September 2009
www.misec.org
Inside This Issue:
President
Jim Hilgendorf, Superintendent, Johannesburg-Lewiston Schools
Past President
Michael Dewey, Superintendent, Bay-Arenac ISD
Vice President
Robert Brady, Associate Director Business Services, Waterford School District
Mitch Bart, Director of Facilities, Kent ISD
Ken Simon, Facilities Manager, Ingham ISD
Pam Smart, Business Office Supervisor, Van Buren
Public Schools
John Stoner, Director of Facilities, Operations & Transportation, Rochester Community Schools
Secretary/Treasurer
Ray Telman, Executive Director,
MCEA
Ex-officio Member To The Executive Committee
David Martell, Executive Director,
MSBO
Did You Know?MISEC also provides its members with regulatory and legislative representation and is a very active participant in those arenas. As a matter of fact, MISEC is recognized as the only organization that represents the K-12 community on issues pertaining to energy.
MISEC Is Currently Offering Electric Prices Lower Than Your Local Utility Rates
Over the past few weeks we have seen a very dramatic drop in the long-term price of wholesale electricity. While local utilities are predicted to continue to rise, MISEC is currently in the position to offer your district fixed, long-term pricing that is less than what you are currently paying. If you are interested in a quote or free analysis, please feel free to contact Jan Rogers, Client Energy Manager at 888.345.0440 ext. 26.
Explaining the Cap on Michigan Power Competition
Last year for the first time, a cap has been placed on the number of customers allowed to participate in the Electric Choice program.
What was the purpose of the 10% cap in last year's electric legislation?
The law that passed 10 months ago (PA 141), guarantees Consumers Energy and Detroit Edison 90% of the market in their service territory. The utilities say they need a guaranteed customer base if they're going to finance power plants and infrastructure to meet Michigan's future energy needs.
What does it mean for MISEC schools that we have hit the 10% cap?
For Consumers Energy school districts that are currently participating in Electric Choice, they can still add new accounts to Choice. However for districts not participating, we can get them "in line" to start in case the cap is expanded/adjusted.
What does it mean if your school district is a DTE customer?
DTE has not yet hit their 10% cap. In fact, they have only filled about 3% - 4% of their cap. However, what we have learned is that the cap can fill up fast, so if you are interested in checking out the potential savings contact MISEC.
What should schools do who are interested in MISEC?
If you are interested, or even just curious, about potential savings on the Electric Choice rate, fax (269-345-1785) one DTE or Consumers Energy bill per account to MISEC. MISEC will provide you a savings analysis based on today's supply prices.
Negotiating the Best Price for Energy
Negotiating the best price for natural gas and/or electricity in today's deregulated environment is a time-consuming and complex task. MISEC’s energy purchasing service is designed to save Michigan’s K-12 community money as well as unburdening them from having to figure out which of the price components, rates, and plans best fit the needs of your district.
As a member of the program, MISEC will:
- Prepare a "request for bid" with the appropriate bid specifications and disseminate it to relevant suppliers;
- Negotiate with suppliers as necessary to reduce each member's natural gas/electricity expense to the lowest possible cost;
- Review and audit all billing records (supplier and utility) to ensure that they are indeed invoicing as agreed;
- Coordinate the original account set-up as well as any subsequent account changes or set-ups; and
- Resolve any problems that may arise.
MISEC is the largest school energy cooperative in the country and is operated by an independent board that includes superintendents and school business officials elected by its member districts.
Partners:
