Federal help suggested for Westminster

When it comes to Westminster’s electric power arrangements, the county councilman for that city would like to re-energize an old idea.  After last night’s meeting, Councilman Joel Thrift said 15 years ago he looked into the possibility of federal help to relieve the city of its financial obligations with PMPA, its wholesale supplier.  But it was an idea that went nowhere back then.  Maybe, Thrift suggests, it could be the answer now.  He would like to see his city check with Congressman Duncan and Senator Graham about the possibility of the federal government’s REA—the Rural Electrification Administration.  Created by President Roosevelt in the 30s, the REA was first conceived as a way to pay to get electric power to the nation’s farms.  As a member city of the PMPA, Westminster is under a long-running contract that obligates the city for its share to pay for part ownership of a nuclear unit.  Mayor Brian Ramey says he’s aware of the idea, but he considers it unlikely.  Ramey says, “We are looking at other means to lower the rate.  Hope to have some ideas soon.”