleets Center, and the construction of a Material Warehouse slated for completion later this year. He also recalled the accomplishments of the Fleets section and the conversion to more environmentally friendly vehicle models. He went on to add that twice being named as the Employee of the Quarter during his tenure remains among some of his more memorable experiences at KEYS.
Cashwell attributed the secret to his longevity to, “perseverance, understanding, and patience,” and noted that in retirement he will miss the daily comradery of his fellow co-workers. He added that, “my staff in both sections work hard and produce excellent work. It makes me proud they care so much to make our section productive and turn out great work on a daily basis.”
In retirement Cashwell plans to rest, work on getting healthier, travel with his wife Fira, spend more quality time with his family and friends, and tackle a rather long “honey do” list.
Keys Energy Services’ (KEYS) crews are protected by the Florida Move Over Act as they work alongside local roads and highways to power paradise.
On July 1, 2014, the Act was amended to include utility service vehicles and sanitation vehicles to the list of public safety vehicles motorists must already slow down or move over for to protect personnel who work on roads and highways.
Under the law, motorists are required to:
- Approach law enforcement patrol cars, emergency vehicles, utility service vehicles, sanitation vehicles, and tow trucks/wreckers with caution.
- Change lanes away from public safety vehicles if traveling on a multi-lane roadway and able to move over safely; or
- Slow down while maintaining a safe speed of 20-mph below posted speed limits, being careful not to impede or block the flow of traffic unless otherwise directed by a law enforcement officer.
Violating the Move Over law can result in a fine and points on your license.
Specific provisions of the law can be viewed online at www.leg.state.fl.us.
Keys Energy Services’ (KEYS) Miguel Gonzalez will celebrate his 5th anniversary with the Utility on May 5.
Gonzalez is a Journey Lineman within the Transmission & Distribution (T&D) department. In his current role he is responsible for constructing and maintaining overhead T&D lines, poles, and related infrastructure.
Keys Energy Services (KEYS) recently sponsored an energy conservation art contest for all elementary school students in the Lower Florida Keys. One overall winner and two winners from each grade level were selected from over 2,000 entries to grace the pages of KEYS 25th annual Energy Conservation calendar.
The overall winner was Charlotte Gehin, a second-grade student from Sigsbee Elementary School. Her artwork will be featured on the cover of KEYS’ 2021-2022 calendar. The winning artists whose work will illustrate each of the following 12 months are: (Kindergarten) Kate Batty & Annabel Garrido; (First Grade) Lacee Disson-Hurhula & Stella Lopez; (Second Grade) Raegan Evans & Brantley Spottswood; (Third Grade) Sofia Niles & Eva Salazar; (Fourth Grade) Drew Derouin & Callen Matejka; (Fifth Grade) Hailey Morales & Mia Waldner.
KEYS’ Energy Conservation calendars follow the local academic school year and will be made available to KEYS’ customers in August.
Ana Kerr has been named Keys Energy Services’ (KEYS) Outstanding Employee of the Second Quarter for 2021.
Kerr has worked for the Utility for more than 16-years and currently serves as the Courier within the Human Resources & Communications department. In her current post she is responsible for providing courier, mail, and other miscellaneous services for KEYS.
In recalling her favorite thing about KEYS, Kerr said, “employees treat me with respect and many affectionately call me ‘Mama Cayo Hueso’.” When asked what the best part of her job was she said it, “keeps me busy, keeps me going.”
Kerr was born in Pinar del Rio, Cuba, and moved to Key West in 1967, where she later raised her son, Emmanuel, along with her husband John. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family.
The Employee of the Quarter Committee selects an employee four times a year for this award. Employees are considered for the award after being nominated by their peers. Final selection of the outstanding employee is based on several factors, which include attendance, attitude, efficiency, initiative, and job performance.
Keys Energy Services (KEYS) advises its customers that aerial drone inspections of the Transmission Line (TIELINE) throughout Key West and the Lower Florida Keys are scheduled to be conducted Tuesday, April 20, through Wednesday, May 5, from 6:00A to 6:00P daily – weather permitting.
KEYS recently awarded a contract to Grays/BHI Energy for transmission pole top repairs for an estimated cost of $2-million. As part of this work the contractor will utilize aerial drone technology to inspect the TIELINE within KEYS’ service area (Key West to the Seven Mile Bridge). The use of aerial drones will help save on costs as well as pose less of an inconvenience to the public.
KEYS customers should be aware of the aerial drone flying close to the TIELINE throughout Key West and the Lower Florida Keys during the 2-week inspection period. Additionally, residents are advised to drive safely while this work is in progress, and keep their focus on the road and not the drone flying overhead. Any needed repairs identified by the aerial drone inspections will be completed by Grays/BHI Energy crews.
“These inspections are required in order to maintain the reliability of our system,” said Lynne Tejeda, KEYS’ General Manager & CEO. She went on to add that, “the exposure of our system to the Florida Keys environment requires constant maintenance in order to reliably power paradise.”
Keys Energy Services (KEYS) recently installed a self-service energy bill payment kiosk at 1001 James Street in Key West. The kiosk allows KEYS’ customers to securely pay their bills 24/7, 365 days a year.
To utilize the kiosk customers will need to key in the account number listed on their energy bill or they can look up their account using either the service address or phone number associated with the account. Once the appropriate account has been identified customers then follow easy-to-understand instructions and prompts to pay their energy bill.
KEYS’ bill payment kiosk accepts cash, checks, debit and credit cards. If paying with cash the kiosk will only accept bills and it does not dispense change. Any overpayments will be applied to the account.
“The kiosk provides customers with a secure way to pay their bills using cash after hours,” said Lynne Tejeda, KEYS’ General Manager and CEO. She added that, “our drop box for customers paying with checks and our various online options are still available. The new bill payment kiosk, is an added convenience.”
KEYS’ customers wishing to utilize the bill payment kiosk can locate it near the base of the handicap ramp outside of KEYS’ Service Building at 1001 James Street in Key West. A listing of additional payment options can be found at www.KeysEnergy.com/Payment-Options.
In accordance with Florida Statute 252.355, Keys Energy Services (KEYS) wishes to notify residential customers with special needs of the Special Needs Registry available through the Monroe County Social Services Office.
The registry helps Monroe County Emergency Management Personnel identify residents who would need assistance during evacuations and sheltering because of physical, mental, cognitive impairment, or sensory disability.
Residents with special needs are asked to call the Monroe County Special Needs Registry at (305) 292-4591 or log on to http://www.monroecounty-fl.gov/index.aspx?NID=148 by May 31st to ensure they are accounted for in advance of Hurricane Season.
In observance of Good Friday, Keys Energy Services’ (KEYS) offices will be closed on Friday, April 2.
KEYS’ offices will re-open for regular business on Monday, April 5, at 8:00A.
Keys Energy Services (KEYS) has earned the American Public Power Association’s (APPA) Safety Award of Excellence for safe operating practices in 2020. KEYS earned a second place award in the category of utilities with 110,000 to 249,999 worker-hours of annual worker exposure.
“Utilities that receive an APPA Safety Award have demonstrated that they have made the health and safety of their employees a core value,” said Brandon Wylie, Chair of APPA’s Safety Committee and Director of Training & Safety Electric Cities of Georgia. “Designing and maintaining a top-notch utility safety program takes a lot of hard work and commitment. These utilities and their communities should be very proud.”
329 utilities from across the country entered the annual Safety Awards. Entrants were placed in categories according to their number of worker-hours and ranked based on the most incident-free records during 2020. The incident rate, used to judge entries, is based on the number of work-related reportable injuries or illnesses and the number of worker-hours during 2020, as defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
“KEYS values employee safety above all else,” said Lynne Tejeda, General Manager & CEO of KEYS. “We recognize the importance of going home to our families each day; this is what drives our dedication to safety.”
The Safety Awards have been held annually for more than 65 years. APPA is the voice of not-for-profit, community-owned utilities that power 2,000 towns and cities nationwide.
Keys Energy Services (KEYS) was recently recognized by the Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) with a Safety Award for its commitment to worker safety. KEYS received first place in Category C (200,000 – 399,999 worker-hours).
For the past 30 years, the FMEA has recognized Florida public power utilities’ efforts to ensure crew safety is the highest priority. Utilities are placed into categories based on total hours worked and rewarded for the most incident-free records. The incidence ratio used to judge utilities is based on the number of work-related reportable injuries or illnesses compared to the total number of worker-hours during 2020, as defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
The FMEA represents the unified interests of 33 public power communities across the state, which provide electricity to more than 3-million of Florida’s residential and business consumers.
In observance of President’s Day, Keys Energy Services’ (KEYS) offices will be closed on Monday, February 15.
KEYS’ offices will re-open for regular business on Tuesday, February 16, at 8:00A.
Valentine’s Day is a popular holiday for Mylar/metallic balloon sales. Not surprisingly, it is also the same day utilities across the country experience numerous balloon-related power outages. Since 2010 Keys Energy Services’ (KEYS) customers have experienced 45 power outages directly caused by balloons or kites.
With Valentine’s Day around the corner, KEYS reminds its customers that Mylar/metallic balloons which are allowed to drift away can strike power lines and electrical substations, potentially disrupting the lives of thousands.
KEYS recommends these safety tips for handling Mylar/metallic balloons:
- Keep Mylar/metallic balloons indoors and never release them outside.
- Secure helium-filled balloons with a weight heavy enough to prevent them from drifting away.
- Never tie a balloon to a child’s wrist. If the balloon comes in contact with electricity, the electricity could flow through the balloon to the child, which could cause serious injury or death.
- Never attach metallic streamers/string to a balloon.
- When the celebration is over, puncture the balloon in several places and dispose it to keep it safely away from power lines and electrical equipment. Partially-inflated balloons can easily become airborne.
- Do not attempt to retrieve a balloon, or any object, tangled in power lines. Instead call KEYS at (305) 295-1010 to report the problem.
“Our job is to keep the lights on and we’ll do a better job of that if we can keep Mylar/metallic balloons from contacting our lines,” said Lynne Tejeda, KEYS’ General Manager & CEO. “We ask that our customers show good judgment and never release a Mylar/metallic balloon outside,” she added.
Keys Energy Services’ (KEYS) crews are protected by the Florida Move Over Act as they work alongside local roads and highways to power paradise.
On July 1, 2014, the Act was amended to include utility service vehicles and sanitation vehicles to the list of public safety vehicles motorists must already slow down or move over for to protect personnel who work on roads and highways.
Under the law, motorists are required to:
- Approach law enforcement patrol cars, emergency vehicles, utility service vehicles, sanitation vehicles, and tow trucks/wreckers with caution.
- Change lanes away from public safety vehicles if traveling on a multi-lane roadway and able to move over safely; or
- Slow down while maintaining a safe speed of 20-mph below posted speed limits, being careful not to impede or block the flow of traffic unless otherwise directed by a law enforcement officer.
Violating the Move Over law can result in a fine and points on your license.
Specific provisions of the law can be viewed online at www.leg.state.fl.us.
In accordance with Florida Statute 252.355, Keys Energy Services (KEYS) wishes to notify residential customers with special needs of the Special Needs Registry available through the Monroe County Social Services Office.
The registry helps Monroe County Emergency Management Personnel identify residents who would need assistance during evacuations and sheltering because of physical, mental, cognitive impairment, or sensory disability.
Residents with special needs are asked to call the Monroe County Special Needs Registry at (305) 292-4591 or log on to http://www.monroecounty-fl.gov/index.aspx?NID=148 by May 31st to ensure they are accounted for in advance of Hurricane Season.
Keys Energy Services’ (KEYS) Armando Rojas will celebrate his 15th anniversary with the Utility on January 30.
Rojas is a Journey Lineman within the Transmission & Distribution (T&D) department. In his current role he is responsible for constructing and maintaining overhead T&D lines, poles, and related infrastructure.
The Utility Board approved Keys Energy Services’ (KEYS) annual audit and Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the Fiscal Year (FY) ended September 30, 2020, at their regular meeting on January 27.
Per Bond Covenants, the Board engages an independent accounting firm to perform an annual audit of the financial statements of the Utility within 210 days after the close of the FY. James H. Hill CPA, partner with Utility Board auditor’s Oropeza & Parks CPA’s, explained that the unqualified opinion paragraph in the Independent Auditor’s Report states that, “in our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Utility Board of the City of Key West, Florida, Keys Energy Services as of September 30, 2020 and 2019, and the changes in financial position, and cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.” Hill went on to add that, “this is the highest level of assurance an auditor can provide.”
The regular meeting of the Utility Board took place at 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 27, in the Board Room of Keys Energy Services’ Service Building, 1001 James Street, Key West.
Keys Energy Services’ (KEYS) Martha Ramas will celebrate her 25th anniversary with the Utility on January 24.
Ramas is the Customer Services Leader within the Customer Services department. In her current role she is responsible for processing customer-related transactions, reconciling accounts, and balancing all cash drawers.
George Castellon has been named Keys Energy Services’ (KEYS) Outstanding Employee of the First Quarter for 2021.
Castellon has worked for the Utility for more than 17-years and currently serves as a Line Supervisor within the Transmission & Distribution department. In his current post he is responsible for overseeing crews and managing the day-to-day operations of the Line section.
In recalling his favorite thing about KEYS, Castellon said, “when the community is in need, we are here for each other.” He added that the most rewarding part of his job is, “having the ability to make a difference.”
Castellon was born and raised in the Florida Keys, where he raised his three children along with his wife Arlene. In his spare time, he enjoys being out on the water and enjoying time with family and friends.
The Employee of the Quarter Committee selects an employee four times a year for this award. Employees are considered for the award after being nominated by their peers. Final selection of the outstanding employee is based on several factors, which include attendance, attitude, efficiency, initiative, and job performance.
The Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) recently recognized Keys Energy Services (KEYS) with a “Restoring Communities Award” for its efforts to quickly and safely restore power to the residents of Lafayette, Louisiana, in the aftermath of Hurricane Delta.
KEYS was among 13 Florida municipal electric utilities honored for either providing or receiving mutual aid to help expedite the restoration of power to customers following significant weather events, or other emergency situations, in and out of the state.
“The utilities recognized with the Restoring Communities Award have done just that. They have stood by their neighbor during times of crisis,” said Amy Zubaly, FMEA Executive Director. “While so much of 2020 was draped with uncertainty, restoring power as quickly and safely as possible helped to restore a sense of normalcy when people needed it most.”
“We’re honored to be recognized with the Restoring Communities Award. Our personnel have a passion for their work and in helping others. We’re very thankful for the relationships and commitment displayed within the public power community and look forward to continuing to show up for others when needed,” said Lynne Tejeda, KEYS’ General Manager & CEO.
Public power utilities can call on each other for emergency workers and supplies through mutual aid agreements. These dependable connections have created a reliable system where member utilities both request and offer assistance, coordinated through FMEA. Mutual aid agreements are also in place with electric cooperatives and Florida’s investor-owned utilities in order to draw upon additional resources.
In observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Keys Energy Services’ (KEYS) offices will be closed on Monday, January 18.
KEYS’ offices will re-open for regular business on Tuesday, January 19, at 8:00A.
Keys Energy Services’ (KEYS) Joal Rivero will celebrate his 5th anniversary with the Utility on January 11.
Rivero is a Substation Electrician within the Transmission & Distribution department. In his current role he is responsible for substation maintenance, electrical relays, the installation and maintenance of transformers and underground infrastructure, and electrical trouble shooting.
Enrollment for Keys Energy Services’ (KEYS) discount program for qualifying Senior Citizens or Disabled American Veterans residential customers is now open. Customers who have previously participated in the program must re-qualify by March 31. Once qualified, customers will receive a $15.00 discount on their monthly energy bills in 2021.
In order to qualify for the Senior Citizen’s/ Disabled American Veteran’s Discount, senior citizens must be at least 62 years of age on the date of application and their annual household income must not exceed $37,776. Any disabled American veteran wishing to qualify for this program must be a 100-percent permanently disabled American veteran on the date of application, and their income cannot exceed the maximum annual dollar benefit based on the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs benefit rate table. The service address must either be the Customer of Record’s homesteaded property or, if a rental, their full-time residence. The customer’s monthly consumption cannot exceed 2,000 kilowatt hours based on their previous 12-month history.
All re-qualification applications for the discount must be completed, signed, and returned to KEYS no later than March 31.
Applications for this program have been mailed to all KEYS’ customers who have previously qualified. New applicants may download an application form at https://www.keysenergy.com/customer-service-requests, or by calling (305) 295-1090 to request an application be sent by mail.