Joules

Batavia, IL, (pop. 20,300) is studying a municipal broadband communications system that would provide high-speed data services for city businesses, homes, schools, and other customers. The system envisioned by city fathers would use a fiber-optic network extension of the municipal utility. The system would provide cable TV and telephone services, and provide a conduit for interactive data such as the Internet. The system would take advantage of provisions in the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996: Because Batavia has its own utility, the Act overrides state and local barriers to electric utilities providing phone service.

A 50-Mw addition to the Thompson Falls Hydroelectric Station will provide power to 267,000 customers on the Montana Power Co. System. The project is a joint venture of Kiewit Western Co. and Stone and Webster Engineering.

A Carolina Power & Light Co. nuclear power unit set a record for continuous operation of a boiling water reactor: 581 days. (The previous record: 534 days.) The new record was set by Unit 2 of a 754-Mw plant in Southport, NC.

The Florida Public Service Commission received more than 2,300 "slamming" complaints involving nearly 120 companies last year. ("Slamming" means switching a consumer's long-distance service without her consent.) The Florida PSC says that slamming will no longer be tolerated; such complaints represent nearly 30 percent of all those logged with the PSC.

Four utilities have announced plans to join with information providers for various services:

s PECO Energy Co.'s new venture with AT&T Wireless PCS, Inc. will offer PCS to the Philadelphia metro area.