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Paj 1
UTILITY COMMITTEE
The Utility Committee Meeting was held on April 8, 2013 at 5:30 p.m. with Chairman Bonar
presiding. Members present were Mr. Perza, Mr. Blakeman, and Mr. Snaman. Mrs. Williams was
absent. Members of Council present were Mr. Dixon, Mr. Lynn (arrived at 6:09 p.m. and departed at
6:37 p.m.), Mr. Hare, Mr. Hutchison, and Council President Leary. Mayor Carey was also present.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
By unanimous consent, the agenda was approved as presented.
Presentation by GAI Consultants - City of Dover Electric System Valuation
Mr. Scott Koenig, City Manager, reminded members that there have been discussions regarding the
value of the City of Dover Electric System for several months. Last fall, staff worked with
Mr. Kirk Betts, the City’s power supply attorney, to prepare an RFP for consulting services in
conducting an electric system valuation in an effort to determine the value of the assets. He stated
that GAI Consultants was selected to perform the electric system valuation services and introduced
Mr. Gerald Hartman, Vice-President of GAI.
Mr. Bonar advised members that the City has owned an electric utility for 90 years and that, to
everyone’s knowledge, a thorough valuation of this type has never been performed.
Mr. Hartman reviewed a Presentation - Electric System Valuation Services Final Report Briefing
(Attachment #1), noting that the study consists of two (2) parts: A) Valuation of Electric Utility
System based on Original Cost, Replacement Cost, and Comparable Sales Analyses; and B)
Community Impact Analysis. Referring to Part A, he explained that the income approach was not
utilized since it was a not-for-profit utility and was not requested in the scope of services. Referring
to Part B, he explained that there are two (2) parts: 1) a financial analysis for the City, which was
reviewed considering the various revenue requirements for the City, impacts of a typical purchase
and sale, and how those transactions occur; and 2) an evaluation of how it impacts the customers by
conducting comparative rate evaluations (present and future).
With reference to page 13 of the presentation, Mr. James Long, 323 Columbia Avenue, Dover, stated
that two (2) of the top five (5) providers of power through the retail market in Delaware are out-of-
state providers authorized by the Public Service Commission. He noted that this is a very
competitive market and we are living with an umbrella that may or may not be here in five (5) years.
Responding to Mr. Bonar, Mr. Hartman confirmed that the regulated, investor-owned, public utilities
in the State of Delaware do not have independent condemnation powers and would be required to
obtain legislative approval, whereas the City of Dover has independent condemnation powers.
Mr. Hartman noted that the net funds available for lawful purposes total $159,600,000 (page 21 of
presentation). As an example, Mr. Hartman explained that if the City put the funds into Jumbo
Bonds, which is done in these types of transactions, staggered from 6 to 30 years in maturity, the
coupons, depending on the investments taken, would produce between 4½% and 5.1%; therefore,
at year six (6), the City would have $30M in a working capital fund outside of the net proceeds. He
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UTILITY COMMITTEE MEETING OF APRIL 8, 2013 PAGE 2
explained the importance of these funds, noting that since there would be no utility generating
income, it would provide any necessary emergency funds. Depending on the credit worthiness
selected (AA, Jumbo, or BBB+), the Bonds would provide an estimated $8.5M to $10M per year
investment earnings for years six (6) through 30, in addition to the $30M working capital funds.
Considering franchise fees for years six (6) through 30, Mr. Hartman indicated that at 5%, assuming
the City remains at $90M per year, there would be approximately $4.5M. Therefore, on the low end,
the annual revenue relative to this investment situation would equate to $13M per year, over 30
years. In addition, he stated that the City could institute a utility tax.
In conclusion, Mr. Hartman advised members that the City could have a financially sound
transaction and that the City should complement its stewards, which would be staff, professionals,
and elected members in maintaining a good system. He stated that the City being financially sound
in this respect is an indication that the City’s contract vendors, staff, and elected officials have made
fairly good decisions; therefore, the utility system has been managed fairly well and, as a result, the
value is pretty good and it would be sustainable.
Referring to the electric rate comparisons (pages 23-31), Mr. Hartman stated that the sale of the
City’s electric utility would benefit commercial and large users the most, which could be a factor in
attracting economic development. However, he noted that residential customers would receive the
least benefit, although they could benefit.
Although members may choose not to sell the system, Mr. Hartman assured them that it would be
financially sound. He noted that the power market is constantly evolving, changing, and is not
constant; therefore, the long-term projections may have a greater variance over time.
In response to Mr. Perza regarding the projected investment values, Mr. Hartman stated that they
were provided at the request of Mr. Betts and explained that it was not a part of the scope by
GAI Consultants. He explained that GAI Consultants does not serve as an investment banker or
attorney but that the numbers serve only as an indication of potential investment values. Regarding
the replacement costs for specific components, Mr. Hartman indicated that those types of details are
included in the full report in the packet material. It was his opinion that, based on the type of system,
it would not be beneficial to break the utilities up in a sale, explaining that the solar contract is
currently not very profitable and the City is making approximately $1M off of generation, which is
better to be blended in with the transmission/distribution customer base.
Mr. Perza explained that the reason for his question was that certain individuals in the community
will oppose the sale of the City’s electric utility system regardless of the situation. Therefore, as the
system breaks down and needs to be replaced, he questioned what the replacement costs are for
certain components to the system and if the City will be able to absorb those costs moving forward.
Responding, Mr. Hartman stated that those details would be provided by conducting a renewable
replacement study of the assets, which was not a part of the scope for GAI Consultants, explaining
that GAI Consultants was requested to value the assets versus what the CIP would be to maintain
assets over time. He suggested that Burns and McDonnell Engineering Company, Inc., who serves
as the City’s engineer, would need to be contacted for such information.
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UTILITY COMMITTEE MEETING OF APRIL 8, 2013 PAGE 3
Mr. Bonar suggested that members review the Burns and McDonnell study that was completed a few
years ago and, along with the information provided by GAI Consultants, prior to making any final
decision.
Mr. James Long noted that there has been only one (1) General Electric LM6000 installed in the
area, which was done by the Delaware Municipal Electric Corporation (DEMEC), and that project
cost $35M for a 50 megawatt machine. With regard to putting everything into the power house, the
current technical experts he has talked to recommend a divided greenfield approach, particularly
given the ability to Black Start. The City’s VanSant unit and DEMEC’s new GE have a Black Start
feature. It is argued that it is better to move these close to the load rather than putting them on a
brownfield type of arrangement. In reviewing the report provided by GAI Consultants, Mr. Long
relayed concerns, noting that the amount of $96.12 listed for Delaware Electric Cooperative (Co-op)
(page 23 of the presentation) is incorrect. He stated that the rate is currently at $121 and has never
been as low as $96. In addition, Mr. Long stated that there is an amount for the Co-op for Large
Commercial rates; however, they do not have any large commercial customers, nor do they have
industrial customers. He stated that the Co-op’s average residential bill over a year is $1,551 and
the Co-op’s average commercial bill is $2,100. He felt that GAI Consultants has created the
environment where the electric utilities throughout Delaware have competitive rates; however, the
Co-op has no customers. He advised members that there are only three (3) utilities that truly provide
service to fairly significant commercial customers: Delmarva Power, City of Dover, and Newark
(mainly the University of Delaware). Mr. Long stated that the pricing mechanism provided by GAI
Consultants leads him to believe that all companies are competitive.
Responding to Mr. Long, Mr. Hartman stated that although many of the utilities depicted do not have
the same load in industrial and commercial customer base, they do have rates and charges that they
have promulgated. He concurred that the demand charges based on load are great in the Co-op.
Mr. Blakeman questioned if the calculations take into account the competitive nature of the utility
in relation to future development and growth. Responding, Mr. Hartman indicated that if the City
were to maintain the utility, businesses could be attracted through economic development.
Otherwise, if the City were to sell the utility, those types of situations would need to be included in
the purchase and sale agreement. The reason the Co-op would want the City’s utility is because it
would provide them density, noting that they are a rural type utility.
Mr. Bonar clarified that the study conducted by GAI Consultants does not include a firm
recommendation, explaining that it was not the intent of the valuation study. He also indicated that
there is no motion on the table to entertain the sale of the City’s utility, nor has there been any private
discussion regarding the sale of the City’s utility. The study is simply a mechanism to provide the
City a value of what the City’s utility brings to the residents and businesses in the City of Dover to
help members of City Council make a decision at some point as to whether they wish to sell the
utility or not.
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UTILITY COMMITTEE MEETING OF APRIL 8, 2013 PAGE 4
Responding to Mr. Long, Mr. Bonar reiterated that no offer has been made by the Co-op for the
purchase of the City’s utility, nor has such an offer been sought by the City. With reference to the
June 27, 2011 Utility Committee Meeting, Mr. Bonar stated it was an informational presentation
provided by the Delaware Electric Cooperative and confirmed that he invited representatives of the
Delaware Electric Cooperative.
Mr. Blakeman moved to recommend acceptance of the City of Dover Electric System
Valuation as presented by GAI Consultants, seconded by Mr. Snaman and unanimously
carried.
TEA/NAES Reports (December and January)
Mr. Scott Koenig, City Manager, reviewed the TEA/NAES Monthly Reports for December 2012 and
January 2013, and reminded members that staff reviews this report with TEA on a monthly basis.
The report is provided to allow for the monitoring of electric sales and revenues received, which
provide a better understanding of any fluctuations that occur and allows the opportunity to make
improvements if deemed necessary.
Mr. Snaman moved to recommend acceptance of the TEA/NAES Monthly Report for
December 2012 and January 2013, seconded by Mr. Blakeman and unanimously carried.
UPDATES
Members were provided the following updates:
Garrison Oak Technical Park Project
Mr. Scott Koenig, City Manager, advised members that staff has been working with the Becker
Morgan Group on the completion of the subdivision plans for the Garrison Oak Technical Park
Project. Becker Morgan Group has made all submissions to agencies such as the Conservation
District, DelDOT, and City of Dover Public Works and Planning Departments. Staff is currently
working on the final design issues associated with the overall Park. It is expected that the
construction plans will be completed and bids let in the next few months for the sanitary sewer
system, water tower, and the road and stormwater systems associated with the Park.
Mr. Bonar commended staff for their efforts the last several weeks, noting that there have been
weekly conference calls with Calpine (which staff will provide an update on during the latter part
of the meeting).
Dover Sun Park
Mr. Scott Koenig, City Manager, reviewed the Electric Revenue Fund FY 13 - White Oak Solar Park
Incremental Cost spreadsheet. He noted that the City has paid $124,074 more than it would have
paid if bought through hedge or contract purchases through the Energy Authority. Basically, he
explained that the City paid a premium of $124,074 for the solar park component of the City’s
portfolio; however, he reminded members that the renewable component is now a requirement.
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UTILITY COMMITTEE MEETING OF APRIL 8, 2013 PAGE 5
Calpine Energy Center
Mr. Scott Koenig, City Manager, reminded members that the Calpine (Garrison) Energy Center is
a component of the Garrison Oak Technical Park. He stated that Calpine has issued their full notice
to proceed to KVAERNER, which is the contractor that will be conducting the final engineering and
design as well as constructing the 309MW power block. As previously mentioned, he stated that
there have been weekly conference calls. The Planning and Public Works Departments are working
through the final design components of the Garrison Energy Center and have received their necessary
approvals from DelDOT because they don’t exit out onto a State road. In addition, there have been
discussions regarding the issue of the extension of the Eastern Shore gas transmission line from
Cheswold to the area. The City is also working on the transmission from the power block back to
the City’s 230kV tie.
Mr. Koenig relayed appreciation to staff for their hard work and diligence on this project.
Responding to Mr. Hutchison, Mr. Koenig stated that the approval provided by Kent County Levy
Court was for access across a piece of Kent County owned land. He stated that discussions with
representatives of Kent County will be held soon regarding accessing the Garrison Oak Park and that
City staff has a preferred access. He stated that it may be necessary to grant access easements from
the City, which will require Council approval. With regards to the gas line, Mr. Koenig stated that
he has not had any discussions with the gas company regarding their desires, noting that the majority
of the line is outside City limits.
By unanimous consent, the Meeting Adjourned at 6:44 p.m.
David L. Bonar
Chairman
DLB/TM/jg/dd/mk
S:\AGENDAS-MINUTES-PACKETS\Committee-Minutes\2013\04-08-2013 UTILITY.wpd
Attachment
Attachment #1 - Presentation by GAI Consultants - Electric System Valuation Services Final Report Briefing
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ATTACHMENT #1
Utility Committee Meeting of 04/08/2013
Utility Committee Meeting of 04/08/2013
ATTACHMENT #1