Agenda - 09-26-2005-2 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

September 21, 2005 Page 2 Mr. Moses. Carey. Jr. district is sending an official letter to Duke Power, asking them Co release Che Cerritory to PiedmonC Electric, a request that is likely to be denied.. The Board of Education will likely appeal Duke Power's expected response to the North Cazolina Utilities Commission, asking that they either require Duke Power to release the territory to Piedmont Electric or that they require Duke Power to provide underground service across the easement at no charge to the district. At this point, we believe that we have three options for' obtaining service fiom Duke Power, assuming the likelihood that the Utilities Commission does noC rule in our favor: Option 1: Most desirable Supply power underground fiom the drop point to the lift station at a cost of $50,000 to $75,000, and from the lift station east along West Ten Road to the southeast corner of the property at a cost of $100,000 - $175,000. The Board of Education feels very strongly that Duke Power should assume the cost of this option. Option 2 Supply power overhead along the east side of the retention pond, between the pond and the athletic field; run lines underground to the building transformer, then overhead across the front of the school in the easement area. The Board feels that the overhead lines would be particularly unsightly in these locations.. The cost would be approximately $2,000 for the underground portion of the power supply. Option 3: Least desirable Supply power overhead along the west and south sides of the retention pond; run lines underground to the building transformer, then overhead across the front of the school in the easement area. This option would require the construction and maintenance of a commercial grade access road in order for Duke to erect and maintain the lines. The cosC for the road is estimated at $150,OOQ and the cost for Che underground portion of the power supply would be about $2,000. The Board of Education agrees with the Special Use Permit requirement to have underground power lines and will vigorously seek Option 1, while possibly pursuing efforts to get the Utilities Commission to release the territory Co PiedmonC Electric- However, timing is critical, and any delay in obtaining electrical power would mean that the school would not be ready to open in time. If the Board chooses to pursue an appeal to the Utilities Commission, it could be months before they could even hear our case. Unfortunately, we cannot afford to wait. Because of the urgency, we are asking the Board of County Commissioners to help us by providing the approximately $250,000 necessary, to proceed with the design and installation of the lines -while we continue our efforts to obtain power without incurring the additional costs. We appreciate your consideration of this matter and hope that you will let us know as quickly as possible so that we can move forward on this essential constuction step. Sincerely, Shirley Can'away, Ed,D. SuperintendenC /pmc cc: Mr John Link, County Manager Orange County Board of Education