ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 31, 2001 – Roger Fontes from a joint action agency in California was selected Jan. 26, 2001, as the Florida Municipal Power Agency’s (FMPA) new General Manager and CEO, to replace John C. “Claude” L’Engle, who has announced his retirement.

Fontes comes to FMPA with 31 years of experience in the utility industry. For the past 20 years he has served the Northern California Power Agency (NCPA). Currently, he is assistant general manager responsible for legislative and regulatory affairs. Previously, Fontes was system planning and development manager for NCPA from 1981 to 1987.

Prior to joining NCPA, Fontes was employed by the California Energy Commission from 1976 to 1981 as chief energy engineer and office manager, and he was with the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power from 1971 to 1976.

Fontes is co-founder and executive committee member of the Transmission Access Policy Study Group (TAPS), an association of transmission-dependent utilities and other supporters of non-discriminatory transmission access and vigorously competitive wholesale electric markets. FMPA is a member of TAPS.

Fontes is also active with the American Public Power Association (APPA), the national service organization for public power utilities. He is a member and past chair of APPA’s Legislative and Resolutions Committee.

Fontes has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from California State University and a master’s in environmental engineering from the University of Southern California.

Vince Ruano, chair of FMPA’s general manager search committee, said, “Roger is personable, articulate and has excellent industry knowledge. He is very knowledgeable in areas that are important to FMPA, and his experience in the California electric market will be an asset for our organization.”

Fontes will join FMPA on March 5 and assume the responsibilities of General Manager and CEO. Claude L’Engle will stay on in an advisory role at least through the end of March.