Last Updated on June 28, 2016 by cassnetwork
An Indianapolis consultant has recommended a new wholesale power provider for the Logansport Municipal Utilities.
Tuesday night, the Logansport Utility Service Board heard a report from Anne Becker of Lewis & Kappes, Indianapolis. Becker said after reviewing six proposals received for a proposed purchase power agreement, Next Era was the best choice based on the competitiveness of the price and the potential length of contract it could offer.
No vote was taken, but the board agreed to have a public meeting next month to have Next Era representatives make a presentation to the public similar to those provided by Duke Energy and the Indiana Municipal Power Agency in January at McHale Performing Arts Center.
Duke and its predecessor names, Cinergy and Public Service Indiana, have provided purchased power to Logansport since the 1960s. Logansport had generated a portion of its own power until Jan. 31 when the generating plant was shut down to comply with federal guidelines on coal-fired plants.
Becker said Next Era also serves the community of Ferdinand, Ind.
Mayor Dave Kitchell asked the board to allow McCullough Research to review the three finalist proposals. McCullough Research has been retained by the Logansport Board of Public Works and Safety to perform oversight analysis of LMU. The firm has previously been retained by the city to provide utility advice.
“I think it’s important for the public to have full confidence in the decision that is before us. I don’t think there’s anything (wrong) with getting a second opinion whether you’re a patient seeking medical advice or a city official seeking information on the most important decision facing our community for the next four years,” Kitchell said.
The board is expected to vote on approving an agreement with Next Era at its July 26 board meeting.
SOURCE: News release from the Office of Logansport Mayor Dave Kitchell