NEPPA eNewsletter

NEPPA Members Join Public Power Colleagues in Washington to Review Legislative Priorities with Congressional Delegation

March 2010 -- Intro
Over thirty-five public power officials from throughout New England traveled to Washington, DC, in February, to join their colleagues from around the country at the annual Legislative Rally of the American Public Power Association. While there, they met with each state's Congressional Delegation and discussed several legislative and policy issues of importance to New England.

Learning Anytime, Anywhere

March 2010 -- The Learning Corner
By Rockie Blunt, Director of Training and Education No classrooms, textbooks or final exams; just the kind of education that goes on all day, every day, in a public utility - it is called informal learning.

Tap in to a Reserve of Public Power Expertise on Utility Management Strategies

March 2010 -- Intro
By Walter McGrath, Regional Sales Representative Hometown Connections Called an Organization Check Up (OCU), the review by Hometown Connections looks at common areas of operating an electric utility and provides a specific assessment of those systems that exist currently, as well as those needed in the future.

NEPPA Offers Members an Inspirational Poster

March 2010 -- Education & Training Update
"I Chose to Look the Other Way" NEPPA has had 12" x 18" laminated posters printed for distribution to member utilities. This well-known poem sends a message about safety on the job and will serve as a constant reminder to lineworkers as they prepare for their day, to look out for each other. To receive copies, please contact Sharon Davis at 508-482-5906 or sdavis@neppa.org.

Dr. Paul Powers to Speak on Stress Management for Customer Service Professionials

March 2010 -- Association Happenings
Management psychologist and author Dr. Paul Powers will be a speaker at NEPPA's 2010 Customer Service Conference, which will take place on Friday, May 7, at the Heritage Museums & Gardens in Sandwich, Mass. Powers is a popular speaker and seminar leader and was a keynote speaker at NEPPA's 2007 Annual Conference.

Annual Conference Keynote Speaker to Address Courageous Leadership

March 2010 -- Association Happenings
Dale Collie, author and professional speaker, will be the keynote speaker at NEPPA's 2010 Annual Conference. He will discuss "Courageous Leadership: Using the leadership skills of U.S. Army Rangers to help key utility leaders succeed in tough times."

It's Time for a Checkup!

March 2010 -- Executive Directors Report
by Patrick Hyland As most of us appreciate more with each passing year, regular checkups are an important part of a healthy lifestyle. They provide a blueprint for making changes that can improve the quality and longevity of our lives.

Learning Like Grown-Ups

February 2010 -- Education & Training Update
By Rockie Blunt Director of Training and Education When someone mentions "learning," what images come to mind -- an old classroom with rows of wooden desks bolted to the floor?

Electrical Safety and First Responders

February 2010 -- Executive Directors Report
By Pat Hyland In every community, electrical safety is not just an issue for electric workers. "First responders," who typically are police officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians, are very often confronted with electrical safety issues when they respond to accidents, natural disasters or other dangerous conditions.

Customer Service Conference Planned for May

February 2010 -- Association Happenings
For the past nine years, the NEPPA Customer Service Conference has served as a successful venue for the sharing of information, ideas and as an inspiration for public power customer service professionals throughout New England.

Safety & Operations Conference Scheduled for June 9 - 10

February 2010 -- Intro
The annual NEPPA Safety & Operations Conference will be held on June 9 - 10 at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel in Fitchburg, Mass. The conference will include an all-day trade show on June 9 in the adjoining Exhibit Hall, which will also feature demonstrations throughout the day by participating exhibitors.

Introducing a New Energy Efficiency Interactive Website

February 2010 -- Articles of Interest
To help promote and support the energy efficiency activities of public power utilities, the Alliance to Save Energy, American Public Power Association and Large Public Power Council have partnered to bring you a new interactive web resource.

Northeast needs representation on the FERC

December 2009 -- Executive Directors Report
By Pat Hyland It is long past time that a member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission came from the Northeast United States.

Contractual risk transfer is topic of presentation

December 2009 -- Legislative Update
PURMA was invited to speak at the Municipal Electric Utilities Association of New York States' Account & Finance Workshop. Diane Belanger, the executive director of PURMA, chose to focus her session presentation on the objectives, guidelines and processes of contractual risk transfer.

Employees and customers as ambassadors for your organization

December 2009 -- Articles of Interest
by Robin Schell Senior Counsel & Partner Jackson Jackson & Wagner As we often tell clients, everyone that works for your company is an ambassador for that company (whether you want them to be or not!) The key is to capitalize on the concept...

Power Systems Review course held

December 2009 -- Association Happenings
NEPPA's first-ever Power Systems Review course was held in early November and was attended by 26 engineers and technicians from public power systems around New England.

Holden manager to step down after 24 years at the helm

December 2009 -- Around New England
For Brian Bullock, it is a bittersweet time in his career in municipal government management. In early 2010, after nearly a quarter century of service as town manager of Holden, Massachusetts, he will step away from his duties and the daily pressures of running a town government and a municipal light department.

Affiliates recognized at NEPPA Membership Meeting

December 2009 -- Intro
The 2009 NEPPA Membership Meeting had a special purpose this year: to recognize the many companies and individuals who make up the association's corporate and associate membership, and to thank them for their support of the association and their service to NEPPA members. To this end, many affiliates accepted invitations to attend the meeting, speak briefly about their companies and provide written materials about their products and services.

NEPPA donates to the Gift of Warmth campaign

December 2009 -- Intro
The Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund (GNEF) kicked off its 25th annual campaign with a breakfast in Boston on November 19, and NEPPA was one of the Fund sponsors in attendance that presented their company donation to the Fund.

NEPPA offers lineworker continuing education program

December 2009 -- Education & Training Update
Realizing that a lineworker's learning needs continue beyond the Apprentice Lineworker Program, NEPPA is offering continuing education opportunities for graduates of the program as well as for those individuals whose careers began before the program was established.

Substation technical training planned for 2010

December 2009 -- Education & Training Update
NEPPA will offer a one-year certificate program in substation training in 2010. It will involve 16 days that will run from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Thank you!

December 2009 -- Association Happenings
In addition to its member utilities, NEPPA also has a large number of non-utility members, which provide a variety of services to the utility industry.

Membership has its privileges

November 2009 -- Executive Directors Report
by Pat Hyland NEPPA has over 100 corporate and associate members in its ranks: they want to know you, and they want you to know them. For these reasons, the NEPPA Board of Directors, acting on the recommendation of the Membership & Marketing Committee, have dedicated this year's Membership Meeting to our affiliate members.

TAPS Group holds fall meeting in Portland

November 2009 -- Intro
Addresses issues relating to new transmission siting and cost allocation Nearly 40 public power officials from around the country gathered in Portland, Maine, in late October for the fall meeting of the Transmission Access Policy Study Group (TAPS).

Large audience turns out for first Engineering & Technical Roundtable

November 2009 -- Intro
NEPPA's first roundtable for public power engineers and technical personnel drew a large and enthusiastic audience on October 14 at the Devens Common Center in Devens, Massachusetts.

Smart grid technology is on its way

November 2009 -- Around New England
Concord voters approval of a $4.5 million investment in smart grid technology means that Concord Light will soon become the first utility in the state to use this cutting-edge development in utility system design.

Belmont Light votes to decrease power charge

November 2009 -- Around New England
Belmont Municipal Light Department (BMLD) Board of Light Commission recently voted to decrease its power charge by $0.01/kWh. The decrease will mean a savings of 5.7 percent or approximately $7.50 for a residential customer using 750 kWh each month.

Human Resource professionals hold roundtable

November 2009 -- Association Happenings
Human resource professionals from public power systems in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island met for a roundtable in early October, hosted by the Reading Municipal Light Department.

Retirement issues discussed at GF's Roundtable

November 2009 -- Association Happenings
Participants at NEPPA's General Foreman's Roundtable learned some valuable tips about retirement options from Herbert K. Daroff, J.D., an estate and planning specialist from Baystate Financial Services.

Crew Leadership program held in October

November 2009 -- Association Happenings
NEPPA's Crew Leadership, a professional training program for public power field supervisors, was held in October.

Double poles "revisited" investigating the future of double pole remediation

November 2009 -- Articles of Interest
By Michael Colapietro President and CEO of InQuest Technologies, Inc. It was a typical day on Main Street until the buzz of the busy street was interrupted with the sound of screeching tires that ended rather abruptly. What happened?

NEPPA holds its 44th Annual Conference on Cape Cod

October 2009 -- Intro
Pristine weather graced NEPPA's 44th Annual Conference held at the Ocean Edge Resort in Brewster Mass. The event, held in September, featured a strong speaking program, valuable roundtable discussions and social events that included a lobster bake, a golf tournament and a chocolate fountain.

NEPPA members line up for Smart Grid grants

October 2009 -- Intro
Stimulus funds attract many public power systems in New England The opportunity to obtain federal funding for investments in "smart grid" technologies has attracted the interest of many public power systems throughout New England.

FTC extends "Red Flags" deadline

October 2009 -- Intro
The Federal Trade Commission has again deferred the enforcement of its "Red Flags" Rule, this time until November 1, 2009.

A New Home for NEPPA

October 2009 -- Executive Directors Report
by Pat Hyland After a lengthy deliberation over two different proposals made by NEPPA member systems, they voted to undertake negotiations with the Littleton Electric Light and Water Department to construct and lease permanent facilities for the association.

Cooper and Elster team up to deliver demand response solutions

October 2009 -- Around New England
New solution combines the power of Elster's market leading EnergyAxis® advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and Cooper Power Systems innovative demand response solution.

Safety meetings take new approach

October 2009 -- Education & Training Update
NEPPA is in the process of making changes to its Core Safety Training Program for 2010.

New York training class sets poles with "block and tackle"

October 2009 -- Education & Training Update
When third-year apprentice lineworkers in Plattsburg, N.Y., expressed an interest in setting a pole with a block and tackle, NEPPA Trainer Lou Gabriele accommodated them.

Management Made Simple

October 2009 -- Human Resource Corner
A new book by human resources consultant Rick Dacri seeks to simplify the challenging business of successfully managing others. His book is available on his Web site (www.dacri.com).

Dan Golubek honored with NEPPA's Person of the Year Award

October 2009 -- Association Happenings
Earlier this year, NEPPA and public power lost one of its true leaders. Dan Golubek, general manager of the Westfield Gas and Electric Department, passed away in April after a brief illness.

Golf Tournament results

October 2009 -- Association Happenings
First, second and third place prizes were given to golfers at NEPPA's Annual Conference Golf Tournament.

Annual Conference raffle winners

October 2009 -- Association Happenings
NEPPA Annual Conference attendees supported NEPPA's raffle to benefit the Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund. There were eight winners.

Howard named general manager at Westfield G & E

September 2009 -- Intro
Daniel J. Howard is the new general manager of Westfield Gas & Electric. The Municipal Light Board unanimously voted for his appointment during its open meeting on July 22. He replaces Daniel Golubek, who died in April after serving as general manager since 1982.

Back-to-school time

September 2009 -- Executive Directors Report
By Pat Hyland With Labor Day just around the corner, it's back-to-school time for students and back-to-work time for many others returning from summer vacations. Here at NEPPA, our training and educational programs are also ramping up.

NEPPA to host professional roundtables in the fall

September 2009 -- Association Happenings
NEPPA will host two professionial roundtables in the fall - one for human resource professionals and one for engineering and technical personnel. All participants are asked to register in advance, so lunch and adequate seating can be planned.

Annual Conference to address ethical fitness for public officials

September 2009 -- Association Happenings
Alan Goodman, from the Institute for Global Ethics, will open the Tuesday program of NEPPA's annual conference, to be held on Cape Cod in September.

People will run into burning buildings for you

September 2009 -- Human Resource Corner
By Rick Dacri, Dacri & Associates Would your employees follow you into a burning building? Seriously. Would they risk their lives to go into an inferno with you? As far-fetched as that sounds, it happens all the time.

TAPS Group to meet in Maine

September 2009 -- Intro
The Transmission Access Policy Study Group (TAPS) will hold its fall meeting, Oct. 19-20, at the Eastland Park Hotel in Portland, Maine. TAPS is an informal association of transmission-dependent electric utilities in more than 33 states.

OBITUARY - Joseph Roy

September 2009 -- Around New England
Joseph Oscar Roy, 63, of Chicopee, died Wednesday, Aug. 19, at Baystate Medical Center in Chicopee. Born in Lake Placid, N.Y., he was the son of the late Oscar and Rose (Stone) Roy.

NEPPA welcomes two new members

September 2009 -- Around New England
Energy Products LLC and Cranes Aerial Truck Service have joined NEPPA as affiliate members.

Let's hear it for wrong answers

September 2009 -- Education & Training Update
By Rockie Blunt I forget the exact topic the class was discussing, but when the instructor asked a question, one of the linemen paused, thought for a moment, then muttered, "I don't want to say, because it might be the wrong answer."

NEPPA to offer new management program curriculum

September 2009 -- Education & Training Update
NEPPA is happy to announce a unique Public Utility Management Program experience in 2010, inspired by Stephen Covey's groundbreaking book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

Braintree's Watson Generating Station commences operation

August 2009 -- Intro
"Construction of this plant is vital to stabilizing Braintree's electric rates and protecting residents from market forces that we believe will begin to dominate the New England region within the next few years."

FERC issues final rule on wholesale markets

August 2009 -- Intro
...allows small utilities to "opt into" demand response aggregation programs.

Cap and trade and deregulation

August 2009 -- Executive Directors Report
With passage of the "American Clean Energy and Security Act" of 2009 by the House of Representatives in June, a national carbon "cap-and-trade" program becomes more likely to be enacted into law in the current, or next, Congressional session.

Annual Conference addresses wind generation

August 2009 -- Association Happenings
NEPPA's 2009 Annual Conference will feature two speakers who will discuss prospects for offshore wind generation in Massachusetts and the politics and personalities behind the proposed Cape Wind project in Nantucket Sound.

Look online to find utility services

August 2009 -- Association Happenings
The NEPPA Public Communications Committee has organized a database of programs and services that NEPPA utility members offer to their customers, including bill programs and energy conservation programs. This "best practices" database is an invaluable resource for utility employees who are starting new programs but don't want to reinvent the wheel.

Legislation passed to protect northern Maine electric consumers

August 2009 -- Intro
With the strong support and backing of the Houlton Water Company (HWC), legislation was recently passed in Maine designed to protect northern Maine electric consumers from potential rate increases.

Benevolent Fund Golf Tournament winners

August 2009 -- Association Happenings
NEPPA held its annual Benevolent fund Golf Tournament on June 22 in Stow, Mass. and raised $3,200.

PURMA appoints Belanger executive director

August 2009 -- Legislative Update
The PURMA Board of Directors announced that Diane Belanger, who has served as PURMA's director of risk management since December of 2001, has been appointed executive director.

Crew Leadership returns

August 2009 -- Education & Training Update
After a year's absence, NEPPA's popular Crew Leadership program will return this fall, on October 7 and 8 at the Chocksett Inn in Sterling, Mass.

Three-C becomes NETA member

August 2009 -- Around New England
NEPPA associate member, Three-C Electrical Company, Inc., announces its acceptance as a fully accredited member of the International Electrical Testing Association (NETA).

Public power represented at career day

August 2009 -- Around New England
Several Municipal Light Department employees joined others from the public power arena to talk to students interested in career exploration and job-search activities in the energy utility sector. The event took place at The Career Place in Woburn in July.

WMGLD installs automated meter reading system

August 2009 -- Around New England
The Wakefield Municipal Gas & Light Department (WMGLD) has installed more than 2,500 automated meters during the first phase of the department's ongoing program to automate all 18,000 electric and gas meters within the next three years.

Public power in New England reaches for the sun

August 2009 -- Articles of Interest
Electricity produced with solar energy is powering part of the Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company (MMWEC) office building, which is drawing energy from the 48 solar photovoltaic (PV) panels recently installed at MMWEC's Stony Brook Energy Center site.

Pascoag photovoltaic project online

August 2009 -- Articles of Interest
The Pascoag Utility District's Electric Department announced that it's photovoltaic project is online at its headquarters in Pascoag and that electricity consumed at the 253 Pascoag Main Street facility is now being provided in part by solar power.

Braintree installs solar panels on garage roof

August 2009 -- Articles of Interest
Braintree Electric Light Department has installed a photovoltaic array of 48 solar panels on the roof of BELD's Operations garage.

APPA's Crisson addresses CMEEC board meeting

August 2009 -- Around New England
Mark Crisson, president and CEO of the American Public Power Association, addressed Connecticut public power officials as well as invited guests from around New England on July 23 in Norwich, Conn.

Sustainable Energy Analytics, LLC announces 10-percent return

August 2009 -- Around New England
Sustainable Energy Analytics, LLC ("SEA") announced a 10-percent return on investment. Member's equity has increased 766 percent over the past year driven by a 645 percent increase in revenues over the same period last year.

Lineworker fitness and lifestyle is topic of NEPPA conference & expo

July 2009 -- Intro
Keoki Kamau, former trainer for the NFL's Washington Redskins and the San Diego Chargers, led off NEPPA's 2009 Safety & Operations Conference, June 23, at the Boxborough Holiday Inn in Boxborough, Mass.

The Importance of Recognition

July 2009 -- Executive Directors Report
By Patrick Hyland For many years, a national consulting firm specializing in employee development and motivation has conducted surveys to determine what makes employees tick. According to the surveys, recognition is frequently most overlooked by supervisors and managers.

CMMEC receives Energy Innovator Award from APPA

July 2009 -- Intro
The American Public Power Association has honored the Connecticut Municipal Electric Energy Cooperative with its prestigious Energy Efficiency and Environmental Award. This award, sponsored by APPA's Demonstration of Energy-Efficient Developments (DEED) program, recognizes innovative programs that help utilities provide better service to electric customers or increase the efficiency of utility operations.

How a "Sarbanes Oxley mindset" can benefit municipal energy buyers

July 2009 -- Articles of Interest
By Tom Hawes, World Energy Solutions, Inc. Operating to a higher standard while saving money - Munis today have an opportunity to both deepen their commitment to constituents AND save money, by embracing best practices transforming energy procurement in the larger public sphere.

New Rules affecting Liability Insurers AND Self-insurers

July 2009 -- Legislative Update
By Diane Belanger CEO, PURMA Section 111 of the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Extension Act of 2007 (MMSEA) includes a requirement for liability insurers - including self-insurers - and providers of workers' compensation and no-fault insurance to provide information to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that would assist CMS in identifying and securing its secondary payor position on claimants who may be receiving Medicare and other benefits.

It's lonely at the top

July 2009 -- Human Resource Corner
The axiom "it's lonely at the top" is often so very true. Today, many general managers find themselves in a world filled with isolation, uncertainty and challenge, with no one around to lend support. Recognizing they can't do it alone, successful general managers are turning to someone they can talk to and who will carefully listen - an executive coach.

Time to "cowboy up"

July 2009 -- Education & Training Update
By Rockie Blunt Director of Training and Education For the first time in four years, it didn't rain. And that wasn't the only new thing at NEPPA's Skills Assessment Rodeo in Pascoag, R.I., this year.

Energy Efficiency Engineer Jared Carpenter joins RMLD

July 2009 -- Around New England
Conscientiously encouraging the growth of alternative fuel generation and increasingly being recognized as an energy-conscious company, Reading Municipal Light Department (RMLD) has hired Jared Carpenter as an energy efficiency engineer.

NEPPA welcomes new members

July 2009 -- Around New England
NEPPA welcomes ElectriComm, Inc., and mPower Innovations as associate members.

Federal tax credits can pay for 30 percent of the costs for energy efficiency measures

July 2009 -- Articles of Interest
Energy Efficiency Ideas - From the American Public Power Association's Energy Efficiency Resource Central (EERCnet.org) Consumers who want to save energy by adding insulation, reflective roofing or installing more energy-efficient windows, doors or heating systems, can get the federal government to pay for 30 percent of these improvements, via a federal tax credit authorized by the stimulus bill passed by Congress earlier this year.

NEPPA offers power systems review program

July 2009 -- Association Happenings
A refresher program on the practical aspects of electric power systems for public power engineers, technicians and system operations personnel, is planned for Nov. 5-6 at the New England Center in Durham, N.H.

NEPPA offers Crew Leadership course

July 2009 -- Association Happenings
This course has been designed to provide supervisory and leadership skill training for the field supervisors (and future field supervisors) of public power systems.

Annual Conference to address energy future

July 2009 -- Association Happenings
NEPPA's 2009 Annual Conference - to be held at the Ocean Edge Resort, Brewster, Mass. on Sept. 20-23 - will feature discussions on the "smart grid" and Massachusetts' energy future.

Hyland receives APPA service award

July 2009 -- Association Happenings
Patrick J. Hyland, executive director of the Northeast Public Power Association (NEPPA) in Milford, Mass., received the American Public Power Association's (APPA) Harold Kramer-John Preston Personal Service Award, at the Association's national conference in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Kelly Uses a Popular Book for a Framework for Management Issues

June 2009 -- Intro
Kevin Kelly, general manager of the Groton (Mass.) Electric Light Department, is defining his utility's management style using the best-selling book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

NEPPA Members Consider "Smart Grid" Investments

June 2009 -- Intro
With federal "stimulus" funding soon to be made available for new "Smart Grid" investments by electric utilities, some NEPPA members are investigating possible projects that will qualify for the 50 percent matching grants from the Department of Energy.

Time Well Spent

June 2009 -- Executive Directors Report
The NEPPA annual conference is still a few months away, but plans are well under way for what promises to be an outstanding few days on Cape Cod.

MMWEC Elects Officers

June 2009 -- Around New England
In its recent annual election of directors and officers, the Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company (MMWEC) elected Wakefield Municipal Gas & Light Department General Manager Peter Dion to his first one-year term as President of the MMWEC organization.

Holyoke Fish Farm Hosts Annual Shad Derby

June 2009 -- Around New England
Continuing a 44-year-old tradition, the Holyoke Gas & Electric Department's Shad Derby was held in May.

PURMA & PUMIC Hold Annual Member Meetings

June 2009 -- Legislative Update
Members of PURMA, its risk retention group, Public Utility Mutual Insurance Company, and guests, enjoyed the misty harbor view and charm of an old New England town while staying at the Newport Marriott in Newport, R.I., for the 2009 PURMA and PUMIC annual meetings on April 29 and May 1.

Customer Service Conference Defines Being "Green"

June 2009 -- Association Happenings
Tower Hills Botanic Gardens in Boylston, Mass., provided an ideal springtime setting for NEPPA's Annual Customer Service Conference, held on May 14.

Customer Service Standouts Receive Carol Tracey Customer Service Awards

June 2009 -- Association Happenings
Harle Round of the Pascoag Utility District in Pascoag, R.I., and Sheila Boone of NEPPA both received the Carol Tracey Customer Service Award at NEPPA 's Customer Service Conference on May 14.

Substation Students Get Hands-On Training

June 2009 -- Education & Training Update
When the Merrimac Light Department needed to rebuild a substation, they knew it would be cost-effective to do it themselves. What they didn't count on was getting help from one of NEPPA's training classes.

NEPPA Continues to Develop New Programs

June 2009 -- Education & Training Update
By Rockie Blunt, Director of Training and Education The past few months have been a particularly busy time for training at NEPPA. In addition to the Supervisory Skills Certificate program, which ran during three weeks in April, two other new programs began at the same time and are continuing throughout the year.

Professor John N. Doggett to Speak at Annual Conference

June 2009 -- Association Happenings
NEPPA is pleased to have the distinguished Professor John N. Doggett, from The University of Texas at Austin, as the first speaker at NEPPA's 2009 Annual Conference, to be held on Cape Cod in September 2009.

Hometown Connections and Elster Pair Up to Market Smart Grid Solutions

June 2009 -- Articles of Interest
Hometown Connections, a utility services subsidiary of the American Public Power Association (APPA), and Elster, a leader in smart metering and smart grid systems and solutions, today announced an agreement to market smart meters and smart grid solutions to APPA members.

Membership Meeting to be Devoted to Member Appreciation

May 2009 -- Intro
During their first meeting of 2009, the NEPPA Board of Directors formally voted to dedicate their fall Membership Meeting to an appreciation of their affiliate members (associate and corporate members), in recognition of their valuable support in advancing the association's goals. The recognition of NEPPA's affiliate members in this manner was recommended by the association's new Membership & Marketing Committee, which was created in 2008 as a result of the NEPPA strategic plan.

NEPPA Publications to Undergo Changes

May 2009 -- Intro
by Mary Harrington In December of 2009, NEPPA will publish its last edition of the NEPPA News Line. Although this format for keeping members informed and connected to the New England public power industry has served us well for many years, we are now embarking on new ways for NEPPA members to receive information from the association.

A Step in the Right Direction

May 2009 -- Executive Directors Report
In late April, participants in the New England Power Pool (NEPOOL) received ballots in the mail to vote on a series of proposed amendments to the NEPOOL Participants Agreement. Two of these amendments concern the "responsiveness" of the ISO-New England Board of Directors and the mission statement of the ISO.

OBITUARY - Tex Paras

May 2009 -- Around New England
James T. "Tex" Paras, 93, former Peabody Electric Light Commissioner, died on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers.

OBITUARY - Dan Golubek

May 2009 -- Around New England
Long-time Westfield Gas and Electric manager Daniel Golubek, age 63, died April 6 at home with his family at his side following a brief illness. He had served as manager of the utility department since 1982.

Training to a Target

May 2009 -- Education & Training Update
By Rockie Blunt Director of Training NEPPA now also offers seminars that can be customized for a single utility that has identified a topic that it wants to concentrate on. This specialized, or "targeted" approach was introduced at the Peabody Municipal Light Plant.

Customer Service Students Receive Certificates in Customer Service Leadership

May 2009 -- Education & Training Update
Fifty-two participants, who successfully completed the Customer Service Leadership program, received plaques in April recognizing the professional training that they have undergone in this critical area of utility operations.

Energy Efficiency Ideas - The Benefits of a Right-Sized Air Conditioner

May 2009 -- Articles of Interest
From the American Public Power Association's Energy Efficiency Resource Central (EERCnet.org). With a right-sized air conditioner, home and business owners can reduce energy consumption, save money - and now get a tax credit.

Lineworker Fitness Is S&O Topic

May 2009 -- Association Happenings
Keoki Kamau, a former trainer for the Washington Redskins and the San Diego Chargers football teams, will be the keynote speaker at NEPPA's 2009 Safety & Operations Conference, scheduled for Tuesday, June 23, at the Boxborough Holiday Inn in Boxborough, Mass.

GFs Attend Roundtable

May 2009 -- Association Happenings
A General Foreman/Crew Leader Roundtable was held on Tuesday, April 7, 2009, at The Chocksett Inn, Sterling, Mass.

Jump Start Your Emergency Response Program

May 2009 -- Association Happenings
The NEPPA Mutual Aid Committee is presenting a workshop for public power utilities that will provide attendees with quick start methods and tools to effectively plan and coordinate a response to moderate- and large-scale emergencies and disasters. Thursday, June 25, 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. The Chocksett Inn Sterling, MA Friday, June 26, 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Northern location TBA tentative, for northern New England members

Employee Handbooks: An Organizational Must

May 2009 -- Human Resource Corner
By Rick Dacri, Dacri & Associates, LLC Most employers today have developed employee handbooks and policy manuals. As smaller employers see the number of their employees increase, they often begin to consider whether they should write one.

Holden Names Flagg Superintendent

May 2009 -- Around New England
Holden Municipal Light Department has promoted Michael Flagg to the position of superintendent. Flagg has been with the Holden utility for 11 years working first as a first class lineworker and then as a truck foreman before becoming general foreman in 2006.

Pascoag Customers Get a Visual of Energy Conservation

May 2009 -- Around New England
Chris Piccardi, general foreman at Pascoag Utility District, has built an Energy Conservation Display Model that demonstrates how much electricity is used by certain lights and appliances.

New England Public Power Utilities Earn RP3® Recognition

May 2009 -- Around New England
Three New England public power utilities have earned a Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3®) recognition from the American Public Power Association for providing consumers with the highest degree of reliable and safe electric service.

WMGLD and Mission of Deeds Buy Beds for the Needy

May 2009 -- Around New England
Dan Flynn,electric superintendent for the Wakefield Municipal Gas & Light Department (WMGLD), visited the first graders at St. Joseph's School to congratulate them for their efforts on behalf of the Buy-a-Bed program sponsored by Mission of Deeds and supported by the WMGLD.

NHEC Offers Rebates to Alternative Energy Users

May 2009 -- Around New England
New Hampshire Electric Cooperative (NHEC) is offering rebates of up to $5,000 to members who install qualified solar hot water, solar electric or wind turbine systems in NHEC service territory.

CMEEC Bonds Rated Highly by Fitch

May 2009 -- Around New England
Fitch Ratings has awarded an A+ rating to Connecticut Municipal Electric Energy Cooperative's (CMEEC) $38.1 million 2009 series A power supply system revenue bonds.

NEPPA Welcomes New Affiliates

May 2009 -- Association Happenings
EMI Power Systems and Lee Wayne Corporation have joined NEPPA as associate members.

Primary Lines Adds to its Sales Team

May 2009 -- Around New England
Primary Lines, Inc., representing ABB, Inc. and Elster, LLC, is pleased to announce the addition of Wyn B. Braun to its sales team.

NEPPA Members Bring Their Message to Washington

April 2009 -- Intro
Over 40 public power officials from throughout New England, representing 25 different organizations, traveled to Washington in mid-February to participate in the annual Legislative Rally of the American Public Power Association. They delivered a strong and simple message: Electricity costs in New England are unacceptably high, and it is the responsibility of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to take appropriate actions to reduce this burden on the region's electric consumers.

A Mighty Wind Rises in Wellesley

April 2009 -- Intro
Joyce unveils new initiative for community's affluent residents Dick Joyce, director of the Wellesley Municipal Light Plant in Massachusetts, has conceived an innovative plan to capitalize on the suburban community's support for green power, as well as the many estates in Wellesley surrounded by large lawns, gardens and open space. The plan, which he calls "Wind for the Wealthy," is a bold approach to reducing the town's carbon footprint, as well as helping residents who have been hit hardest by the stock market meltdown.

A Plan to Reform Power Markets

April 2009 -- Executive Directors Report
by Patrick Hyland For the past decade, critics of electric restructuring and unregulated power markets have been waging an uphill battle against the beneficiaries of these markets. Despite ample evidence that electricity markets run by Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs) are not truly competitive, and therefore not producing "just and reasonable" electricity prices, their supporters have been successful in fending off calls for more oversight and, possibly, reform.

Chicopee Electric Signs Contract with Westover Air Base

April 2009 -- Around New England
Chicopee Electric Light (CEL) signed a contract with the United States Government to own, operate and maintain the electrical distribution system at Westover Air Reserve Base.

NHEC Lineworker Receives Life-Saving Award

April 2009 -- Around New England
Rob Lang, first class lineworker with New Hampshire Electric Cooperative (NHEC), has been honored as a lifesaver for helping his badly injured neighbor last summer.

Training on the Fly

April 2009 -- Education & Training Update
by Rockie Blunt, director of training and education Training on the fly has many names...tailboard meetings, job briefings, real-time training, informal learning...but they all mean the same thing...

Rubber Goods Testing

April 2009 -- Education & Training Update
In the electric utility business, few, if any, pieces of "Personal Protective Equipment" (PPE) outweigh our rubber goods. Rubber gloves, blankets and cover-up are our defense against accidental or incidental electric contact.

Safety & Operations Conference and Expo

April 2009 -- Association Happenings
New England's premier electric utility trade show and information exchange is where public power operating personnel from throughout the region join together to share ideas and experiences. The 2009 conference will feature a trade show, along with educational sessions for participants, who will have the opportunity to view the very latest in utility equipment and technology.

Hometown Connections and N-Dimension Solutions Launch Cyber Security Effort

April 2009 -- Around New England
To promote public power compliance with federal standards and regulations, and for protection of smart grid assets.

Gouley Company Hosts Meetings with NEPPA Members

April 2009 -- Around New England
Raymond Gouley of the R.F. Gouley Co., an associate member of NEPPA, hosted two meetings with representatives from Massachusetts municipal light departments in early 2009.