In & Around ECG

Red Flag Rule Deadline Extended

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is further delaying enforcement of the “Red Flags” Rule to prevent Identity Theft through December 31, 2010. The delay is to allow more time for Congress to consider legislation that would affect the scope of entities covered by the Rule. The original deadline to be in compliance with the Rule was November 1, 2008.

The Rule was meant to develop regulations requiring “creditors” and “financial institutions” to address the risk of identity theft. It requires that entities with “covered accounts” develop and implement written identity theft prevention programs to help identify, detect, and respond to patterns, practices, or specific activities, known as “red flags” to recognize identity theft.

The Rule became effective on January 1, 2009, allowing 10 months for full compliance. The FTC has issued several Enforcement Policies delaying the enforcement of the Rule to allow Congress time to finalize legislation that would limit the scope of business covered by the Rule.

Electric Cities of Georgia is committed to following this issue on behalf of its Participants. As new information arises, we will work to help our cities and commissions to prepare for any requirements that are federally mandated to prevent identity theft.

ECG Signs Agreement With FMPA

ECG and FMPA (the generation and transmission organization for Florida municipalities) have executed an agreement under which ECG will provide training and safety services to 11 municipal electric systems located throughout the state of Florida. The 11 Florida cities represent 211 additional employees participating in our training programs and safety meetings.

Many of these cities have been participating in our Apprentice Lineworker program for some time; almost 50 Florida lineworkers have completed the lineworker program. This new agreement is in effect until 2011, and ECG has added Florida staff member, Mike McCleary. He conducts sessions for cities located from the panhandle to the keys.

ECG Works With Power Supplier to Get Funding

ECG assisted MEAG Power, power supplier to ECG’s communities, secure a $12.2 million federal stimulus grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. ECG staff worked as a resource to align outside consultants with MEAG Power to win the award.

“There was a very narrow window of time to submit an application. Yet MEAG Power pulled it off. It took teamwork and willingness to dedicate staff to the initiative. Our communities will now share the benefit,” Powell explains.

With the multi-million dollar award, MEAG Power will install a new generation of equipment in its substations that will either assist in system communication or the automation of processes.

"MEAG Power plans to use the stimulus money to improve and accelerate smart grid capabilities within our system and within the communities that MEAG Power serves,” explains vice-president Gary Schaeff.

The funding is a part of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act for smart grid improvements on the statewide transmission system. The Obama administration has identified 100 projects to develop smart-grid technology to improve the reliability of transmitting electricity nationwide. MEAG Power learned of the grant award in November 2009. Click here to go to the ARRA Updates Page.