Lakeland Electric to share $724,000 GenTrader software costs across pool; city share $724k over three years

Lakeland Electric staff and city utility representatives presented a change order to consolidate and extend software and licensing agreements with PowerCost Inc. for GenTrader and related settlement systems used by the Florida Municipal Power Pool. Staff said the consolidation will align contract terms through Dec. 31, 2028, and add hosted services and storage.

"The total cost for the 3 year term is $2,600,000. However, that's the total cost that's shared amongst all the entities. So Lakeland Electric's or the city's cost is 724,000 for that 3 year term," a utility presenter said. Staff added that $250,000 of that amount is budgeted in Lakeland Electric's FY26 budget for year one; the remainder will be scheduled across the pooled partners and subsequent budgets.

Presenters explained GenTrader is used for production‑cost modeling and economic dispatch as part of pooled generation planning; the consolidated agreement also includes reconciliation and back‑office modules that support purchasing and sales across pooled utilities. The change order will go to the formal commission agenda for approval of the retroactive term and budget treatment.