INSIDER
OUC’s proposed PeakSHIFT program sparks debate about energy costs, solar impact
Read full article: OUC’s proposed PeakSHIFT program sparks debate about energy costs, solar impactThe plan, which introduces a new demand-based pricing model, could add $5 to $15 to customers’ monthly bills based on their energy usage during peak hours.
Orlando family’s appliances fried after bamboo damages power line. Utility won’t help
Read full article: Orlando family’s appliances fried after bamboo damages power line. Utility won’t helpAn Orlando family was surprised when a problem with a power line ended up frying some high-dollar equipment in their home.
Summer heat causing record-breaking energy usage, Orlando Utilities Commission says
Read full article: Summer heat causing record-breaking energy usage, Orlando Utilities Commission saysTemperatures are reaching all-time highs, but Central Florida residents are at risk for more than just heat-related illness.
💡‘It’s critical:’ OUC partnership with UCF students help create tech to further solar energy
Read full article: 💡‘It’s critical:’ OUC partnership with UCF students help create tech to further solar energyIt's science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) that is fueling sustainable energy options. An Orlando utility company is turning to students to take solar power to the next level.
Here’s how OUC is preparing for any hurricanes that could strike this season
Read full article: Here’s how OUC is preparing for any hurricanes that could strike this seasonHurricane season is in full swing, and while it’s been fairly calm so far, years in recent past have been a different story.
Thousands of runners race in OUC half marathon
Read full article: Thousands of runners race in OUC half marathonORLANDO, Fla. – Thousands of runners are excited to be racing again during the first in-person marathon since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Two thousand runners participated in the OUC half marathon that raced its way through downtown Orlando Saturday morning. Thousands of runners race in OUC half marathonRunners wore masks before and after the race, but they didn’t have to wear face coverings while running. Betsy Hughes with Track Shack, which organized the race, said they also spaced out the groups and asked runners wait on orange dots for their turn. “I think they were able to still have the race which is awesome, and I think everybody is taking precautions,” Herndon said.
Lawsuit claiming OUC power plant was contaminating homes dismissed
Read full article: Lawsuit claiming OUC power plant was contaminating homes dismissedORLANDO, Fla. – A lawsuit claiming contamination of residential properties from an Orlando Utilities Commission power plant has been dismissed, according to court records. The order to dismiss came at the request of attorneys representing the group of residents who filed the lawsuit. “From the outset, OUC has been confident that Plaintiffs’ claims were unsupported by any sound science and inconsistent with data reported by the Florida Department of Health. Plaintiffs’ request to dismiss this lawsuit with prejudice fully confirms that their claims had no merit.”[TRENDING: Safe to shop during pandemic? While the case has been dismissed, Bullock said attorneys with OUC are also working to vacate an earlier ruling they believe was incorrect.
How the Orlando Utilities Commission is trying to end coal-fired generation
Read full article: How the Orlando Utilities Commission is trying to end coal-fired generation“You really have to pair battery storage, we call it energy storage, with solar,” Ferrone explained. Ferrone said there is a lot of technology involved with solar energy and it continues to change. If you would like to know more about how OUC plans to achieve Net Zero CO2 Emissions by 2050, use the links below download this week’s episode of Florida’s Fourth Estate. Each week they have a guest host who helps give an irreverent look at the issues impacting the Sunshine State. Listen to the full episode of Florida’s Fourth Estate on iTunes here or on Sticher here.
OUC crews head to the gulf coast to assist in Hurricane Laura aftermath
Read full article: OUC crews head to the gulf coast to assist in Hurricane Laura aftermathORLANDO, Fla. A dozen linemen from the Orlando Utilities Commission are heading to Lafayette, Louisiana to help thousands who lost power on Thursday from Hurricane Laura. "The main thing is to get these people back to some sort of normalcy," Barnes said. Barnes said he's helped restore power after several hurricanes in Florida and this mission will be the first time for some of his colleagues. Crews are making a stop in Mississippi Thursday night before they arrive in Louisiana on Friday. Its not clear when they will be returning home, but OUC spokesperson believes it could take a couple of weeks.
OUC customers: Heres how you can get help with your bill
Read full article: OUC customers: Heres how you can get help with your billORANGE COUNTY, Fla. OUC customers who are struggling to pay their power and water bill due to the coronavirus pandemic are invited to apply for financial relief. The company said that its board of commissioners met earlier this year and approved a $12.1 million customer relief package. Of that, $2.6 million was allocated to Project CARE to provide bill payment assistance. Since April, 24,000 customers have been helped through the program but as of Wednesday, $1.5 million remains available to those in need. We understand that these are unprecedented times with unexpected hardships, which is why were offering relief and payment plans to help our community, general manager and CEO Clint Bullock said.
Fatal crash closes stretch of Colonial Drive in Orlando
Read full article: Fatal crash closes stretch of Colonial Drive in OrlandoORLANDO, Fla. A fatal crash Monday morning has forced Orlando police to close a busy stretch of Colonial Drive. The wreck was reported at Hyer Avenue and Colonial Drive, which is closed from Mills Avenue to Summerlin Avenue. Orlando police said the traffic lights are out Mills Avenue from Amelia Street to Marks Street. We are asking citizens to find an alternate route at this time, police said in an email. Details about the crash have not been released.
OUC disconnections for nonpayment begin next week but there is help available
Read full article: OUC disconnections for nonpayment begin next week but there is help availableORLANDO, Fla. – Utility companies are resuming disconnections for non-payment as some people begin returning to work despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and the rising number of cases in Florida. The Orlando Utility Commission will begin those cut offs on July 14. An OUC spokesperson said the company does not want to disconnect anyone and there is help available. A program through the United Way is also available and households can receive up to $500 over a year to help pay for utilities. Contact the United Way by phone by dialing 2-1-1, by texting your zip code to 898-211 or visiting the 211 website.
OUC plans to resume disconnections in July
Read full article: OUC plans to resume disconnections in JulyService disconnections for non-payment resume July 13, 2020, and late fees will be reinstated August 3, OUC said. This includes financial support up to $500 through OUCs Project CARE. For more information on OUCs Project CARE click or tap here. OUC is asking neighbors to help neighbors by donating to Project CARE. Click on Project CARE and select the blue Enroll in Project CARE button, OUC said.
Orlando Science Center, OUC bring STEM lessons straight to schools
Read full article: Orlando Science Center, OUC bring STEM lessons straight to schoolsORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Science Center and OUC are taking real-life STEM lessons on the road to Orange and Osceola County fifth graders. Project A.W.E.S.O.M.E. “Being able to collaborate and work on the 21st century skills is something we always try to push at the Science Center. OUC is the sponsor and primary founder of Project A.W.E.S.O.M.E. To learn more about programs at the Orlando Science Center, click here.