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Washington approves amended power-sales deal to boost peak‑shaving savings; 1 councilmember objects
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Summary
The City Council adopted an amended Full Requirements Power Sales Agreement with the North Carolina Eastern Municipal Power Agency to increase generation flexibility and capture additional peak‑shaving savings; the ordinance passed 4‑1 with Councilmember Bobby E. Roberson opposed.
The Washington City Council on Nov. 14 adopted an ordinance authorizing an amended and restated Full Requirements Power Sales Agreement with the North Carolina Eastern Municipal Power Agency (NCEMPA) intended to give the city more flexibility to shave peak electricity demand.
City Manager Jonathan Russell told the council the change complements a recent update to the city’s power purchase agreement and could allow Washington to capture roughly 20 to 30 percent more value from peak‑shaving on top of about $1 million in annual savings the city already realizes. "We save about $1million annually in peak shaving and this amendment will allow us to capture around 20% - 30% more," Russell said.
The ordinance was adopted by a 4–1 vote. Councilmember Bobby E. Roberson voted against the motion; Mayor Pro tem Richard Brooks, Councilmembers Lou Hodges, William Pitt and Mike Renn voted in favor. The council did not identify additional procedural conditions in the meeting minutes; the ordinance authorizes the mayor to execute the amended sales agreement.
Why it matters: municipal peak‑shaving arrangements affect annual utility operating costs and can reduce pressure on local rates and capital requirements. City staff characterized the amendment as a tool to improve the city’s ability to manage peak demand and capture additional savings.
The council adopted the ordinance; the city will proceed with executing the amended agreement and implementing whatever operational changes are needed to realize the additional peak‑shaving benefits.