Wind Turbines Output Fractionally Higher than 2017 Numbers

Lamar Light and Power Superintendent, Houssin Hourieh, told the Lamar Utilities Board, the wind turbine generation data for 2018 indicated that Lamar’s three turbines have generated 10,599.57 MWH’s of electricity, about 0.18% higher than what was produced in 2017. The turbines have an average capacity factor of 26.34% which is lower than last year by about 2.14%.  Since the turbines were installed in 2003, 2010 was the best year, followed by 2008 and 2012.  Several of the turbines were down for several weeks last year due to needed repairs.  The Utility Board met in regular session on Tuesday, January 29^th.

The Light Plant’s distribution system was impacted by high wind and snow on Friday, January 18^th and at 4:20pm the recloser device behind the old K-Mart on North Main Street tripped open to clear a fault on the line which caused by a burned power pole behind the building.  Power was restored at 6:44pm and the short outage affected the northern section of Lamar from Love’s to the Truck Plaza.

Applications are being accepted by the Utilities Board for the 2019/2020 scholarship program which is open to high school seniors from Lamar, Wiley and McClave. This year’s topic is “Discuss both the negative and positive aspects of rapid reduction in the nation’s coal generation sources.”  The scholarship application is available online and may be obtained from each of the school’s guidance counselors.  Each winner received a $500 scholarship each from the Lamar Utilities Board and from ARPA, Arkansas River Power Authority.  Applications must be returned by April 19, 2019 and winners will be announced on May 10, 2019.

The customer presentation to the board regarding solar interconnect with the Lamar Utilities Board was tabled until February 26^th.  Information is being compiled by Prowers Economic Prosperity and other entities for discussion.

LUB member, Clifford Boxley will attend the ARPA monthly board meeting via a weblink on Thursday, January 31^st at 9am along with Lamar’s delegates.  The Board has presented a resolution to ARPA regarding the potential sale of bonds to Tri-State G & T.

By Russ Baldwin