Keys News

The Utility Board held a public hearing and approved Keys Energy Services (KEYS) Fiscal Year (FY)* 2024 budget and five-year financial plan, during their regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday, September 13.

The approved FY 2024 budget for KEYS is approximately $120-million. The budget supports KEYS’ Goals and Objectives which include a heavy emphasis on storm hardening and maintaining reliability of the transmission, distribution, and generation facilities.

In other business, the Board:

•Awarded a contract to GHMER/McWane Poles in an estimated total amount of $602,626 as part of the Storm Hardening Distribution Pole Replacement Project. This two-year project plans to replace 144 wooden distribution poles with storm hardened ductile iron poles.  

•Approved an Electric Vehicle (EV) charger rebate program for qualifying commercial, single-family, and multi-family residential customers. The program will launch on October 1, 2023, and provides for a $350 EV level two charger rebate, and an additional $50 efficiency rebate if the charger is Energy Star certified. Early adopters who previously purchased an EV level two charger between July 1, 2019, and September 30, 2023, will be able to apply for a retroactive rebate through the end of 2023. Customers who purchase EV chargers on or after October 1, 2023, will have 90 days from the purchase date to apply for the rebate.  

The regular meeting of the Utility Board took place in the Utility Board Room of KEYS’ Service Building at 1001 James Street, Key West at 5:00 p.m., on Wednesday, September 13.

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*KEYS’ Fiscal Year runs from October 1 to September 30.

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KEYS' Roger George will celebrate his 35th anniversary with the Utility on September 17th. George currently serves as a Power System Coordinator within the Engineering & Control department. In his role, he helps maintain a reliable and secure power system by controlling loading of the utility’s generating resources.

KEYS has mobilized nine employees to assist with post-Hurricane Idalia power restoration efforts. KEYS’ crew will assist personnel from other regional utilities and contractors with regional power restoration in the aftermath of the storm.

KEYS’ Hurricane Idalia crew will include: Marlon Briones, Joe Francis, Daniel Garcia, Miguel Gonzalez, Jimmy Greene, Hernan Hernandez, Juan Llera, Darren Raley, and Paul Sanchez. KEYS’ lineworkers, tree trimmers and safety officer, along with three bucket trucks, one digger truck, one tree truck, and one utility pole trailer, departed Wednesday, August 30, and will assist with power restoration in the path of Hurricane Idalia.

“Our crew looks forward to lending their unique hurricane restoration experience to fellow public power utilities in the path of Idalia,” said Lynne Tejeda, KEYS’ General Manager & CEO.

In observance of Labor Day, KEYS' offices will be closed on Monday, September 4.

KEYS’ offices will re-open for regular business on Tuesday, September 5, at 8:00A.

KEYS' William Duran will celebrate his 15th anniversary with the Utility on September 2nd. Duran currently serves as an Auto Diesel Vehicle Technician within the Fleets & Facilities section. In his post, he is responsible for performing preventive maintenance and repairs on KEYS vehicles and equipment.

KEYS is prepared to restore service as quickly as possible if facilities are damaged by Idalia. 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.

Here’s what will happen:

Before the Storm:

•Line and electrical crews will be in the field working until 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. All restoration will take place when the storm has passed.

Local Generation:

•KEYS has over 100 megawatts of local generation available if the tieline is severed.

Dealing with Customers’ Calls and Power Outages:

•KEYS office personnel will accept phone calls from customers reporting electrical hazards such as downed power lines or sparking lines, as well as customers reporting outages. This information will be immediately sorted and prioritized for field crews. In order to keep the process as efficient as possible, we ask that customers call only one time to report damage or an outage.

•KEYS crews will work as quickly as possible to restore power. Emergency services such as the hospital, the police and sheriff’s offices, and radio stations will receive top priority. The time required to restore power is largely due to the extent of damage to our distribution system.

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KEYS recently launched an employee volunteer program called Days of Giving. This strategic initiative partners KEYS employees with local nonprofit organizations throughout the Lower Florida Keys needing assistance with special projects and events.

KEYS’ inaugural Day of Giving took place on Friday, August 25, with Habitat for Humanity of Key West and the Lower Florida Keys. KEYS employees helped refurbish the nonprofit’s affordable rental unit in Key West by assisting with exterior painting and yardwork for the property.

For more information on Habitat for Humanity visit habitatlowerkeys.org.

KEYS' Ranae Moore will celebrate her 20th anniversary with the Utility on August 11th. Moore currently serves as the Customer Services Leader within the Customer Services department. In her post, she is responsible for processing customer-related transactions, reconciling accounts, and balancing all cash drawers.

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KEYS is proud to announce that its 27th 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 at KeysEnergy.com/resources/Energy-Conservation-Calendar.

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.

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KEYS' Garrett Pita will celebrate his 5th anniversary with the Utility on July 30th. Pita is a Journey Lineman in 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.

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Hooper Corporation, a mechanical and electrical construction company hired by Keys Energy Services (KEYS), will begin a pole replacement project throughout KEYS’ service area on Monday, July 31, 2023. The project has an estimated cost of $1.9-million, includes 100 utility poles, and will take approximately ten months to complete.

Crews are scheduled to work Monday through Friday from 7:00A to 5:30P. Saturday work, may occur if needed, to make up for lost time due to inclement weather.

Contractors that work for KEYS, as well as all KEYS’ employees, are required to carry identification. If someone claims to be a KEYS’ contractor or employee, KEYS’ customers are urged to ask to see their identification. Additionally, all contractor vehicles shall have decals indicating they are a “Contractor of KEYS”.

KEYS customers who are uncertain about an individual’s association with KEYS are urged to call (305) 295-1010 or (305) 295-1000.

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ST. PETERSBURG, FL – Officials from public power utilities throughout Florida recently elected five officers to lead the Florida Municipal Power Agency’s (FMPA) Board of Directors and Executive Committee during a meeting in St. Petersburg, FL. Keys Energy Services’ (KEYS) General Manager & CEO Lynne Tejeda was re-elected as Vice Chair of the Executive Committee.

Tejeda was first elected as Vice Chair of the Executive Committee in December 2014. She has served on the Executive Committee since 2005.

FMPA members also re-elected Howard McKinnon as Chair of the Executive Committee and Barbara Quiñones as Chair of the Board of Directors. They elected Robert Page and Allen Putnam to serve as Secretary and Treasurer, respectively, 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 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.

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^{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 2.7 million Floridians and employ nearly 3,700 people.}

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KEYS' Ashlee Tejeda will celebrate her 5th anniversary with the Utility on July 16th.

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Tejeda currently serves as a Geographic Information Systems (GIS)/AutoCad Operator in the Engineering and Control department. In her role, she maintains the GIS to provide accurate electrical drawings to ensure personnel safety and system reliability.

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Jason Bartosh has been named Keys Energy Services’ (KEYS) Outstanding Employee of the Third Quarter for 2023.

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Bartosh has worked for the Utility for three years and currently serves as the Substation Electrical Leader in the Transmission & Distribution Department. In his current post he is responsible for directing traffic light and substation maintenance, underground and transformers installation and maintenance, and electrical troubleshooting.

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Bartosh was born in Carthage, Missouri. He enjoys flying his airplane, boating, and spending time with his dog.

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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.

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KEYS' Transmission and Distribution (T&D) department employees have been working diligently to prevent power outages before they occur by identifying and repairing “hot spots” within KEYS’ service area.

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Brady Infrared Company, a company hired by KEYS to perform infrared testing on transmission and distribution equipment, recently identified 161 heat anomalies, or “hot spots”, which would have resulted in power outages if left uncorrected. During the study, a special infrared camera was used to detect these anomalies, which are a red flag for future equipment failure.

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“Knowing that a component may fail gives us the opportunity to complete corrective maintenance to achieve the highest reliability possible,” said Lynne Tejeda, KEYS’ General Manager & CEO.

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KEYS prioritized repairs based on the problem and will address all in a timely manner. Repairs include cleaning, replacing, realigning, recrimping, and/or rewiring electrical connections.

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KEYS performs an infrared study of its equipment on a yearly basis.

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KEYS' Rob DePhillips will celebrate his 10^th anniversary with the Utility on July 10^th. DePhillips currently serves as the Supervisor of Transmission and Distribution (T&D) Substations. In his post, he supervises the operation and maintenance of relays, substations, and T&D facilities in a safe, reliable, and efficient manner.

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KEYS' Michael Domenech will celebrate his 30^th anniversary with the Utility on July 8^th. Domenech currently serves as a Line Leader in the Transmission & Distribution department. In his role, he oversees and directs Line Section employees to ensure work is completed safely and efficiently.

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Lynne Tejeda, Keys Energy Services’ General Manager and CEO, was reelected for a fourth three-year term on the American Public Power Association’s (APPA) Board of Directors.

APPA board members are chosen to represent 10 regions across the country and Tejeda has been chosen to represent Region 5, which includes Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia.

The APPA is the national trade association representing not-for-profit, community-owned utilities that power 2,000 towns and cities nationwide. It represents public power before the federal government to protect the interests of the more than 49 million people that public power utilities serve, and the 96,000 people they employ.

“I am honored to be reelected to serve on the APPA’s Board of Directors. This organization helps the country’s not-for-profit, community-owned utilities by promoting public power through joint advocacy, education, and collaboration,” said Tejeda.

Tejeda has been an active member of APPA for 34 years. She is a past recipient of the APPA Harold Kramer-John Preston Personal Service Award, which recognizes individuals for their exceptional service to APPA.

In observance of Independence Day, KEYS' offices will be closed on Monday, July 3, and Tuesday, July 4. To accommodate the holiday closure, KEYS’ offices will open at 8:00A on Wednesday, July 5, instead of the regularly scheduled 9:00A.

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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 the Juneteenth holiday, Keys Energy Services’ (KEYS) offices will be closed on Monday, June 19. KEYS’ offices will re-open for regular business on Tuesday, June 20, at 8:00A.

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KEYS' Jeremy Edwards will celebrate his 10th anniversary with the Utility on June 17th. Edwards is a Journey Lineman in the Transmission & Distribution department. In his post he is responsible for maintaining overhead transmission and distribution lines, poles, towers, fixtures, streetlights, field capacitors, voltage regulators, reclosers, anchors, guy wires and services, and removing and installing transformers.

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KEYS' Robbie Berger will celebrate his 5th anniversary with the Utility on June 25th. Berger currently serves as the Supervisor in the Generation department. In his post, he is responsible for ensuring the reliable and cost-effective maintenance and operation of generating equipment. He also ensures compliance with regulations and KEYS’ policies and procedures.

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KEYS recently completed a review of power outage statistics for calendar year 2022 – the result, power reliability levels are at all-time highs.

In 2022, KEYS customer distribution outages averaged 33.5 minutes compared to an average of 76.5 minutes in 2021. A comparison of KEYS’ System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI) to other utilities shows KEYS average of 33.5 minutes far better than other Florida Municipal Utilities (59.8 minutes), Florida Power and Light (46 minutes), and the municipal national average of 139.16.

“Our exceptional reliability statistics are impressive on their own, but even more so when you consider that our infrastructure is subject to a highly corrosive marine environment and to extreme weather events at times,” said Lynne Tejeda, KEYS’ General Manager & CEO.

KEYS has a rigorous reliability program in place which helps result in fewer power outages. Reliability projects of note include: a *relay coordination study, fiber-optic inter-connection between relays, installation of a voltage regulation systems in Stock Island and Big Pine Key electrical substations, continuation of KEYS’ tree trimming program, installation of field reclosers with single phase tripping to help contain power outages and prevent them from becoming widespread, and storm hardening efforts that have replaced one-third of all utility poles within KEYS’ service area with concrete and ductile iron poles capable of withstanding 150 mile-per-hour winds.

Visit KeysEnergy.com/About-KEYS, or click https://www.keysenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/TD-Reliability-Report-2022-FINAL.pdf, to read the full 2022 Electrical Reliability Annual Report.

KEYS' customers will experience a decrease in their June energy bills, as a result of reductions in natural gas costs.

An average KEYS’ residential customer consuming 1,000 kilowatt hours (kwh) of electricity during the month of June will see a 12.3-percent decrease on their total energy bill from May to June. The bill will be $136.00 compared to $155.00 for the same consumption in May. The amount of the decrease will vary based on how much electricity a customer uses. One year ago, the same consumption would have resulted in a bill of $210.00. The 35-percent decrease in bills over the last year is directly attributable to reductions in natural gas costs.

The Power Cost Adjustment (PCA) charge for the month of June will be $0.25 per 1,000 kwh, compared to $19.25 per 1,000 kwh in May. KEYS’ Energy Charge is $108.40 per 1,000 kwh for residential customers and assumes wholesale power costs of $62.20 per 1,000 kwh. When energy costs fluctuate above or below that $62.20 per 1,000 kwh, KEYS passes the increase/decrease along to customers via a PCA charge/credit.

“Natural gas prices have decreased significantly from one year ago, and we are able to pass those savings on to customers,” said Lynne Tejeda, KEYS’
General Manager & CEO. “The price of natural gas became extremely volatile in 2022 and surged to unprecedented levels domestically and internationally.” She
cited disruptions in natural gas production, reduced rig counts during the pandemic, lower gas storage inventory, and the exporting of fuel as a result of the war in Ukraine as drivers of the natural gas price increase.

In recent years, KEYS PCA had been a credit on energy bills. The credit was replaced with a charge in January 2022, with additional increases in March and June before decreases were implemented beginning in October 2022.  Tejeda did not rule out future power cost adjustments.  “As the cost of natural gas fluctuates, KEYS will adjust the PCA charge,” she said. “We will be monitoring costs carefully and working with our power supplier to mitigate increases.”

Tejeda explained the total bill is driven by both the rate and energy usage. The rate is decreasing but as we move into the warmer months, consumption will likely increase. Conservation is helpful and customers can help offset the PCA charge by consuming less energy if they are interested in making some adjustments. She urged KEYS’ customers to log on to KeysEnergy.com and click on the Top 10 Energy Saving Tips link for tips on how to best conserve energy. While online, customers can sign-up for a FREE home energy survey, rebates for qualified energy efficient appliances, and receive information on how to better track their monthly energy usage.

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*Kilowatt-hour (kwh): A common unit of electric energy consumption, and the basic unit of electric energy. One kwh is equivalent to 1,000 watts consumed over a period of one hour.

In observance of Memorial Day, KEYS' offices will be closed on Monday, May 29.

KEYS’ offices will re-open for regular business on Tuesday, May 30, at 8:00A.

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 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 58 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.

KEYS has earned the American Public Power Association’s Safety Award of Excellence for safe operating practices in 2022. KEYS earned a first-place award in the category for utilities with 110,000 to 249,999 worker-hours of annual worker exposure.

“Safety needs to be the first thing on every utility employee’s mind as they go about their work," said Jim Boyd, Chair of APPA’s Safety Committee and Electric Operations Safety Manager at Tacoma Power, Tacoma Washington. “The utilities honored by APPA for excellence in this area should be proud of the culture they have instilled in serving their communities.”

283 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 incident-free records and overall state of their safety programs and culture during 2022. The incidence rate is based on the number of work-related reportable injuries or illnesses and the number of worker-hours during 2022, as defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

“KEYS cares deeply about sending our employees home to their families safely every single day,” said Lynne Tejeda, General Manager & CEO of KEYS. “We are proud to be honored for all the work that goes into standing behind this commitment.”

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 has once again earned a Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3)® designation from the American Public Power Association for providing reliable and safe electric service.

The RP3 designation, which lasts for three years, recognizes public power utilities that demonstrate proficiency in four key disciplines: reliability, safety, workforce development, and system improvement. Criteria include sound business practices and a utility-wide commitment to safe and reliable delivery of electricity. KEYS joins 271 public power utilities nationwide that hold the RP3 designation.

“Receiving an RP3 designation is a great honor signifying a utility has demonstrated commitment to industry best practices,” says Troy Adams, Chair of APPA’s RP3 Review Panel and General Manager at Manitowoc Public Utilities, Wisconsin. "And ultimately, the culture developed from this pursuit of excellence and continued improvement through the RP3 program results in measurable value delivered to the local community.”

“We couldn’t be prouder to be honored with this designation,” said Lynne Tejeda, General Manager & CEO of KEYS. “This is the culmination of a lot of work from a lot of people who really care about powering our community. But this designation is not a final destination. We are committed to continuing to look for ways to improve our operations and service to our customers.”

KEYS rebate program for energy efficient appliances and equipment is still available for customers seeking assistance in realizing long term energy savings.

The program includes the following rebate options for residential customers: Hot Water Heater Timer ($25); Programmable Thermostats ($25); Ceiling Fans ($25); White Roof Coating ($25); Dehumidifiers ($50); Dishwashers ($55); Room Air Conditioners ($75); Refrigerators ($75); Clothes Washers ($100); Duct Leak Repairs or Replacement ($150); Ductless Air Conditioners ($175); Central Air Conditioners ($250); and Solar Hot Water Heaters ($450). The terms of the rebate program allow customers to receive more than one rebate per appliance type within a designated timeframe.

KEYS’ customers looking for more information on the rebate program should log on to KeysEnergy.com. Once online, KEYS’ customers can select from the 13 rebate options available and download the applicable forms and applications.

Rebates will be awarded to eligible KEYS’ customers on a first-come, first-served basis and the rebate program will end when funding is no longer available. KEYS has provided over $750,000 in rebates since 2008.

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’ 27th annual Energy Conservation calendar. The winners attended the April 26 Utility Board meeting and were recognized for their efforts.

The overall winner was Charlotte Gehin, a fourth grade student from Sigsbee Charter School. Her artwork will be featured on the cover of KEYS’ nationally recognized 2023-2024 calendar. The winning artists whose work will illustrate each of the 12 months are: (Kindergarten) Kamryn Moore & Pallavi Khanal; (First Grade) Dulce Lopez Hernandez & Elise Roberts; (Second Grade) Bellatriz Berger & Weslyne David; (Third Grade) Charlotte Jackson & Chloe Johnson; (Fourth Grade) Mia Gibson & Sarah Sheldon; (Fifth Grade) Christelle Agenord & Iga Lenart.

KEYS’ Energy Conservation calendars will be made available to KEYS’ customers in August.

The regular meeting of the Utility Board took place at 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 26, in the Board Room of Keys Energy Services’ Service Building, 1001 James Street, Key West.

KEYS' Paul Sanchez will celebrate his 15th anniversary with the Utility on April 14th.

Sanchez is a Line Leader in the Transmission & Distribution Department. In his role he oversees and directs all Line Section employees to ensure work is completed safely and proficiently.

Katherine Lansdown has been named KEYS' Outstanding Employee of the Second Quarter for 2023.

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Lansdown has worked for the Utility for over two years. She started as an Accounting Representative in 2021 and currently serves as an Accounting & Financial Analyst within the Finance department. In her current role she is responsible for maintaining timely accounting of the fixed asset system, capital projects, and Retirement System.

When reflecting on her favorite thing about KEYS, Lansdown said she likes the integrity and kindness in how KEYS’ employees act as individuals and as an organization. She also feels every day is an opportunity to grow professionally and personally because she learns something new or does something better.

Lansdown was born in Toronto, Ontario and relocated to the Florida Keys in 2006. She has a Master’s degree in Geography from York University in Toronto, Ontario and a Bachelor’s degree in Business from Mohawk College in Hamilton, Ontario. Lansdown currently lives in Key Haven with her partner Edward Sanchez. In her free time, she enjoys time alone to read, meditate, clean, and bake artisan breads.

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.

In accordance with Florida Statute 252.355, KEYS wishes to notify residential customers with special needs of the Special Needs Registry available through the Monroe County Emergency Management.

The registry helps staff 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/specialneeds by May 31st to ensure they are accounted for in advance of Hurricane Season.

In observance of Good Friday, KEYS offices will be closed on Friday, April 7. KEYS’ offices will re-open for regular business on Monday, April 10, at 8:00AM.

KEYS' customers will experience a decrease in their April energy bills, as a result of reductions in natural gas costs.

An average KEYS’ residential customer consuming 1,000 kilowatt hours (kwh) of electricity during the month of April will see a 13.9-percent decrease on their total energy bill. The bill will be $155.00 compared to $180.00 for the same consumption in March. The amount of the decrease will vary based on how much electricity a customer uses.

The Power Cost Adjustment (PCA) charge for the month of April will be $19.25 per 1,000 kwh, compared to $44.25 per 1,000 kwh in March. KEYS’ Energy Charge is $108.40 per 1,000 kwh for residential customers and assumes wholesale power costs of $62.20 per 1,000 kwh. When energy costs fluctuate above or below that $62.20 per 1,000 kwh, KEYS passes the increase/decrease along to customers via a PCA charge/credit.

“Natural gas prices are leveling, and we are able to pass those savings on to customers,” said Lynne Tejeda, KEYS’ General Manager & CEO. “The price of natural gas became extremely volatile in 2022 and surged to unprecedented levels domestically and internationally.” She cited disruptions in natural gas production, reduced rig counts during the pandemic, lower gas storage inventory, and the exporting of fuel as a result of the war in Ukraine as drivers of the natural gas price increase.

In recent years, KEYS PCA had been a credit on energy bills. The credit was replaced with a charge in January 2022, with additional increases in March and June before decreases were implemented beginning in October 2022.  Tejeda did not rule out future power cost adjustments.  “As the cost of natural gas fluctuates, KEYS will adjust the PCA charge,” she said. “We will be monitoring costs carefully and working with our power supplier to mitigate increases.”

Tejeda explained the total bill is driven by both the rate and energy usage. The rate is decreasing but as we move into the warmer months, consumption will likely increase. Conservation is helpful and customers can help offset the PCA charge by consuming less energy if they are interested in making some adjustments. She urged KEYS’ customers to log on to KeysEnergy.com and click on the Top 10 Energy Saving Tips link for tips on how to best conserve energy. While online, customers can sign-up for a FREE home energy survey, rebates for qualified energy efficient appliances, and receive information on how to better track their monthly energy usage.

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Osmose Utilities Services, a Utility Services Company hired by KEYS, will begin an extensive pole and facility inspection from Key West to Shark Key on Monday, April 3, 2023. The project will take approximately three months to complete and include 7,000 utility poles.

Osmose crews will inspect each pole, sometimes hammering, drilling, and digging around the base of the pole to gain information. The work being done will not affect electric service; however, crews may walk through private yards and other property to gain access to utility poles.

Crews are scheduled to work Monday through Friday from 8:00A to 7:00P. Saturday work, if needed, will occur from 9:00A to 5:00P to make up lost time due to inclement weather.

Contractors that work for KEYS, as well as all KEYS’ employees, are required to carry identification. If someone claims to be a KEYS’ contractor or employee, KEYS’ customers are urged to ask to see their identification. While they may need to enter private yards, at no time will a KEYS’ contractor or employee need to enter private residences or businesses. Additionally, all contractor vehicles shall have decals indicating they are a “Contractor of KEYS”.

KEYS customers who are uncertain about an individual’s association with KEYS are urged to call (305) 295-1010 or (305) 295-1000.

KEYS was among 13 Florida public power utilities to receive a Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) Safety Award, which recognizes utilities’ commitment to safety. The award was presented at the Florida Lineman Competition in Orlando.

Linework is listed as one of the top 10 most dangerous jobs. In order to provide reliable power, Florida lineworkers and power crews are frequently engaged in dangerous work that can place them at risk of serious or fatal injuries, which is why public power utilities place a significant emphasis on safety culture and training.

FMEA recognizes and rewards safe operations through its annual Safety Awards. Utilities are placed into categories based on their total worker hours and rewarded for the most incident-free records. The incidence rate used to judge utilities was based on the number of work-related reportable injuries or illnesses compared to the total number of worker hours during 2022, as defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

KEYS received a perfect record in the category with other similar-sized utilities.

“Lineworkers face a myriad of occupational hazards so a commitment to safety protocols is of critical importance to our industry. We are pleased to recognize our member utilities that have minimized employee injuries through their dedication to safety and safety training,” said Amy Zubaly, FMEA Executive Director.

Florida’s Public Power utilities are locally owned, locally controlled and locally operated enabling them to quickly respond to the needs of their communities. They are also among some of the most reliable power providers in the state.

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Representatives from KEYS and the Utility Board traveled to Washington D.C. this week to meet with members of the United States House of Representatives and Senate to discuss issues relevant to the public power sector and KEYS’ customers. The meetings were part of the annual American Public Power Association (APPA) Legislative Rally.‍

‍KEYS spoke directly with Representative Carlos A. Gimenez and with staff members from the offices of Senator Rick Scott and Marco Rubio on issues including seeking assistance with transformer supply chain issues and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reform.

‍‍The APPA Legislative Rally allows public power utility representatives from around the country to converge on the nation’s capital to address the issues confronting the public power industry. Issues discussed during the 2023 Legislative Rally included: FEMA reimbursements, the supply chain crisis, and grid reliability.‍The APPA is a collection of more than 2,000 community-owned electric utilities, serving 14-percent of the nation’s electricity consumers.

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' Albert Fernandez will celebrate his 20th anniversary with the Utility on February 18th.

Fernandez is a Power System Coordinator in the Control Center. In his role he helps maintain a reliable and secure power system by controlling loading of the utility’s generating resources.

KEYS' Marc Palka will celebrate his 25th anniversary with the Utility on February 17th.

Palka is the Maintenance Leader in the Fleets & Facilities Section. In his role he schedules all work for the Facilities Section and ensures all work by KEYS crews and outside contractors is satisfactorily completed.

The Utility Board awarded multiple system improvement contracts at their regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday, February 8th.

The Board approved the replacement of all insulators on Line 4 to P&G Power Company at an estimated amount of $1,734,817. Line 4 was originally constructed in 1967 and runs primarily over water from the US1 Electrical Substation (mile marker 5.9 Gulf side) to the Big Coppitt Electrical Substation (mile marker 10.5 Oceanside).

The insulators being replaced are from the original construction of Line 4 and are fabricated of porcelain. Insulators are protective equipment that prevents wires from making contact with one another or the support tower or pole. The replacement project will see the installation of 300 polymer insulators over 100 poles, the majority of which are over water and subject to harsh, corrosive conditions. Once the project is complete the useful life of Line 4 will be extended by approximately 30-years. Due to material lead times, work is expected to begin in late 2023.

In other business, the Board approved the replacement and upgrade of computer systems in the Dynamic VAR (DVAR). These systems were installed in 2011 to improve power import capability, provide voltage support, and increase system stability. The computer systems that run these units are at end-of-life and require replacement to ensure continued function.

American Superconductor Corporation was awarded the contract for $105,200. Costs will be split equally among KEYS, the Florida Keys Electric Cooperative (FKEC) and the Florida Municipal Power Association (FMPA).

The meeting of the Utility Board took place at 5:00 PM on Wednesday, February 8th, in the Board Room of KEYS' Service Building, 1001 James Street, Key West.

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 56 power outages directly caused by balloons, three in 2022 alone.

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.

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 Emergency Management.

The registry helps staff 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/specialneeds by May 31st to ensure they are accounted for in advance of Hurricane Season.

The Utility Board approved KEYS' annual audit and Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the Fiscal Year (FY) ended September 30, 2022, at their regular meeting on January 25th.

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, 2022 and 2021, 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 25th, in the Board Room of Keys Energy Services’ Service Building, 1001 James Street, Key West.

Raiko Alfonso has been named Keys Energy Services’ (KEYS) Outstanding Employee of the First Quarter for 2023.

Alfonso has worked for the Utility for 5 years and currently serves as an Apprentice Operator/Maintainer in the Generation Department. In his current position, he assists and learns from the Operator/Maintainers in the highly skilled and complex operation and maintenance of a simple-cycle combustion turbine and diesel facility, including start up and shut down of plant systems, main combustion turbines, and diesel engines.

Alfonso was born in Cuba. He attended Key West High School. He enjoys spending time with his two children, Isla and Ivy.

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' Raiko Alfonso will celebrate his 5^th anniversary with the Utility on January 22^nd. Alfonso is an Apprentice Operator/Maintainer in the Generation Department. In his current position, he assists and learns from the Operator/Maintainer in the highly skilled and complex operation and maintenance of a simple-cycle combustion turbine and diesel facility, including start up and shut down of plant systems, main combustion turbines, and diesel engines.

KEYS was one of 25 Florida public power utilities recently recognized by the Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) with a Restoring Communities Award. The award recognizes public power utilities that have either provided or received mutual aid following significant weather events to fellow public power communities in need, or provided exemplary service to their own community following significant emergency events.

Florida public power utilities were honored for their efforts to restore power quickly and safely when called on. This not only included providing mutual aid assistance following Hurricanes Ian and Nicole, but for other weather and non-weather-related emergencies and outages both in and out of state. During Hurricane Ian, KEYS’ crews were able to mobilize and restore power in a timely manner due to robust tree trimming and storm hardening efforts. KEYS also mobilized six linemen to assist with post-Hurricane Nicole power restoration efforts in Ft. Pierce, Florida. KEYS’ crew assisted personnel from other regional utilities and contractors with regional power restoration in the aftermath of the storm.

“Whether the need stems from a huge event – such as the volume of mutual aid coordinated for one of Florida’s most destructive hurricanes ever – to a smaller event that requires an extra truck or an extra set of hands, Florida public power utilities are always there for their fellow public power communities,” said Amy Zubaly, FMEA Executive Director. “While our investments in grid hardening are paying off in big ways with fewer outages and faster restoration times, knowing there will be someone to lean on when needed is one of the best parts of this nationwide system of mutual aid support. Congratulations to all the Florida public power utilities recognized for being part of that system.”

“We are proud to answer the call to serve our fellow public power companies when needed and are extremely grateful to those who have come to our aid in the past. Being part of this national network of support is one of the unique benefits of public power. It is all about community – our community here locally and the other communities across the country who are all part of the public power system,” said Lynne Tejeda, KEYS General Manager & CEO.

Mutual aid agreements enable electric utilities to call on each other for skilled emergency workers and supplies. Public power utilities across the country benefit from the strong network of mutual assistance partners through the American Public Power Association. These connections have created a reliable system where member utilities both request and offer assistance when there’s a need. FMEA is proud to serve as the mutual aid coordinator for Florida’s 33 public power utilities.

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KEYS' Tyler Randolph will celebrate her 10^th anniversary with the Utility on January 7^th. Randolph is the Supervisor of Purchasing. In her current position, she supervises the daily operations of the Purchasing Section, including the warehouse.

KEYS' customers will experience a decrease in their January energy bills, as a result of reductions in natural gas costs.

An average KEYS’ residential customer consuming 1,000 kwh of electricity during the month of January will see a 8.2 percent decrease on their total energy bill.  The bill will be $180.00 compared to $196.00 for the same consumption in December. The amount of the decrease will vary based on how much electricity a customer uses.

The Power Cost Adjustment (PCA) charge for the month of January will be $44.25 per 1,000 kilowatt hours (kwh), compared to $60.65 per 1,000 kwh in December. KEYS’ Energy Charge is $108.40 per 1,000 kwh for residential customers and assumes wholesale power costs of $62.20 per 1,000 kwh.  When energy costs fluctuate above or below that $62.20 per 1,000 kwh, KEYS passes the increase/decrease along to customers via a PCA charge/credit.

“We are seeing additional relief on the natural gas front and can pass those savings on to customers during the first quarter of 2023,” said Lynne Tejeda, KEYS’ General Manager & CEO. “The price of natural gas became extremely volatile in 2022 and surged to unprecedented levels domestically and internationally.” She cited disruptions in natural gas production, reduced rig counts during the pandemic, lower gas storage inventory, and the exporting of fuel as a result of the war in Ukraine as drivers of the natural gas price increase.

In recent years, KEYS PCA had been a credit on energy bills. The credit was replaced with a charge in January 2022, and additional increases in March and June before decrease were implemented in October.  Tejeda did not rule out future power cost adjustments.  “As the cost of natural gas fluctuates, KEYS will adjust the PCA charge,” she said. “We will be monitoring costs carefully and working with our power supplier to mitigate increases.”

Tejeda explained the total bill is driven by both the rate and energy usage. The rate is decreasing and as we move into Fall, consumption will likely decrease as well. Conservation is still helpful and customers can help offset the PCA charge by consuming less energy if they are interested in making some adjustments. She urged KEYS’ customers to log on to KeysEnergy.com and click on the Top 10 Energy Saving Tips link for tips on how to best conserve energy. While online, customers can sign-up for a FREE home energy survey, rebates for qualified energy efficient appliances, and receive information on how to better track their monthly energy usage.

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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 $17.00 discount on their monthly energy bills in 2023.

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 $43,524. 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.