DT Froedge, a former member of the Glasgow EPB, attends a political event Oct. 27, 2021. Froedge’s reappointment was voted down by the Glasgow City Council in early January.
(BRENNAN CRAIN/WCLU NEWS)
GLASGOW — “I’m not upset about leaving. This was something I didn’t like doing, but I needed to do,” said DT Froedge in a departure letter following his last meeting as a member of the Glasgow Electric Plant Board.
Froedge issued the statement Jan. 25 to employees of the Glasgow EPB and the media.
Harold Armstrong, Glasgow mayor, recommended the council renew his board membership. The Glasgow City Council voted against Froedge’s reappointment.
Froedge described the economic gap in Glasgow as a motive for many of his decisions he made while on the board. He was a major proponent against the former “infotricity,” a non-volumetric electric model implemented in 2015.
“Glasgow is not a wealthy town filled with wealthy citizens,” Froedge said.
Froedge often spoke out against the model and led the turning over of it last summer. He also advocated for the termination of William Ray, the former Glasgow EPB superintendent. Ray was also an advocate for the infotricity rate structure.
Ray stepped into a consulting role and was provided a $250,000 payout as opposed to a formal termination.
“This plant was bought and paid for by the citizens of this town who wanted a better deal on their electric prices,” Froedge said. “It’s my view that the customers of this plant own it and they should share any benefits equally.”
Froedge recommended the board continue to hold the Tennessee Valley Authority accountable in its indication to drop the residential base rate of electricity. He said he’d like to see the rate decrease to about $15 per month “consistent with SCRTC.”
SCRTC does not provide electricity to consumers. It’s likely Froedge meant to describe Farmer’s RECC, which was often an example provided by proponents against the infotricity model.
“A low base rate helps keep the price per kilowatt the same for everyone,” Froedge said.
He also recommended the GEPB audit its internet and computer security alongside enhancing its email security.
“I don’t know about others, but I’m certain at times my personal email was breached,” Froedge said.
He also described his wish that the utility’s $4,500 monthly donation to the Community Relief Fund be upkept. He suggested the process undergo a regular audit to ensure it’s the “correct amount.”
The outgoing board member closed his letter with a hope the board wouldn’t return to timed, demand-based charges or varying rates for residential customers.
“Having some people pay different rates for the same product, no matter how altruistically or thoughtfully intended, breaks the community into groups that soon resent each other,” Froedge said.
View the entire letter here.
Another appointment is yet to be approved by the Glasgow City Council.
