2016 Annual Report

TMLP continued with the ongoing process of succession planning and reorganization within several areas in 2016. While this realignment continued to be among the major events of the past year, it was also a year in which a major project neared completion, approval was received and plans moved forward for a community solar farm, rates were lowered, and an additional 40 residential solar projects were completed.

The distributed generation project at the West Water Street site was in the final stages of implementation in late 2016 and is expected to start up in 2017. This project will enable TMLP to reduce transmission and distribution costs when running, helping to keep rates low while ensuring that TMLP continues to lead the way among municipal utilities in creating cleaner and more efficient sources of energy. The project involved several key areas of TMLP that worked together to secure bonding for the project, prepare the site, acquire the equipment and energy contracts to run the system, and ensure the successful rollout of the system in 2017.

TMLP also continued to move closer to implementing the community solar farm, which received necessary approvals and is poised to be up and running in 2018. This opportunity will secure a renewable source of energy for those TMLP customers who cannot participate in the successful residential solar program, which saw an increase of 40 residential solar projects completed during 2016, resulting in an additional $175,500 in solar rebates. TMLP's total solar connected power at year end was 19,418,644 kWh produced, and 6,826,510 kWh consumed by 129 residential and 24 commercial customers, and four solar farms. Energy conservation efforts were boosted by the 255-thermal imaging and energy audits performed for residential and commercial customers, in addition to the 446 appliance rebates that were awarded to residential customers for the purchase of qualified appliances. The ongoing replacement of mercury street lights with LED lights continued with the installation of 894 lights, resulting in a savings of 686,431 kWh since the program began.

Service reliability was at the forefront of TMLP projects throughout the community, including the completion of the Station #16 switchgear upgrade and the approval of a new Buss Ring at the Cleary Flood Station, as well as a new substation.

Service to electric and internet customers was enhanced with a new call center which increased efficiency and streamlined operations, leading to more one-on-one customer service opportunities. A new online payment system was also implemented to improve customer experience.

TMLP staff continued to support the communities in the service territory and beyond, with generous donations to local, regional and national charitable organizations and participation in community events throughout the year. As it has for the past several years, TMLP continued its business partnership with the Leddy School and supported community events by hanging nine promotional banners as well as holiday lights for community organizations. TMLP also completed the Coyle Cassidy Field lights during the past year. The biennial residential and commercial customer satisfaction survey that was conducted in 2016 gave high marks to TMLP. Our residential and commercial customers gave us high marks and positive ratings across the board, with a highly-satisfied response when asked about their interaction with customer service and field representatives.