Getting a handle on Westminster power costs

At its meeting next week, Westminster leaders are set for action on their efforts to improve the city’s environment for business development.  The city council will consider awarding a $50,500 dollar contract to a firm of engineers and consultants to make an electric power rate study.  The elected leaders are looking to “UTEC”—Utility Technical Engineering-Consultants of the Carolinas—-for recommendations to lower the cost of the city’s electric power purchased wholesale.  Westminster is locked into a long-term wholesale contract with PMPA—Piedmont Municipal Power Agency of Greer.  Critics claim the cost for the electric power at the retail level is too high and places a burden on commercial customers.