Westminster and Blue Ridge are striking a deal

Westminster City Council gave preliminary approval last night to an ordinance to welcome Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative in an operation and management arrangement.  The city is a retail electric power customer of “PMPA” — a municipal electric wholesale consortium based in Greer.  As explained by city administrator Kevin Bronson, the deal with Blue Ridge is a year-to-year arrangement in which Westminster can count on Blue Ridge help in emergencies and other situations.  The city is retaining two valuable linemen and seeks to hire two more.  According to Bronson, Blue Ridge is to be compensated for at cost-services.  If the assistance requires a Blue Ridge subcontractor, the remuneration shall be at cost plus 5%.