Kissimmee Utility Authority News

Hurricane Preparedness Guide Available in Spanish

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:44:36 GMT

KISSIMMEE, Fla., July 10, 2009 – Kissimmee Utility Authority (KUA) today announced that its comprehensive hurricane preparedness guide is now available in Spanish.

The 2009 Osceola Hurricane Handbook, which is offered annually to Osceola County residents, was developed by the utility to help individuals and families prepare for the potentially devastating effects of hurricanes, tropical storms and other natural disasters.

The 40-page handbook is packed with important information on hurricanes and floods, plus helpful phone numbers, a disaster supplies checklist and a hurricane tracking chart.

The full-color guide can be downloaded in both Spanish and English from KUA's Web site at www.kua.com/hurricane.

KUA serves its Spanish language customers through a variety of channels, including a multilingual call center, assorted publications and free energy audits to encourage energy efficiency in the home.

Founded in 1901, KUA (www.kua.com) is Florida's sixth largest community-owned utility providing electric and telecommunication services to 62,000 customers in Osceola County, Fla.

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Chris M. Gent
(407) 933-9836
cgent@kua.com

KUA Customer Satisfaction Up in 2009

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 19:30:14 GMT

KISSIMMEE, Fla., July 9, 2009 – Kissimmee Utility Authority customers are mostly satisfied with their electric utility, according to the results of an annual customer satisfaction survey released Thursday by the utility.

The 36-question survey—which covered reliability, customer service, billing and payment, utility image and communications—was conducted by telephone in May by Coconut Creek, Fla.-based research firm PMG Associates, Inc.

The results showed improvement in almost every category over the previous year’s survey. Responses were measured on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the highest.

Response	2009	2008
Overall customer satisfaction	7.71	7.61
Day-to-day service	7.90	7.58
Providing a bill that’s easy to understand	7.43	7.26
Planning and investing in infrastructure	6.94	6.71
Protecting the environment	6.98	6.63
Concern for customer safety	7.37	7.23
Convenient payment options	7.76	7.54
Concern for customer needs	7.56	7.32
Following through on promises made	7.26	6.70
Having knowledgeable employees	7.63	7.46
Having courteous employees	7.68	7.49

Customers expressed confidence on issues involving KUA’s general operations and management. They expressed trust in KUA as an organization, seeing it as a well-run utility that is accountable for its actions.

In the area of customer service, customers gave positive marks for the prompt manner in which their calls were answered, and that their needs were met on the first call or visit.

“I am very pleased with the feedback we have received, and I am especially pleased with our strong ratings in customer service,” said KUA president and general manager Jim Welsh. “The survey results confirm KUA’s strong relationship with its customers and the confidence they have in our utility.”

The survey also revealed several areas where improvement is needed. Action items will be developed by utility staff to address these areas.

Founded in 1901, KUA (www.kua.com) is Florida's sixth largest community-owned utility providing electric and telecommunication services to 62,000 customers in Osceola County, Fla.

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Chris M. Gent
(407) 933-9836
cgent@kua.com

KUA Board Adopts $260 Million Budget

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 21:29:31 GMT

KISSIMMEE, Fla., July 8, 2009 – Kissimmee Utility Authority on Wednesday approved an operating budget and capital program for fiscal year 2010 that includes no base rate increase, avoids cuts in services and funds reliability enhancements to the utility’s infrastructure.

The utility’s board of directors adopted a $260 million budget, a $36 million decrease from fiscal year 2009’s $296 million budget.

The adopted budget includes $142 million for fuel and purchased power and $22 million for construction and capital expenditures. The majority of the capital expenditures are related to growth and reliability enhancements to KUA's transmission and distribution system.

The budget includes $15 million in transfers to the city of Kissimmee and Osceola County for electric sales and taxes.

The budget reflects a decrease of three positions from the authorized 311 positions, decreasing KUA’s total employee base to 308 with an associated payroll of $26 million. Other cost-cutting measures affecting employees include no cost of living increases or annual performance increases in 2010.

Customer growth in 2010 is expected to rise 3.6 percent, while energy sales are forecasted to increase by 2.1 percent.

No base rate increases are planned for the new budget year, which begins Oct. 1.

Founded in 1901, KUA (www.kua.com) is Florida's sixth largest community-owned utility providing electric and telecommunication services to 62,000 customers in Osceola County, Fla.

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Chris M. Gent
(407) 933-9836
cgent@kua.com

KUA to Host Hurricane Preparedness Expo

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 19:09:31 GMT

KISSIMMEE, Fla., July 1, 2009 – To assist residents in preparing for hurricane season, Kissimmee Utility Authority (KUA) will host the 2009 Osceola Hurricane Preparedness Expo from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 1 at the Kissimmee Civic Center. The event is free and open to the public.

Residents who attend the expo can learn ways to protect their home and loved ones from a potential disaster. The expo will feature presentations from emergency responders on power restoration, generator safety, tree trimming, debris collection, and county and city disaster response. The format will also provide an opportunity for residents to ask questions.

More than 20 exhibitors are expected to participate, including representatives from KUA, Osceola County Emergency Management, City of Kissimmee, Toho Water Authority, Osceola County Council on Aging, University of Florida's IFAS Osceola County Extension, South Florida Water Management District, American Red Cross, Florida Division of Emergency Management and the local club of the Amateur Radio Emergency Service. Emergency response vehicles will also be on display.

Those who attend will receive a printed copy of the utility's 2009 Osceola Hurricane Handbook. The 40-page guide includes practical tips to prepare for hurricanes and floods, plus helpful Osceola County telephone numbers, a disaster supplies checklist and a hurricane tracking chart.

All residents are encouraged to attend, especially those who are new to the area or inexperienced in dealing with hurricanes.

Refreshments will be served and those who attend will be eligible for several door prizes.

The Kissimmee Civic Center is located at 201 E. Dakin Ave. in downtown Kissimmee.

Founded in 1901, KUA (www.kua.com) is Florida's sixth largest community-owned utility providing electric and telecommunication services to 62,000 customers in Osceola County, Fla.

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Chris M. Gent
(407) 933-9836
cgent@kua.com

Report Kissimmee Streetlight Outages Via Twitter

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:41:09 GMT

KISSIMMEE, Fla., July 1, 2009 – With more than 15,000 streetlights to maintain, Kissimmee Utility Authority relies on its customers to help identify streetlights that are malfunctioning or in need of repair. Now those outage reports can be sent to the utility using the micro-blogging service Twitter.

Customers with Twitter accounts can send a message, called a tweet, with the phrase #kuaalerts to notify KUA of a streetlight outage. The utility asks that the tweet also include the light pole number (a number located on the base of the pole), the nearest address or major cross streets and a contact phone number in case someone from the utility needs to follow up.

A typical tweet to KUA might look something like this:

Light out Pole 12345 Thacker Ave and Carroll St 407-933-7777 #kuaalerts
Streetlight outages can also be reported via the utility’s website or by telephone at (407) 933-9800.

Signing up for a Twitter account is free and takes only a minute. To subscribe, go to KUA’s profile page (http://twitter.com/KUAalerts) and click on "Join today!" Think of a username, fill in a password, provide a valid email address and create an account. Participants can unsubscribe from the service at any time.

Note: There is no charge to report a streetlight outage, but standard text messaging rates or bundles may apply from your carrier.

Founded in 1901, KUA (www.kua.com) is Florida's sixth largest community-owned utility providing electric and telecommunication services to 62,000 customers in Osceola County, Fla.

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Chris M. Gent
(407) 933-9836
cgent@kua.com

Nancy Gemskie Receives National Public Power Award

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 18:31:37 GMT

KISSIMMEE, Fla., June 22, 2009 – Kissimmee Utility Authority (KUA) vice chairman Nancy Gemskie received the American Public Power Association’s (APPA) Spence Vanderlinden Public Official Award at the association’s national conference held last week in Salt Lake City, Utah. The award recognizes elected or appointed officials whose contributions to APPA and their communities have enhanced public power nationally.

The retired president and CEO of a Chicago, Ill.-based insurance company, Gemskie moved to Kissimmee in 1995. She served as chairman of KUA from 2004-2008.

Gemskie currently serves on APPA's Policy Makers Council. She also chairs the Florida Municipal Power Agency’s Policy Makers Liaisons Committee and she serves on the Legislative and Resolutions Committee for the Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA). In 2004, she was honored by FMEA as its Member of the Year.

Nancy previously served on the City of Kissimmee’s Board of Adjustments and as risk management consultant for the advisory board that oversees Kissimmee’s municipal airport.

Award Background
This award was initiated in 1984 to recognize personal service to APPA by elected and appointed officials. It honors Spence Vanderlinden of Harlan, Iowa, first chair of APPA’s Policy Makers Council.

About APPA
The American Public Power Association (www.appanet.org) is the service organization for the nation's more than 2,000 community-owned electric utilities that serve more than 45 million Americans.

About KUA
Founded in 1901, KUA (www.kua.com) is Florida's sixth largest community-owned utility providing electric and telecommunication services to 62,000 customers in Osceola County, Fla.

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Chris M. Gent
(407) 933-9836
cgent@kua.com

KUA Releases 2009 Hurricane Preparedness Guide

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 12:27:34 GMT

KISSIMMEE, Fla., June 2, 2009 – Kissimmee Utility Authority (KUA) today released its 2009 Osceola Hurricane Handbook, a free comprehensive preparedness guide offered annually to Osceola County residents.

The 40-page handbook has been revised, updated and enhanced by the utility to provide residents with the most current and up-to-date information available. The guide includes information on emergency shelters, evacuation routes, generator safety and power outage restoration as well as helpful telephone numbers, a disaster supplies checklist and a hurricane tracking chart.

The handbook can be downloaded from KUA's website at www.kua.com/hurricane.

Printed copies of the handbook will be available, beginning June 12, in the lobby of KUA's customer service center, located at 1701 W. Carroll Street in Kissimmee.

To receive a copy of the printed handbook by mail, residents should contact KUA at (407) 933-9838 or by e-mail at hurricane@kua.com.

Founded in 1901, KUA (www.kua.com) is Florida's sixth largest community-owned utility providing electric and telecommunication services to 62,000 customers in Osceola County, Fla.

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Chris M. Gent
(407) 933-9836
cgent@kua.com

Annual Report Honored in International Competition

Fri, 29 May 2009 20:19:02 GMT

KISSIMMEE, Fla., May 29, 2009 – Kissimmee Utility Authority's 2007 interactive annual report has earned an award of distinction in the 2009 Communicator Awards, an international awards program that honors excellence in print, audio/visual and interactive communication.

Entries are judged by communications professionals who look for companies and individuals whose work exceeds industry standards in both quality and achievement. More than 7,000 entries were received from throughout the United States and several foreign countries in this year’s competition.

The online report, titled "That’s the Way it Grows," reviews the utility's 2007 performance and details how the utility is meeting the demands of a growing customer base. The report is available online at http://www.kua.com/annualreport.

KUA has earned 226 local, state, national and international communication awards for public relations programs, events and publications since 1995.

Founded in 1901, KUA (www.kua.com) is Florida's sixth largest community-owned utility providing electric and telecommunication services to 62,000 customers in Osceola County, Fla.

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Chris M. Gent
(407) 933-9836
cgent@kua.com

Follow Kissimmee Power Outages on Twitter

Thu, 28 May 2009 20:48:51 GMT

KISSIMMEE, Fla., May 28, 2009 – In preparation for the start of hurricane season on June 1, customers of Kissimmee Utility Authority can now receive updates on major power outages via Twitter at http://twitter.com/KUAalerts.

The Twitter updates compliment the KUA Alerts outage notification service that was launched by the utility in 2005.

After a hurricane or severe storm passes through the area, KUA will post regular messages, called tweets, with updates on power restoration progress in Kissimmee. Customers can follow the tweets on their cell phones, via instant messaging, RSS or on the Internet.

Signing up for a Twitter account is free and takes only a minute. To subscribe to the outage alerts, go to KUA’s profile page (http://twitter.com/KUAalerts) and click on "Join today!" Think of a username, fill in a password, provide a valid email address and create an account. Once completed, account holders will automatically be following the outage alerts. Participants can unsubscribe from the service at any time.

KUA also maintains a general news page on Twitter at http://twitter.com/KUAdirect.

Note: There are no charges for the updates, but standard text messaging rates or bundles may apply from your carrier.

About Twitter
Twitter (www.twitter.com) is a free micro-blogging service that enables its users to send and read other users' updates known as tweets.

About KUA
Founded in 1901, KUA (www.kua.com) is Florida's sixth largest community-owned utility providing electric and telecommunication services to 62,000 customers in Osceola County, Fla.

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Chris M. Gent
(407) 933-9836
cgent@kua.com

Kissimmee City Commission Confirms Kasper to KUA Board

Wed, 20 May 2009 12:11:09 GMT

KISSIMMEE, Fla., May 20, 2009 – The Kissimmee City Commission on Tuesday voted unanimously to confirm the appointment of real estate broker Jim Kasper to a second term on the Kissimmee Utility Authority board of directors, effective October 1.

Jim Kasper is owner of Kasper Real Estate in Orlando. He holds a degree from Orlando Junior College and is a 45-year resident of Kissimmee. Kasper previously served on the City of Kissimmee Parks and Recreation Board and Osceola County's Development Board.

Kasper will be sworn in at the board's October meeting and serve until September 30, 2014.

The five-member board is made up of utility customers who reside both inside and outside Kissimmee city limits. The board sets policy direction, approves annual budgets, sets rates and approves major purchases. The board also directs a general manager who is responsible for day-to-day operations of the utility.

Founded in 1901, KUA (www.kua.com) is Florida's sixth largest community-owned utility providing electric and telecommunication services to 62,000 customers in Osceola County, Fla.

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Chris M. Gent
(407) 933-9836
cgent@kua.com

Utility Offices Closed for Memorial Day

Tue, 19 May 2009 12:07:57 GMT

KISSIMMEE, Fla., May 19, 2009 – Kissimmee Utility Authority’s customer service center and administrative offices will be closed in observance of Memorial Day on Monday, May 25.

Regular utility business hours will resume on Tuesday, May 26.

Memorial Day commemorates U.S. men and women who have died in military service to their country.

Customers wishing to make a bill payment over the holiday weekend can do so through the utility’s automated telephone system at 407-933-7777, online at www.kua.com or at any area Amscot Financial or 7-Eleven convenience store location.

KUA's 24-hour outage number is 407-933-9898. If power goes out, customers should notify KUA immediately.

Founded in 1901, KUA (www.kua.com) is Florida's sixth largest community-owned utility providing electric and telecommunication services to 62,000 customers in Osceola County, Fla.

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Chris M. Gent
(407) 933-9836
cgent@kua.com

Utility Board Taps Kasper for Second Term

Thu, 14 May 2009 00:36:56 GMT

KISSIMMEE, Fla., May 13, 2009 – At a meeting of the Kissimmee Utility Authority (KUA) board of directors held today, the board interviewed two applicants and selected Jim Kasper to serve a second five-year term on the utility's governing board.

Kasper’s name will go before the Kissimmee City Commission on May 19 for final confirmation. If confirmed, he will be sworn in at the board's October meeting and serve until September 30, 2014.

Jim Kasper is a real estate broker and owner of Kasper Real Estate in Orlando. He holds a degree from Orlando Junior College and is a 45-year resident of Kissimmee. Kasper previously served on the City of Kissimmee Parks and Recreation Board and Osceola County's Development Board.

The utility's five-member board of directors sets policy direction for the utility. Specifically, the board approves annual budgets, sets rates and approves major purchases. The board also directs a general manager who is responsible for day-to-day operations of the utility.

Founded in 1901, KUA (www.kua.com) is Florida's sixth largest community-owned utility providing electric and telecommunication services to 62,000 customers in Osceola County, Fla.

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Chris M. Gent
(407) 933-9836
cgent@kua.com

Three Apply for Utility Board

Fri, 01 May 2009 21:09:01 GMT

KISSIMMEE, Fla., May 1, 2009 – Three individuals have submitted applications to fill a vacancy on the Kissimmee Utility Authority board of directors. The deadline for completed applications was 5 p.m. on May 1.

The five-year term of director Jim Kasper expires on Sept. 30, 2009, leaving the open seat. Kasper is eligible for renomination.

Applicants must be current residents of the city of Kissimmee and should demonstrate a successful business or professional management career.

The applicants are:

– Beulah Farquharson, 333 Blue Bayou Dr., is a business owner specializing in real estate, taxes and pre-owned car sales. She holds a diploma from the New York School of Printing. Farquharson is a 19-year resident of Osceola County and currently serves as president of the Buenaventura Lakes Community Association.

– Jim Kasper, 303 Drury Ave., is a real estate broker and owner of Kasper Real Estate in Orlando. He holds a degree from Orlando Junior College. Kasper is a 45-year resident of Kissimmee and previously served on the City of Kissimmee Parks and Recreation Board and Osceola County's Development Board.

– Kathleen Thacker, 225 Lind Ave., is a retired school psychologist from Orange County Public Schools. She holds degrees from Florida State University and Western Carolina University. Thacker is a six-year resident of Kissimmee and a graduate of the Kissimmee School of Government.

The KUA board will interview applicants at a special meeting at 4:00 p.m. on May 13. The board will then select one applicant whose name will go before the Kissimmee City Commission on May 19 for final confirmation. The candidate confirmed by the city commission will be sworn in at the board's October meeting.

Founded in 1901, KUA (www.kua.com) is Florida's sixth largest community-owned utility providing electric and telecommunication services to 62,000 customers in Osceola County, Fla.

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Chris M. Gent
(407) 933-9836
cgent@kua.com

KUA Launches Interactive 2008 Annual Report

Fri, 01 May 2009 17:59:19 GMT

KISSIMMEE, Fla., May 1, 2009 – Kissimmee Utility Authority today released its 2008 annual report.

This year’s report -- titled “Hometown Solutions” -- is available exclusively online in an effort to conserve resources during these tough economic times. No printed copies will be produced.

Developed as an informational resource, the annual report treats visitors to a whimsical online experience and allows them to learn about the utility while exploring the Kissimmee area along the way. The report features illustrations of familiar community landmarks, a short narrative at each stop, and complete financial highlights with downloadable statements, charts and graphs.

“The report is meant to be educational and to make you smile,” said Chris Gent, KUA’s vice president of corporate communications. “Be sure to turn up your speakers and enjoy.”

The report can be accessed at www.kua.com/annualreport.

Among the utility's highlights for 2008:

• Operating revenue grew by 7.4 percent to $208.6 million from $194.3 in 2007.
• Operating expenses increased by 9.5 percent to $193.0 million from $176.3 million in 2007.
• KUA assets exceeded liabilities by $157.9 million (net assets). Of this amount, $34.5 million is available to be used to meet ongoing obligations to customers and creditors.
• The utility's total outstanding long-term debt decreased 5.9 percent to $230.2 million.

Founded in 1901, KUA (www.kua.com) is Florida's sixth largest community-owned utility providing electric and telecommunication services to 62,000 customers in Osceola County, Fla.

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Chris M. Gent
(407) 933-9836
cgent@kua.com

Gemskie Appointed to National Public Power Council

Fri, 01 May 2009 15:32:50 GMT

KISSIMMEE, Fla., May 1, 2009 – Kissimmee Utility Authority (KUA) vice chairman Nancy Gemskie has been appointed by the American Public Power Association to a three-year term on its Policy Makers Council.

The council assists APPA in promoting federal legislation that is important to public power systems like KUA while opposing harmful legislation. It also provides advice on other issues of importance to APPA. Members of the council meet a minimum of twice a year, and participate in meetings with elected representatives and congressional staff for the purposes of supporting APPA’s national legislative agenda.

The Council is made up of 40 members who serve on either utility boards or are elected officials in public power communities throughout the United States. Gemskie will represent the Atlantic Region, which includes Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and Delaware.

Gemskie joined the KUA board of directors in October 2000 and has served as director, assistant secretary, secretary, vice chairman and chairman. She currently chairs the Florida Municipal Power Agency’s Policy Makers Liaisons Committee, and she serves on the Legislative and Resolutions Committee for the Florida Municipal Electric Association.

About APPA
APPA (www.appanet.org) is the Washington, D.C.–based national service organization representing the nation’s more than 2,000 not-for- profit, community-owned electric utilities that serve approximately 45 million consumers.

About KUA
Founded in 1901, KUA (www.kua.com) is Florida's sixth largest community-owned utility providing electric and telecommunication services to 62,000 customers in Osceola County, Fla.

# # #

Chris M. Gent
(407) 933-9836
cgent@kua.com

KUA Wins 3 PR Awards

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 15:38:41 GMT

KISSIMMEE, Fla., April 24, 2009 – Kissimmee Utility Authority (KUA) won three awards Thursday evening at the 2009 Image Awards, an annual competition sponsored by the Orlando Area Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association. The winners were announced at a dinner held at CityArts Factory in downtown Orlando.

The utility earned one of the competition's biggest honors – a Grand Image Award -- as well as two Image Awards. Only three Grand Image Awards are handed out each year.

The Image Awards competition recognizes companies that exhibit and employ comprehensive public relations projects that meet the highest standards of excellence in four components of PR programming: research, planning, execution and evaluation.

An Image Award is presented to the top-scoring entry in each category. Image Award winners in each division are automatically considered for the Grand Image Award, representing the finest examples of public relations programming in Central Florida.

In the annual report category, KUA received an Image Award for its 2007 annual report. The 46-page report, titled "That’s the Way it Grows," reviews the utility's 2007 performance and details how the utility is meeting the demands of a growing customer base. The report is available online at http://www.kua.com/Corporate/Press/Reports/Index.aspx.

In the poster and calendar category, KUA received a Grand Image Award and an Image Award for its 2009 calendar of electrical safety. The full-color wall calendar features artwork from Osceola County students that reinforces key safety messages and warns of the danger of contact with electricity. Copies of the calendar -- 12,000 in all -- were provided free of charge to utility customers.

KUA’s winning entries will now advance to FPRA's statewide level of competition, the Golden Image Awards. Those awards will be announced on August 11 in Boca Raton.

KUA has earned 225 local, state, national and international communication awards for public relations programs, events and publications since 1995.

Founded in 1901, KUA (www.kua.com) is Florida's sixth largest community-owned utility providing electric and telecommunication services to 62,000 customers in Osceola County, Fla.

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Chris M. Gent
(407) 933-9836
cgent@kua.com

Utility to Stage Mock Disaster

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 18:30:11 GMT

KISSIMMEE, Fla., April 21, 2009 – In an effort to test the response time and operational readiness of its personnel, Kissimmee Utility Authority (KUA) will conduct a full-scale mock disaster exercise on Wednesday, April 22.

The drill will involve a wide range of activities, including both live-action training as well as table top exercises. Activities will include pre- and post-hurricane scenarios that will be handled with the same intensity as real-life incidents.

A team of evaluators will be on the scene to observe the strengths and weaknesses of the utility. These observations will be shared with utility management in a post debriefing.

“One of the primary goals for us is to learn where our shortfalls are,” said Jef Gray, vice president of information technology and this year’s drill coordinator. “We want to identify these shortfalls now so they can be addressed prior to the start of hurricane season.”

The drill will not impact normal utility operations.

The Atlantic Hurricane Season begins on June 1 and ends on November 30. The nation's top hurricane forecaster, Dr. William Gray from Colorado State University, is predicting 12 named storms this year, with six of those becoming hurricanes.

Founded in 1901, KUA (www.kua.com) is Florida's sixth largest community-owned utility providing electric and telecommunication services to 62,000 customers in Osceola County, Fla.

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Chris M. Gent
(407) 933-9836
cgent@kua.com

KUA Earns National Award for Reliable Electric Operations

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 14:28:13 GMT

KISSIMMEE, Fla., April 20, 2009 – The American Public Power Association (APPA) has awarded its Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3) platinum award to the Kissimmee Utility Authority (KUA) for its outstanding achievement in providing safe and reliable electricity to its customers.

KUA was one of 60 utilities honored nationwide.

Paul Allen, vice president of engineering at Nashville Electric Service and chair of APPA’s RP3 Review Panel, presented the award to KUA at the association’s recent Engineering & Operations Technical Conference in Austin, Texas.

The RP3 designation recognizes public power utilities that demonstrate proficiency in four key disciplines: reliability, safety, training and system improvement. Criteria within each category are based on sound business practices, and represent a utility-wide commitment to safe and reliable delivery of electricity.

“KUA is proud to be recognized among our peers as having one of the best operating records in the industry,” said Jim Welsh, KUA president and general manager. “This recognition underscores our continued commitment to deliver affordable, safe and reliable energy services to the people and businesses of Kissimmee.”

KUA previously earned the RP3 designation in 2007. The designation is active for two years, after which time a utility must reapply.

About APPA
Headquartered in Washington, DC, APPA (www.appanet.org) is the national service organization for the nation's more than 2,000 community- and state-owned electric utilities serving 45 million people.

About KUA
Founded in 1901, KUA (www.kua.com) is Florida's sixth largest community-owned utility providing electric and telecommunication services to 62,000 customers in Osceola County, Fla.

# # #

Chris M. Gent
(407) 933-9836
cgent@kua.com

Utility Annual Report Wins District Silver ADDY Award

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 13:10:36 GMT

KISSIMMEE, Fla., April 15, 2009 – Kissimmee Utility Authority's 2007 annual report has received a silver ADDY® award from the Third District of the American Advertising Federation (AAF). The report previously earned a gold ADDY® at the local level of competition.

Conducted annually by the AAF, the ADDY® Awards is a three-tier competition recognizing creative excellence and the very best advertising worldwide. Concurrently, all across the country, local entrants vie for recognition as the very best in their markets. At the second tier, local winners compete against other winners in one of 14 District competitions. District winners are then forwarded to the third tier, the national ADDY® Awards competition.

KUA’s 46-page annual report, titled "That’s the Way it Grows," reviews the utility's performance and details how operational seeds planted by the utility blossomed to meet the demands of a growing customer base.

The annual report was produced by KUA's corporate communications department with assistance from graphic design firm Popcorn Initiative, photographer Eric Sutton and illustrator Kim Fox. The report is available online at http://www.kua.com/corporate.

Founded in 1901, KUA (www.kua.com) is Florida's sixth largest community-owned utility providing electric and telecommunication services to 62,000 customers in Osceola County, Fla.

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Chris M. Gent
(407) 933-9836
cgent@kua.com

KUA Seeks Board Candidates

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 15:05:58 GMT

KISSIMMEE, Fla., April 2, 2009 – Kissimmee Utility Authority (KUA) is seeking individuals interested in appointment to the utility's board of directors. The deadline for completed applications is 5 p.m. on May 1.

The outgoing director, real estate broker Jim Kasper, is eligible for reappointment to the five-member board.

Applicants must be current residents of the city of Kissimmee and should demonstrate a successful business or professional management career.

The KUA board of directors sets policy direction for the utility. Specifically, the board approves annual budgets, sets rates and approves major purchases. The board also directs a general manager who is responsible for day-to-day operation of the utility.

The board holds regular business meetings on the first Wednesday of each month at 3:30 p.m. Workshop meetings, generally devoted to a single subject, are held on an as-needed basis. In addition, board members represent the utility in various local, regional and national organizations.

The term of a director is five years and an individual can serve two consecutive terms. Board positions are non-paid.

Application forms can be picked up in the office of the President & General Manager, Kissimmee Utility Authority, 1701 W. Carroll Street, Kissimmee, FL 34741 or requested by email at jkambros@kua.com.

Founded in 1901, KUA (www.kua.com) is Florida's sixth largest community-owned utility providing electric and telecommunication services to 62,000 customers in Osceola County, Fla.

# # #

Chris M. Gent
(407) 933-9836
cgent@kua.com