Bartow, Florida Development News

Barto Electric Department Proposes Staffing Increase, AMI System Implementation, and Addresses Infrastructure Needs

The city's electric department is proposing an increase in personnel to establish a third line crew, aiming to improve maintenance, new construction, and overall utility depth. This expansion is partly driven by increased workload due to new growth in Barto. Additionally, the department is looking to implement an AMI system, conduct a system inventory, and improve street lighting. The presentation also detailed the electric fund's fiscal summary, showing an increase in personnel and operating expenses, with a slight decrease in capital. The proposal includes adding two apprentice line workers to establish a third crew. The AMI system, projected to cost $6 million, is expected to decrease operating costs within two to three years and offer benefits like pay-as-you-go rates and remote meter reading. The department also plans for future rate studies and potential increases due to expiring power supply contracts and the need for a new substation on the east side of town. They are also exploring new rate structures like time-of-use rates and real-time pricing enabled by the AMI system. The department is addressing the significant backlog of pole replacements, with an estimated thousand poles needing replacement, and addressing over 1300 minor maintenance items.