Carroll County Electric Board Approves Cybersecurity Revisions, Relay Panel Bid

The Carroll County Electric Board approved revisions to the Carroll County Electric Department’s (CCED) Cyber/Information Security Policy during its May 28 meeting. The board also awarded Birmingham Control Systems’ bid for the purchase of two relay panels and associated relay equipment at the Huntingdon Primary Substation.

CCED General Manager Ryan Drewry discussed two revisions made to the department’s Cyber/Information Security Policy.

The revisions introduced additional security measures recently implemented through Central Service Association’s Single Sign-on and added a new section within “Acceptable Use of the Internet,” addressing Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The board then reviewed bids to purchase two relay panels and associated equipment at the Huntingdon Primary Substation, which is undergoing updates.

Allen & Hoschall provided the bid tabulation and recommendation letter, suggesting that the board award the bid to Birmingham Control Systems at $72,990. Birmingham Control Systems had the cheapest bid price but the longest estimated delivery time — 22-24 weeks.

KVA, Inc.’s bid was priced at $85,595 with a delivery time of 20-22 weeks. WESA also placed a bid, priced at $84,334 with a delivery time of 8-10 weeks.

Jamie Glosson added insight into the increased capability, flexibility, visibility and reliability measures gained on the 161kV delivery from TVA with the replacement relay panels and equipment as compared to the current electromechanical relay panels.

The board awarded the bid to Birmingham Control Systems.

Under old business, Drewry informed board members of updates to the upcoming Flip the Switch event at the Trezevant Silicon Ranch solar site. During this event, CCED will invite schools and individuals to the solar site for tours. CCED has begun working with Silicon Ranch’s marketing and communications team to coordinate the event, with initial discussions targeting early September for the event.

During the month of May, CCED — alongside the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) — participated in several check presentations at Carroll County schools.

McKenzie Elementary School received a TVA School Uplift Learning Environment Grant in the amount of $25,000. Second-grade teacher Kelly Simmons spearheaded McKenzie Elementary School’s efforts in receiving the award.

Four schools received $5,000 TVA STEM grants: Huntingdon Primary School, Huntingdon Middle School, Huntingdon High School and McKenzie Middle School.

The electric board heard public comments from Richard Lestienne, who presented a “Cease and Desist” letter to Laura Keeton, CCED’s company attorney. Lestienne said the letter was related to CCED’s access to his property at 4505 Old Stage Road, Huntingdon. His primary request was for CCED or its contractors to notify him before accessing his property.

Keeton received Lestienne’s letter and explained that CCED is not obligated to provide notification before accessing individuals’ properties.

The Carroll County Electric Board’s next meeting is Thursday, June 25, at 2:30 p.m. in the Carroll County Electric Department Board Room, 103 W Paris Street, Huntingdon, Tenn. 38344.