July 17, 1998
Christina [rest of address left out for privacy]
Dear Customer:
Thank you for your questions regarding the impact of the year 2000 on Florida Power. Unfortunately, due to the volume of inquiries we receive on this topic, we are unable to respond to individual questions.
I can assure you that we take this situation very seriously and significant efforts are underway to address the year 2000 date change. We have a comprehensive plan with regard to computer hardware, software, applications and embedded technology related to power generation, delivery and customer service. We believe these actions will prevent the year 2000 from having a significant impact on the service our customers receive.
Sincerely
FLORIDA POWER CORPORATION
[signed]
Arthuur D. Sciarrotta Vice President, Information Technology
My $0.02 on this letter
Back to the letter:
Weak...very weak, in the first paragraph alone the company tends to get one in the sub-human mode of thought..."Gee, maybe I'm not important enough to get a personal response"...heh, try sending them "impersonal" instead of YOUR personal money.
In the second paragraph, if they are taking the situation seriously, why not seriously enough to have an already made PR [detailed] letter for their bloodline, us, as their customers?? Seems Commissioner Harris didn't have a problem.
"significant efforts are underway" -- What significant efforts, what do these efforts tell you so far??? "Comprehensive plan?" Ok...now we are talking the meat huh...oops, they left out the comprehensive plan as far as telling us what it is.
When you visit the FPL website you should keep in mind, that up until August 98, they had a page showing some good stats, one mentioned was they had completed 1% of their embedded systems work, and were 14% completed in assessment.
Not great information to hear, however, it did give one some place to start. In August their page changed, no more stats, just word problems...remember them in school?? Anyway, they begin by informing you that FPL started their work in 1995, futher on in the report they state they are half-way through their work. Well folks, simple math says they won't even be able to be ready for a year of necessary testing....that their present work will take them to 2001. In the meantime, what does FPL, businesses, hospitals, emergency services like police etc. do with no power, no paychecks due to inability for businesses to operate, banks to do business, and keep that flow of cash into FPL for continued work?? Depend on Georgia?? Doubt it, Atlantic Energy has reported that they can bill customers, but, not supply services. It's going to be a mad dash nationally to find places to plug into.
Also what actions will prevent the year 2000 from having a "significant impact" -- to me this letter is a waste and should fall under the save the trees campaign as a good example of a bad example, so that everyone will know what a good example is!
Pinellas County Commssioner Harris's Response
City of St. Petersburg