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NJ A T T R F N F R G Y L RIVERSIDE PUBLIC UTILITIES .�19& Board Memorandum P U B L I C U T I L I T I E S BOARD OF PUBLIC UTILITIES DATE: AUGUST 26, 2019 ITEM NO: 8 SUBJECT: AMERICAN PUBLIC POWER ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DUES IN THE AMOUNT OF $66,937 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019-20 ISSUE: Recommend that the Board of Public Utilities approve payment of the annual membership dues for the American Public Power Association in the amount of $66,937 for Fiscal Year 2019-20. RECOMMENDATION: That the Board of Public Utilities approve the payment of annual membership dues for the American Public Power Association in the amount of $66,937 for Fiscal Year 2019-20. BACKGROUND: Riverside Public Utilities (RPU) has been a member of the American Public Power Association (APPA) since 1967. It has been past practice to pay the Riverside membership dues through the Southern California Public Power Association (SCPPA). This was initiated in order to qualify SCPPA as an organization for a discounted membership fee because all of its members committed to be members of APPA. Upon further research, staff learned that membership dues would be the same amount whether paid directly to APPA or through SCPPA. Because there is no additional financial benefit and to improve the accountability and transparency of the transaction, staff has discontinued past practice and will not pay APPA membership dues directly to APPA. The APPA membership is presented to the Board of Public Utilities for approval based on the requirements of the City's Purchasing Resolution No. 23256. DISCUSSION: The APPA, based in the Washington, D.C. metro area, is the service organization for the nation's more than 2,000 community -owned electric utilities. It was created in 1940 as a nonprofit, non-partisan organization to advance the public policy interests of its members and their consumers, and provide member services to ensure reliable, environmentally responsible electric service at a reasonable price. APPA partners with its members to promote public power, helping community -owned utilities deliver superior services through joint advocacy, education, and collaboration. Its vision is to shape the future of public power to drive a new era of community -owned electric service. APPA membership affords all employees of member utilities access to a range of information and resources to assist them in serving their customers. Benefits of membership include: