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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT
I recently finished reading Malcolm Gladwell’s David and Goliath, an interesting look at overcoming challenges and turning weakness into strength. If you are familiar with Gladwell’s other works, you know that he has a great way of taking rather dense material and presenting it in an entertaining and enlightening way. David and Goliath is no different. Without spoiling the surprise, the main premise of the book is that while we have always thought of David as the underdog, the reality is that it may have been Goliath who never had a chance (click here to watch Gladwell tell the story). In fact, in many cases disadvantages and long odds often lead individuals and organizations to achieve the unimaginable in such a way that those weaknesses actually become strengths. It is a truly fascinating read and I encourage everyone to pick it up if you have a chance.
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ASSOCIATION HAPPENINGS
We're pleased to announce a new voluntary benefit for our pet-loving members. Healthy Paws Pet Insurance covers everything that matters including accidents, illnesses, cancer, emergency care, genetic conditions, and much more.
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NEPPA welcomes new associate member Veracity Connect, which offers a cloud-based, mobile-enabled platform designed to help utilities manage mutual aid, critical spares, and surplus assets.
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It’s not too late to join our Engineering Kickoff set for March 16 at the NEPPA Training Center in Littleton, Mass. Hosted by NEPPA’s Engineering Committee, the kickoff will feature three speakers, plus a drone demonstration. Find more details here and register now.

Here’s a peek at what will be covered during Flexible Generation in Volatile Markets by Joe Ferrari of Wartsila North America, Inc.
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Associate member AvCom, Inc. is partnering with Power Monitors, Inc. to present a Lunch and Learn seminar on power quality issues March 15 from 9 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. at the NEPPA Training Center, Littleton, Mass.
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NEPPA will offer the Public Utility Management Program on April 27-29 at the Omni Mt. Washington Resort in Bretton Woods, N.H.

This program is aimed at current and rising utility managers, business managers, customer service leaders and commissioners. It is designed to orient new managers and commissioners, and to keep incumbent managers and commissioners up-to-date in the industry.
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The American Public Power Association offers educational webinars that you and/or your staff can access through any computer. This month, subjects range from the legal obligations of public power governing boards to what you should know about purchasing cyber insurance, and an "Electric Utility 101" series on substations. NEPPA members get the APPA discounted price with coupon code NEPPA. Details...  
 
PEOPLE
Joe Sollecito began March 1 as the new Director of Mansfield, Mass. Municipal Electric Department, after nearly 17 years as Customer Care Manager for the Taunton, Mass. Municipal Light Plant.

Joe succeeded Gary Babin, who retired from Mansfield Electric in December.
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Leonard Ferreira, Middleton Electric Light Department’s Facilities Coordinator (Line Foreman), retired February 29 after 37 years of service. Kenneth Rollins, formerly a Working Foreman at MELD, succeeded him.
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Walter A. Foskett and Diedre T. Lawrence, formerly of Burke & Foskett, LLC have joined the law firm of Duncan & Allen as Of Counsel, and have opened a New England office for Duncan & Allen at 35 Braintree Hill Office Park in Braintree, Mass.
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CALENDAR
March 29 - April 1
April 12 - 15
May 3 - 6
May 24 - 27

This 16-day program will combine classroom instruction with hands-on, practical applications in the field. The class will be held at the NEPPA Training Center in Littleton, Mass., and in our new substation training area. Click here to learn more.
 
March 28
April 11
May 2
May 23
September 19
October 3
November 14
December 5

This 8-day program will provide an in-depth review of advanced metering concepts, technologies and applications for public power meter professionals.The class will be held at the NEPPA Training Center in Littleton, Mass. Click here to learn more.
 
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
On Feb. 2, the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and Power held a legislative hearing on eight energy infrastructure bills, including H.R. 2984, the "Fair Ratepayer Accountability, Transparency, and Efficiency Standards (RATES) Act" by Rep. Joe Kennedy III (D-MA). H.R. 2984 would provide ratepayers with an avenue to challenge potentially unjust and unreasonable rates that go into effect under operation of law, for example, if the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) "deadlocks" in a 2-2 vote on a challenged rate. Under the Federal Power Act, a deadlock does not produce a FERC Order and therefore cannot be reconsidered or reviewed by a court.
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On Feb. 4, the Senate failed to reach the 60-vote threshold to proceed to a vote on S. 2012, the "Energy Policy Modernization Act." The once-bipartisan bill lost momentum the prior afternoon, when Senate Democrats refused to move forward on further amendments until Senators could come to an agreement on emergency relief funding for the city of Flint, Mich.
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On Feb. 9, the White House sent Congress its $4.1 trillion fiscal year (FY) 2017 budget proposal. This is the last budget the Obama administration will compile, and it has received a poor reception from the Republican-controlled Congress.
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On Feb. 9, the U.S. Supreme Court granted a stay halting implementation of the Obama Administration’s flagship climate initiative, the Clean Power Plan. The action prevents the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from continuing actions in connection with the rule, including accepting and evaluating initial plans from states, until the Supreme Court makes a final ruling on the merits of the case challenging the rule.
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On Feb. 16, a bipartisan group of 17 governors signed a "Governors’ Accord for a New Energy Future" to boost renewable energy, reduce transportation emissions, and modernize the electric grid. The plan provides a platform for participating states to collaborate and partner in energy planning and policy making.
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Miller, Balis & O'Neil PC
Baron USA, Inc.
SGC Engineering, LLC
Sempra Energy Trading
Mohawk Ltd.
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