I sent an e-mail to the y2k manager, Keith Stapleton, at Sam Houston Electric Co-op. This is the major part of his response [comments from me in brackets, your comments on letter are welcome]:
"Thank you for your y2k inquiry. ETEC, SRG&T, and Tex-La do not generate or distribute electricity. These companies are responsible for purchasing electricity for SHECO and other cooperatives...
Yes, SHECO has in some cases received responses from vendors indicating equipment to be non-compliant. None of this equipment is critical to power delivery. As previously indicated, these devices either have been, or will be upgraded or replaced. It behooves no one for a vendor to withhold information or mislead clients regarding compliance. SHECO is fortunate to have solid relationships with industry leaders.
SHECO's SCADA system is a product of the QEI company. The equipment is new, so minimal upgrades are required. QEI has not yet scheduled a specific date for the SHECO upgrade. SCADA itself is not required for power delivery. It is a tool that is used for remote monitoring and control of some field devices. It makes us operate more efficiently, but SCADA can be taken completely off-line without affecting the flow of electricity.
The electricity that SHECO sells comes from a variety of sources. Through ownership interest and contracts, the power that SHECO delivers comes from the Nelson 6 Coal Unit in Louisiana, the ISES 2 Coal Unit in Arkansas, and Sam Rayburn Dam. The remainder is purchased on the market from various sources. These entities are under the watchful eyes of NERC, just as SHECO is.
The North America Energy/Reliability Council, the Public Utilities Commission, and the US Department of Energy are closely monitoring SHECO and its power suppliers to ensure compliance.
Thank you for your interest and concern,
Keith Stapleton
There it is. Appreciate comments, Marcella.
-- Anonymous, February 24, 1999
Content - pretty good (did you post your
original email on this forum? What did you
ask him specifically?)
Tone - also pretty good (not the usual PR
blathering)
Veracity - Sounds like he knows what he is
talking about and is unafraid to share that
with a customer.
Bob Selzler
-- Anonymous, February 25, 1999