NEPPA eNewsletter

Training: a great investment for your utility

February 2012 -- THE LEARNING CORNER
by Jackie Pratt Training. It’s something many utilities embrace for new employees, but perhaps something that falls to the bottom of the to-do list for long-time personnel. Why is it important to your organization?

MMWEC financing brings $16.8 million in savings, opportunity to pursue new resources

February 2012 -- AROUND NEW ENGLAND
A refunding bond issue closed yesterday by the Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company (MMWEC) will save $16.8 million for 28 Massachusetts municipal utilities, strengthening their ability to secure stable and reliable power resources for the future.

SHELD offers solar project incentives

February 2012 -- AROUND NEW ENGLAND
South Hadley Electric Light Department is now offering residential customers substantial incentives to install solar photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal energy projects at their homes. The unique package of incentives, the first of its kind in Massachusetts, is part of a new solar program adopted by SHELD to encourage local residents to consider solar energy installations.

Qualified employees should meet four OSHA requirements

February 2012 -- EDUCATION & TRAINING UPDATE
The very basics of electrical safety are what OSHA considers the four requirements employees should meet to be considered a qualified employee. This article is based on Certified Utility Safety Professional Chuck Woodings' 18 years of experience developing and teaching OSHA 29 CFR 1910.269 classes.

FMCSA addresses hand-held cell phone use

February 2012 -- EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT
by Larry Brownell Last month we had an article on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issuing a final rule prohibiting hand-held cell phone use while operating commercial vehicles. It went into effect on Jan. 12. Over the past several weeks I have been getting questions from members on this and I wanted to break it down further.

Peabody Municipal Light Plant has new manager

February 2012 -- AROUND NEW ENGLAND
Longtime employee of Peabody Municipal Light Plant, Glenn Trueira, has been hired as plant manager following the retirement of former manager William Waters. Trueira has worked for the light plant for 26 years, both as the chief engineer and, for the last year and a half, as Waters' assistant manager.

FMCSA Addresses Hand-Held Phone Use

January 2012 -- EDUCATION & TRAINING UPDATE
Effective Jan. 3, 2012, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has issued a final rule prohibiting hand-held cell phone use while operating commercial vehicles. The rule applies to drivers of Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMVs) who hold a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), except those who are employed by Federal, State or local governments.

Duqu, Son of Stuxnet, Increases Pressure for Cyber Security at All Utilities

January 2012 -- THE LEARNING CORNER
HOMETOWN CONNECTIONS By Doug Westlund and Andrew Wright A powerful but mysterious computer worm related in structure and sophistication to the Stuxnet worm has been detected on computer systems in Europe and may be an early phase of a planned new international cyber attack.

WMGLD Collecting Bedding for Mission of Deeds

January 2012 -- AROUND NEW ENGLAND
For the eighth consecutive year, the Wakefield Municipal Gas & Light Department (WMGLD) is collecting new bedding for people in need through a partnership with Mission of Deeds, a Reading-based nonprofit organization that provides furniture and housewares without charge to individuals and families in northeastern Massachusetts.

Safety Awareness: Winter Driving

January 2012 -- EDUCATION & TRAINING UPDATE
Don't let the recent weather lull you into complacency when driving. Winter weather will hit New England soon and here are some tips from Carl Potter, CSP, to stay safe.

New York Apprentice Training Class Graduates Eight New Lineworkers

January 2012 -- EDUCATION & TRAINING UPDATE
Eight apprentices from upper New York state graduated from MEUA’s lineworker's training program in late 2011. NEPPA trainer Bill Hesson taught the course at MEUA’s training facility in Fairport, N.Y.

Happy New Year!

January 2012 -- EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT
While individuals are making personal resolutions this time of year, managers are setting their organizational goals. If you are like me you have taken a snapshot of things and are deep in the process of setting up systems to achieve those goals. This year is a little trickier for me as I really like to jump in and be aggressive right out of the gate, but...

A Change for Me

November/December 2011 -- THE LEARNING CORNER
By Rockie Blunt Change, they say, is the only constant in life, and that certainly is true for me. As of this month, my relationship with NEPPA has changed. I am reducing my hours and assuming the position of training and education consultant to the organization. I will relinquish my administrative duties to concentrate on training and development of new programs.

NEPPA Membership Meeting Honors Retiring Patrick Hyland

November/December 2011 --
NEPPA’s annual Membership Meeting, held Nov. 4 in Northborough, Mass., gave NEPPA members an opportunity to say goodbye to Patrick Hyland, NEPPA executive director since 1989. Hyland is retiring effective Dec. 1 after 22 years of service.

Public Utility Management Program Concludes

November/December 2011 -- EDUCATION & TRAINING UPDATE
The Cranwell Conference Center in Lenox, Mass. was the site of NEPPA’s Public Utility Management Program 2011, which concluded the week before Thanksgiving. This year sessions were held on "Self-Motivation and Personal Initiative," "Critical Thinking and Learning," "People Skills" and "Business and Financial Skills" in March and "Communication Skills," "Negotiation and Persuasion Skills," "Strategic Planning" and "Political Skills" in November.

How to start this?

November/December 2011 -- ASSOCIATION HAPPENINGS
by Larry Brownell ...other than hi, my name is Larry Brownell, which sounds like the beginning of some recovering addicts’ session you would see on a police drama. Rarely does one introduce oneself to a new community via a mass distribution. Even more remote is following a legend. Over the past month I have had the pleasure of learning from and following Pat Hyland. The adoration I have witnessed is similar to what some of us experienced when Johnny Carson retired.

Houlton Water Company Promotes Sherman

November/December 2011 -- AROUND NEW ENGLAND
The Houlton Water Company (HWC) is pleased to announce the promotion of Gregory F. Sherman to assistant general manager effective Nov. 16, 2011. As assistant general manager, Sherman will continue to be accountable for all HWC financial activities, but will also assume additional responsibilities throughout the organization.

Dion Elected Chairman of Berkshire Wind Power Cooperative Corporation

November/December 2011 -- AROUND NEW ENGLAND
Wakefield Municipal Gas & Light Department General Manager Pete Dion was recently elected president and chairman of the Board of Directors of Berkshire Wind Power Cooperative Corporation (BWPCC), a nonprofit public power corporation comprised of 14 municipal utilities and the Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company.

With Appreciation

November/December 2011 -- EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT
It is with mixed feelings that I write my last column for the NEPPA newsletter. While I am excited to be launching a new chapter in my own life, I am also experiencing the sense of profound change that comes with such a transition. A change in daily rituals, the objects of my attention, and most especially, the people with whom I have spent so much of my time for the past 22 years.

NEPPA Trainers Receive CUSP Blue Credentials

November 2011 -- EDUCATION & TRAINING UPDATE
Certified Utility Safety Professional Program Offers Utility-Specific Safety Credentials The Utility Safety & Ops Leadership Network (USOLN) is pleased to announce that David Fabrizius, NEPPA Safety Director and William Hesson,NEPPA trainer,have received the Certified Utility Safety Professional (CUSP) credential. They took part in the Louisville, Ky. class that took the CUSP exam on October 6.

PowerTech Associates and Schneider Electric Expand Sales Partnership

November 2011 -- AROUND NEW ENGLAND
PowerTech (Utility Power Supply), a long time NEPPA member, and Schneider Electric have announced the expansion of their sales representative partnership effective October 2011. PowerTech will provide customer support and sales support for electric utility customers in the New York and New England regions.

Scrap Safe is NEPPA's Newest Associate Member

November 2011 -- ASSOCIATION HAPPENINGS
Scrap Safe, Inc., a New Hampshire-based company incorporated in 2010, has joined NEPPA as an associate member. The firm provides a patent pending de-manufacturing service for retired/decommissioned electrical, water and gas meters for utility companies.

Allen Replaces Fitch at Princeton

November 2011 -- AROUND NEW ENGLAND
Brian Allen, Princeton general foreman for the last seven years, has accepted an offer from the Princeton Municipal Light Department Board of Light Commissioners to become general manager. He will replace Jonathan Fitch, who is leaving PMLD after 13 years to take the position of general manger for the light department in West Boylston.

Bankruptcy Workshop Held in October

November 2011 -- ASSOCIATION HAPPENINGS
More than 30 public power officials from throughout New England attended a workshop on customer bankruptcies hosted by NEPPA on Oct. 14 at the Braintree Electric Light Department. The workshop was led by David Fixler, a partner with the law firm Rubin and Rudman, LLP.

Getting Back to Basics

November 2011 -- ASSOCIATION HAPPENINGS
by Rockie Blunt NEPPA held a program on Oct. 20 on Electric Utility Basics at Shrewsbury Electric & Cable Operations (SELCO) .The program featured four speakers who gave an overview of the electric industry in New England and the operation of consumer-owned utilities.

Farewell to Sheila Boone: NEPPA’s Ambassador of Good Will

November 2011 -- EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT
by Patrick Hyland Several weeks ago, one of NEPPA’s long-time employees and, for many of our members, the voice and face of NEPPA, packed up her belongings and began a new chapter in her life. After serving as NEPPA’s Administrative Secretary for 13 and a half years, Sheila Boone headed off into a well-deserved retirement...

NEPPA Selects New Executive Director

November 2011 --
The NEPPA Executive Committee announced that Lawrence Brownell of Glastonbury, Conn. has accepted an offer to be the association’s new executive director, effective Nov. 1, 2011. Brownell will succeed Patrick Hyland, who has served as the association’s executive director since 1989, and will be retiring from his position in December.

Another Online Opportunity

October 2011 -- EDUCATION & TRAINING UPDATE
Online learning is on our minds here at NEPPA as we search for new educational opportunities for our members. In addition to the Web-based courses provided by Energy Management University, we have also identified a webinar provider, Tennessee-based Continuum Education and Training, that offers webinars related to the electric utility industry.

New NEPPA Training Center Construction to Begin this Fall

October 2011 --
NEPPA is in the process of finalizing plans for a state-of-the-art training center which will be located in Littleton, Mass., on land owned by the Littleton Electric Light Department (LELD). Site work and construction is expected to begin by October, 2011, and is estimated to take approximately six months. It is expected that NEPPA can begin to use the classrooms and training areas of the new facility by early- to mid-2012.

A New Kind of Learning

October 2011 -- THE LEARNING CORNER
By Rockie Blunt This monthly column, as you know, is devoted to the learning process in its many forms. Most of us get our learning in familiar ways: enrolling in a class, attending a seminar or safety meeting, interacting informally with others in our utilities every day. Only rarely do we encounter a new learning format, but I encountered one recently.

Customer Service: One Cup at a Time

October 2011 -- EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT
by Pat Hyland In late September, at NEPPA’s annual Customer Service Conference held at the historic Colonial Inn in Concord, Mass., Chris Stevens, vice president of Keurig and one of its founding partners, told us the Keurig story, and how his dream of a "single cup delivery system" for coffee and other beverages has come to life. It is a true American success story.

Carol Tracey Awards Presented at NEPPA Conference

October 2011 -- ASSOCIATION HAPPENINGS
The 2011 Carol Tracey Awards were presented at NEPPA's annual Customer Service Conference held in September at the Concord Inn in Concord, Mass. Recipients are: Laurie Anderson – Business Manager, Mansfield Municipal Electric Judy Hunt – Business Services Specialist, Littleton Electric Light and Water Barbara Janowsky – Senior Department Clerk, Concord Municipal Light John Terrasi – Customer Service Manager, Shrewsbury Electric & Cable

Public Power Shows How it is Done

September 2011 -- EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT
by Pat Hyland The devastation wrought by Hurricane Irene in New England brought long, dark days to families and businesses throughout our region. The large private electric utilities struggled with extensive service outages and insufficient line crews to keep up with the damage. In such circumstances, the value of community-owned electric utilities is never more apparent.

Three Days in August

September 2011 --
by Pat Hyland The 2011 NEPPA Annual Conference, staged at the beautiful Samoset Resort in Rockport, was successful by almost any measure, as members and guests enjoyed informative speakers, tasty meals and evening hospitality suites where they continued the day’s discussions and bragged about their grandchildren, golf games and smart grid programs.

Web-based Training Comes to NEPPA

September 2011 --
by Rockie Blunt NEPPA is pleased to announce a partnership with Energy Management University (EMU), an online training service specializing in electric utility learning programs for all classes of utility employees. Presently, EMU offers more than 80 Web-based courses written specifically for the electric utility industry.

NEPPA Awards Presented at Annual Conference

September 2011 --
NEPPA's Annual Conference 2011 recently held in Rockland, Maine, was the setting for award presentations to honor outstanding NEPPA members and friends. John Bilda began the ceremonies with a lively address to the membership before bestowing awards on NEPPA honorees.

Electric Utility Basics to be offered in October

September 2011 -- ASSOCIATION HAPPENINGS
This program will present an overview of the electric industry in New England and the operation of consumer-owned utilities. Electric Utility Basics has been developed at the request of NEPPA members primarily for the benefit of employees who are new to the electric utility industry. It is designed to provide an overview of the electric utility industry in our region: how it is structured, how it works and how the various parts of the industry function together to deliver electric power throughout New England. The program will also explain how the cost of electricity is determined throughout the region and how the different jobs and functions performed inside a typical public power utility all fit together.

NEPPA Welcomes New Affiliate Members

September 2011 -- ASSOCIATION HAPPENINGS
Four new corporate members and two associate members have joined NEPPA recently. These members offer products and services to our members and are a vital part of the NEPPA organization. They are EDF Trading, Evluma, Thermal Energy Storage, World Energy, Century Fiberoptics and E.L. Howard Utility Service.

Many Thanks to Our Annual Conference Sponsors

September 2011 --
Each year, NEPPA is the beneficiary of financial and other contributions by its affiliates and friends through their sponsorship of the NEPPA Annual Conference. Their contributions are very important to this event, and NEPPA is grateful for their support. The 2011 sponsors were:

Three Upcoming Free DEED Webinars

September 2011 -- AROUND NEW ENGLAND
NEPPA is a member of APPA's Demonstration of Energy-Efficient Developments (DEED) program and NEPPA members are invited to join DEED during three of the program's upcoming webinars. Registration for these webinars for DEED members is completely FREE.

Written Work Procedures to Benefit NEPPA Utilities

September 2011 -- EDUCATION & TRAINING UPDATE
After a serious electrical accident occurred in a public power system in Massachusetts, investigation brought to light that most municipal utilities do not have written work procedure documents in place. Bob Henriksen, NEPPA contract trainer since the mid-nineties, stepped up to the plate to fill the void.

Belmont Municipal Light Department Announces Hiring of New Director of Operations

September 2011 -- AROUND NEW ENGLAND
The Belmont Municipal Light Department (BMLD) has hired Christopher Slattery as its new Director of Operations. He will be responsible for much of the day-to-day business of the department, as well as developing operations plans for utility activities, evaluating and implementing employee training and safety programs and providing key assistance to BMLD’s general manager.

Government that Doesn’t Work

August 2011 -- EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT
by Patrick Hyland As I write this column, the prospects for Congressional approval of an increase in the national debt ceiling appear dim at best. Our elected representatives are locked in a death struggle, with neither side willing to compromise on what they believe to be the core principles of their political beliefs.

Personal Coaching

August 2011 -- EDUCATION & TRAINING UPDATE
A new professional development program for public power employees Coaching is a series of one-on-one meetings between an employee and a coach for the purpose of helping the individual improve his or her job performance. The process begins when a supervisor in a utility identifies a productive employee who has even more potential to be uncovered and when the employee is willing to undertake specific steps to realize that potential.

Electricity Utility Basics to Be Offered in Fall

August 2011 -- EDUCATION & TRAINING UPDATE
On October 20, NEPPA will offer a new training program to its members on the subject of "Electric Utility Basics." The program will provide an overview of the electric utility industry in New England, along with the functions and operations of consumer-owned utilities. This new program was developed in response to member requests for an introduction to the electric utility industry for newly-hired employees, newly elected board members and other local officials who wish to better understand the structure and operations of public power utilities.

WMGLD General Manager Dion Re-Elected President of MMWEC

August 2011 -- AROUND NEW ENGLAND
Pete Dion, General Manager of the Wakefield Municipal Gas & Light Department (WMGLD), was recently re-elected to his third one-year term as President of the Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company (MMWEC), a nonprofit, public corporation and political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Apprentice Lineworker Skills Rodeo

July 2011 -- EDUCATION & TRAINING UPDATE
The Northeast Public Power Association held its annual Apprentice Lineworker Skills Assessment Rodeo on June 15th and 16th at NEPPA's field training facility, located on Silver Lake Avenue in Pascoag, RI.

Skill and Will: A Lesson from the Boston Bruins

July 2011 -- EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT
by Pat Hyland Two days of sunny, clear weather graced the 2011 Apprentice Skills Assessment Rodeo, which was held in mid-June at NEPPA’s training center at the Pascoag Utility District in Rhode Island. More than 60 apprentice students participated in activities which featured nine separate events over one and a half days.

Work Smart; Work Safe! Message Came Through Loud and Clear at NEPPA S & O Conference

July 2011 -- ASSOCIATION HAPPENINGS
NEPPA’s annual Safety & Operations Conference and Expo was held in early June and was attended by lineworkers and operations personnel from around New England. During the Expo, attendees had the opportunity to visit more than 45 different vendors representing a wide variety of utility tools, equipment, clothing, trucks and other services.

Annual Conference to Feature Social Media’s Role in Public Power

July 2011 -- ASSOCIATION HAPPENINGS
Nearly everyone has heard of social media and some of the most common applications: Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Yelp, blogs and wikis. Social media provides a rapidly growing audience and an immediate outlet for customer contact – especially for those in the under-40 crowd. How can public utilities harness the power of this new marketing and communications channel?

BELD Launches State-of-the-Art Meter Project

July 2011 -- AROUND NEW ENGLAND
Braintree Electric Light Department (BELD) has announced the launch of a state-of-the-art meter project called Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI). The new system will provide customers with many important benefits.

Pro Skills Program Graduates 28

July 2011 -- EDUCATION & TRAINING UPDATE
June is traditionally the time for high school and college graduations, but this year another group finished its classwork in June: students in NEPPA’s six-week "Professional Skills for Office Personnel" series.

NEPPA Seeks Nominations for Awards

July 2011 -- ASSOCIATION HAPPENINGS
Each year, NEPPA seeks to recognize individuals who have made contributions to their utilities, communities and to public power. Award presentations are made during the Annual Conference in August. To help identify these individuals, NEPPA asks its members to submit nominations of worthy candidates.

National Electric Transmission Advocacy Group Names Executive Director, Elects New Leadership

July 2011 --
The Transmission Access Policy Study Group (TAPS) announced that John Twitty will become its first Executive Director effective July 1, 2011. Additionally, Thomas J. Heller, CEO of Missouri River Energy Services, has been elected Chair of the Board of Directors. He succeeds Roy Thilly, former president and CEO at WPPI Energy, who has retired.

Jewett City Director of Utilities Receives APPA Seven Hats Award

July 2011 --
Kenneth Sullivan, director of utilities for the Jewett City, Conn., Department of Utilities, received the American Public Power Association’s (APPA) Larry Hobart Seven Hats Award at the association’s national conference in Washington, D.C. The award recognizes managers who perform a variety of duties in communities of 2,500 or fewer electric meters.

Public Power Turns Out for Jim Young Benefit

June 2011 -- AROUND NEW ENGLAND
More than 200 people turned out for the Jim Young and Family Benefit Golf Tournament and Dinner on May 23, hosted by the Georgetown Municipal Light Department at the Black Swan Country Club in Georgetown, Massachusetts. The tournament, dinner and associated fund-raising activities were held to benefit Georgetown lineworker Jim Young and his family, following his accident in the fall of 2010.

Pascoag Utility District Successfully Executes Power Supply Strategy

June 2011 -- AROUND NEW ENGLAND
The Pascoag Utility District, together with its energy advisor Energy New England, has successfully executed its 2012-2014 power supply strategy as approved by the Board of Utility Commissioners. The strategy included a beneficial sourcing of the Standard Offer Service component of its rates for the years 2012 through 2014.

Join Us at the Rodeo!

June 2011 -- EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT
by Pat Hyland On June 15 and 16 in Pascoag, Rhode Island, the annual NEPPA Apprentice Lineworker Skills Assessment Rodeo will take place, bringing together more than 60 lineworker apprentices to show us what they have learned about the hard work of climbing poles, changing out transformers and rescuing fellow lineworkers who may be injured while high in the air. This event is an important part of the Apprentice Lineworker school...

New Manager at Boylston Likes His Utility’s Small Town Feel

June 2011 --
Meet Mark Barakian, general manager of the Boylston Municipal Light Department. He recently replaced former manager Gary Harrington who retired in January. "There is a small town feel to Boylston Light. All of the employees grew up and live in town or neighboring towns."

NEPPA Board Welcomes Two New Members

June 2011 -- ASSOCIATION HAPPENINGS
NEPPA recently welcomed two new members to its Board of Directors: Michael Kirkwood of the Pascoag Utility District and Jonathan Elwell of the Village of Enosburg Falls Water & Light Departments.

The Learning Organization

June 2011 -- THE LEARNING CORNER
by Rockie Blunt, Director of Educational Services Do organizations learn? The answer to that is a long and complex discussion, but the quick answer is yes. In fact, there is a term for it: "The Learning Organization."

An Invitation to the Apprentice Lineworker Skills Assessment Rodeo

May 2011 -- EDUCATION & TRAINING UPDATE
The Northeast Public Power Association would like to invite all general managers, general foremen and supervisors to attend the annual Apprentice Lineworker Skills Assessment Rodeo to be held (rain or shine) on June 15th and 16th at NEPPA's field training facility, located on Silver Lake Avenue in Pascoag, RI.

NEPPA Makes Plans for Annual Customer Service Conference

May 2011 -- ASSOCIATION HAPPENINGS
"Technology and Customer Service in the Twenty-First Century" is the theme of NEPPA's Annual Customer Service Conference planned for September 22, 2011 in historic Concord, Mass.

SourceOne Joins NEPPA as a Corporate Member

May 2011 -- AROUND NEW ENGLAND
SourceOne, a leading energy advisory firm, has recently joined the Northeast Public Power Association (NEPPA) as a corporate member. A subsidiary of Veolia Energy North America, SourceOne is a nationally recognized energy management and strategic advisory services company.

Wholesale Power Markets Explained at NEPPA Workshop

May 2011 -- ASSOCIATION HAPPENINGS
More than 40 public power officials from throughout New England had a crash course in the operation of wholesale power markets in early April, courtesy of the NEPPA Regional Power Supply Committee. The course was a one-day workshop on the operation of wholesale markets in New England and was presented by power supply managers from several NEPPA member utilities with direct experience in power market operations.

Jim Young & Family Golf Tournament to Benefit Georgetown Lineworker

May 2011 -- AROUND NEW ENGLAND
The Georgetown (Mass.) Municipal Light Department will sponsor the Jim Young & Family Benefit Golf Tournament on Monday, May 23, 2011 at the Black Swan Country Club in Georgetown. Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Georgetown Municipal Light Department lineworker who was severely injured in an electrical accident on September 26, 2010.

Learning Takes Time

May 2011 -- THE LEARNING CORNER
By Rockie Blunt Think back to the last time you learned a new skill. Did you get it right away, or did you struggle, only gradually coming to understand what you were doing? And how long did it take before you felt totally comfortable doing it? Chances are, it didn’t happen overnight.

Public Utility Management Program begins its 18th Year

May 2011 -- EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT
by Pat Hyland In late March, 17 public power officials drove out the Mass Pike to beautiful Lenox, Massachusetts. They were heading to the famous Cranwell Conference Center to attend NEPPA’s annual Public Utility Management Program, an executive development program now in its 18th year of service to the New England public power community.

Roger Gale to Speak at Annual Conference on America's Electric Future

April 2011 -- ASSOCIATION HAPPENINGS
America’s Electric Future: The Next Twenty-Five Years Roger Gale, president & CEO of GF Energy, will be a speaker at NEPPA's 2011 Annual Conference, Emerging Technologies and Public Power. He will provide an overview of the major trends, technologies and political realities which will shape America’s electric utility industry in the next quarter-century.

Professional Skills Program Presents First Session

April 2011 -- EDUCATION & TRAINING UPDATE
NEPPA recently completed the first session of the Professional Skills for Office Personnel Program. On March 1, NEPPA Director of Education Services Rockie Blunt presented "Practicing Effective Interpersonal Skills" at the Littleton Electric Light and Water Department in Littleton, Mass.

NEPPA offers Power Systems Training in 2011

April 2011 -- EDUCATION & TRAINING UPDATE
NEPPA is offering an in-depth review of selected power systems components and operations for public power officials. This program is the second in a series of training classes on electric power systems. Each class is designed to provide an in-depth review of selected power system components and operations covering both theoretical and practical approaches.

HMLP's Tzimorangas takes on new CEO role

April 2011 -- AROUND NEW ENGLAND
Effective May 31, 2011, John G. Tzimorangas will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer of Energy New England (ENE), LLC, an energy cooperative based in Foxborough, Mass. He was selected to lead ENE from among a slate of regional candidates and will replace the retiring Leo F. Swift, who has been ENE's CEO for 11 years and has been with the company since operations commenced in 1998.

S & O to feature Mustard and Johnson from WEEI Sports Radio

April 2011 -- ASSOCIATION HAPPENINGS
NEPPA's Safety & Operations Conference & Expo will feature Craig Mustard and Larry Johnson from WEEI Sports Radio Network. They will be the after-dinner speakers at a reception and dinner following the Expo on Wednesday, June 8 at the Courtyard by Marriott in Fitchburg, Mass.

Belmont Municipal Light Department Hires James F. Palmer as General Manager/CEO

April 2011 --
The new mission statement of the Belmont Municipal Light Department is to sustain low-priced, high-quality electrical services for the community of Belmont by embracing new technology and providing superior customer service. In order to reach these goals, the Belmont Municipal Light Department (BMLD) has hired James F. Palmer as its new general manager/CEO.

Energy Markets and Clean Air

April 2011 -- EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT
by Pat Hyland As most utility officials know, there is a good battle going on in Congress these days over the Clean Air Act. The battle lines are drawn between those legislators who want the federal government to do something about carbon dioxide (a so-called "greenhouse gas") emitted by electric power plants, and those who do not. The Clean Air Act, which was originally passed by Congress in 1970, is in the middle of this fight because it is the only tool presently available to federal environmental regulators to impose new requirements on power plants to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Garille Officially Retires as Pascoag Manager

March 2011 -- AROUND NEW ENGLAND
More than 100 friends, professional colleagues and local and state officials gathered in late February to celebrate Ted Garille’s retirement as general manager of the Pascoag Utility District. Garille, who served as the chief executive of the electric and water utility for the past 15 years, was praised for his leadership and vision.

Cap and Fade?

March 2011 -- EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT
by Pat Hyland News from New Hampshire this week regarding the state’s withdrawal from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) program has major implications, both in the northeast and elsewhere around the country. RGGI, for those not familiar with it, is the first cap-and-trade program in the country designed to reduce greenhouse gases by placing a price on carbon dioxide emissions from power plants. Ten northeastern and mid-Atlantic states are presently participating in the program.

Want To Get Out of Your Box? Learn.

March 2011 -- THE LEARNING CORNER
By Rockie Blunt One of the strongest barriers to productivity and workplace morale is the presence of "silos" or "fiefdoms": separate departments that do not communicate with each other.

NEPPA Welcomes New Members

March 2011 -- ASSOCIATION HAPPENINGS
Power Line Contractors of Woburn, MA., a medium voltage contractor including underground and overhead installations, has joined NEPPA as a corporate member. Brendan Regan is the firm’s main contact and can be reached at (781) 944-9077. The following firms have joined NEPPA as Associate Members: HD Communications Corp. Cushing, Jammallo & Wheeler, Inc. Roux Associates Powerskills For Life, LLC The Creative Companies

Soucy Retires After 27 Years of Service

March 2011 --
Frizzell is new GM at Rowley Linda Soucy of Rowley Municipal Lighting Plant has retired after 32 years of service to public power. She began her career at Merrimac Municipal Light Department in 1978 and became manager in 1992. In 2003 she accepted the position of general manager at Rowley. Kristina Frizzell, formerly of Belmont Municipal Light Department, is Rowley's new general manager.

Belmont Hires Engineer/Operations Manager

March 2011 -- AROUND NEW ENGLAND
The Belmont Municipal Light Department (BMLD) hired Sanjin (Sam) Osmancevic as engineer/operations manager. He comes to BMLD from National Grid, where he has served as operations engineer and, most recently, transmission asset strategy engineer.

Safety Forum: Work Smart: Work Safe!

March 2011 -- ASSOCIATION HAPPENINGS
NEPPA's 2011 Safety & Operations Conference and Expo will feature a Safety Forum that will be focused on safe working procedures for public power lineworkers. Speakers will discuss the importance of safety policies and procedures in the workplace, as well as effective job briefings and a refresher on emergency first aid and what to do in the event of a workplace accident.

SELCO Announces New General Manager

March 2011 -- AROUND NEW ENGLAND
The Shrewsbury Electric and Cable Operations (SELCO) Commission has selected Michael R. Hale to replace retiring General Manager Thomas R. Josie. Josie has served as SELCO’s general manager since 1986 and he announced his retirement in December 2010.

Leveraging Technology to Increase Productivity

March 2011 -- ASSOCIATION HAPPENINGS
NEPPA's 2011 Annual Conference will feature a session on "Leveraging Technology and Spending More Time on Your Business." Steve Turner of Turner Time Management will help participants learn practical, hands-on ways to become more productive and effective using computers/mobile devices.

Driscoll takes the helm at Templeton

February 2011 --
After four and a half years as line superintendent, John Driscoll has been promoted to general manager of Templeton Municipal Light & Water Plant, replacing Sean Hamilton who has taken a position in Sterling.

Three-C Electrical Company hires Debby Cartney

February 2011 -- AROUND NEW ENGLAND
NEPPA member Three-C Electrical Company, Inc. has announced that Debby M. Cartney joined the company to lead a new Compliance and Regulatory Services Department.

Stowe Electric will not be sold

February 2011 -- AROUND NEW ENGLAND
The Stowe Electric Commission has announced that Stowe Electric will not be sold in the near future, despite very serious offers from investor-owned utilities, Green Mountain Power (GMP) and Central Vermont Public Service (CVPS).

Drew Hurley dies suddenly at 49

February 2011 -- AROUND NEW ENGLAND
Obituary Drew Stephen Hurley, vice president of sales at longtime NEPPA affiliate member, Arthur J. Hurley, Inc., died suddenly while on vacation with his family in Kauai, Hawaii. He was 49 years and will be greatly missed.

"Work Smart; Work Safe!" Annual NEPPA Safety & Operations Conference & Expo scheduled for June

February 2011 -- ASSOCIATION HAPPENINGS
Safety consultant Rick Tobey to keynote annual conference The 2011 NEPPA Safety and Operations Conference and Expo will be held on June 8 – 9 at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel and Exhibit Hall in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. The conference will open on June 8 with a keynote presentation by Safety Consultant and Trainer Rick Tobey, who has over 45 years experience in electric utility distribution construction and maintenance work.

Work Zone Safety Training to be presented in April

February 2011 -- ASSOCIATION HAPPENINGS
NEPPA will host a one-day training program on work zone safety for members. The program will be presented by staff from The New England Consortium for Health and Safety Training, a professional organization based at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, formed to provide specialized training programs for police officers, public works officials and other municipal employees in Massachusetts.

NEPPA members make plans for legislative meetings

February 2011 --
The first session of the 112th Congress is now underway, and the NEPPA Legislative Committee has begun to plan for its first major lobbying activities in what promises to be a challenging legislative year. All NEPPA members are invited to participate in the legislative meetings and the APPA Legislative Rally.

Wholesale power markets for beginners

February 2011 -- EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT
by Pat Hyland NEPPA's Regional Power Supply Committee has planned an April workshop for the purpose of helping their colleagues understand New England wholesale market operations more clearly, by describing the various markets in as non-technical a manner as possible.

Class A CDL Course To Be Held in March

February 2011 -- EDUCATION & TRAINING UPDATE
NEPPA will offer a two-day course to prepare utility personnel for the written permit test for the Class A Commercial Driver’s License. Three main topics will be covered: CDL General Knowledge, Air Brake Knowledge and the Tractor-Trailer Combination.

New Seminar Series Announced

February 2011 -- EDUCATION & TRAINING UPDATE
NEPPA is pleased to offer a new "Professional Skills for Office Personnel" program designed to help employees respond to familiar but challenging on-the-job communication tasks, interpersonal relationships and organizational concerns.

Lyndonville completes substation project in record time

January 2011 --
Lyndonville Electric Department and Vermont Electric Power Company (VELCO) have recently completed a 115 kV substation project. As a result of the new substation, LED is not a sub-transmission customer of Central Vermont Public Service, for the first time in over 50 years.

The Old Order Changes

January 2011 -- EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT
by Pat Hyland In the community of public power officials of New England, at least seven utility managers, by my count, have decided to retire from their positions, taking with them an enormous amount of experience and talent, but also providing opportunities for a new generation of professionals to lead their organizations

CMEEC Announces New CEO

January 2011 -- AROUND NEW ENGLAND
The Connecticut Municipal Electric Energy Cooperative (CMEEC) Board of Directors announced on Dec. 17 that Drew Rankin will replace Maurice "Moe" Scully as CEO on Jan.3, 2011. Rankin was chosen to lead CMEEC after a national search and takes over for Scully, who has served as CMEEC’s CEO for the past 29 years and will be retiring in early 2012

One More New Year’s Resolution

January 2011 -- THE LEARNING CORNER
By Rockie Blunt Safety & Training Director If you are like most people I know, you recently made some New Year’s resolutions. Here are a few ideas for increasing your knowledge at work in 2011:

Dillman passes the reins to DeStasi

January 2011 -- AROUND NEW ENGLAND
Gregory DeStasi, former engineer at Sterling Municipal Light Department, has taken the position of general manager of Paxton Municipal Light Department. He replaces Diane Dillman who had held the position since 1998 and retired at the end of October.

Sean Hamilton becomes general manager at Sterling

January 2011 -- AROUND NEW ENGLAND
Sean Hamilton has been around public power since 1979 when he joined Templeton Municipal Light & Water Plant as a lineworker. In late November, he became manager at Sterling Municipal Light Department.

Public power employees at every level support injured lineworker

January 2011 --
The Public Power Community has again demonstrated that they "take care of their own" by raising $38,180.42 for the family of Georgetown Lineworker Jim Young. Young, who also serves on the light board of the Merrimac Municipal Light Department, experienced a disabling on-the-job accident on Sept. 25.

Berkshire Wind Power Cooperative completes $64.7 million wind project financing

January 2011 --
On Dec. 22, 2010, the Berkshire Wind Power Cooperative Corporation (BWPCC) issued $64,705,000 in tax-exempt revenue bonds to complete the financing for its Berkshire Wind Power Project, the largest wind project to-date in Massachusetts.

Looking Closely At Potential Behaviors Around Smart Meters

January 2011 -- THE LEARNING CORNER
By Ken Horne CMEEC & Jackson Jackson & Wagner "Once we build it, will they use it?" Connecticut Municipal Electric Energy Cooperative (CMEEC) asked Jackson Jackson & Wagner to conduct a series of focus groups in three pilot communities to shed some light on this very question.

Wakefield provides learning website for children

January 2011 -- AROUND NEW ENGLAND
Teaching children about energy conservation and the best way to stay safe around electricity and natural gas is a lot easier, thanks to the Wakefield Municipal Gas & Light Department (WMGLD) and the e-SMARTkids free online program.

NEPPA Workshop on Power Markets scheduled for April

December 2010 -- ASSOCIATION HAPPENINGS
FERC Commissioner Mark Spitzer to speak On April 7, 2011, the NEPPA Regional Power Supply Committee will host a day-long workshop on wholesale power market operations in New England, designed to enhance the understanding of basic market features, rules and responsibilities for public power managers, commissioners and others not directly involved in day-to-day market operations.

APPA accepting proposals for changes to its Safety Manual

December 2010 -- EDUCATION & TRAINING UPDATE
From now until Jan. 31, the American Public Power Association is accepting proposals for changes to its safety manual, in preparation for the 15th edition. The association strongly encourages all members who would like to be a part of this process to submit a change proposal.

The Art and Science of Managing Public Utilities

December 2010 -- EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT
by Pat Hyland For the past 18 years, NEPPA has offered its members a professional development program known as "Public Utility Management." This program was conceived in the early 1990s by a small group of public power officials who believed that managing consumer-owned electric utilities successfully required a unique combination of skills, aptitude and experience. To this end, the NEPPA Public Utility Management Program has evolved into a sort of graduate school for public power managers.

NEPPA graduates 15 apprentices at December ceremonies

December 2010 --
After four years of hands-on and formal classroom training, 15 students received certificates showing completion of the NEPPA Apprentice Lineworker Program.

NEPPA welcomes new members

December 2010 -- ASSOCIATION HAPPENINGS
NEPPA welcomes nine new associate members and two new corporate members to the association.

Getting a line on dealing with the public

December 2010 -- THE LEARNING CORNER
by Rockie Blunt, director of training and education In a municipal electric utility, customer service representatives are usually the ones who interact with the public most often, but they are not the only ones. Other personnel—engineers, meter readers, lineworkers, even management—at times meet with and answer questions from residents.

Presentations from recent NEPPA events available

December 2010 -- ASSOCIATION HAPPENINGS
Presentations from NEPPA's recent Collection Practices Roundtable and A Business Forum are available for viewing online.

NEPPA Trainers "Pay it Forward" in New York

November 2010 -- EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT
by Pat Hyland In October, at two different locations in New York state, 14 young men employed by municipal electric utilities completed four years of study and field work as apprentice lineworkers, and received their official certificates of completion. The two instructors who led these programs are Lou Gabriel and Bill Hesson.

Lague recognized with NEPPA Service Award – Century awards presented

November 2010 -- ASSOCIATION HAPPENINGS
Three NEPPA awards were presented at NEPPA's Annual Membership Meeting on Nov. 5. George Lague was recognized as a loyal member and leader of public power in New England with a NEPPA Service Award, and the Sterling and West Boylston utilities were presented with a Century Award.

Membership meeting celebrates NEPPA's 45 years of service

November 2010 -- ASSOCIATION HAPPENINGS
Nearly 100 NEPPA utility members and affiliates met at historic Mechanics Hall in Worcester, Mass. on Nov. 5 for NEPPA's Annual Membership Meeting and a celebration of NEPPA's 45 years of service to the New England public power community.

New CPR guidelines released

November 2010 -- EDUCATION & TRAINING UPDATE
by Linda Calderiso, NEPPA trainer Q. Now that new guidelines for CPR and ECC have been released, does that mean the "old" guidelines and the "old" way of performing CPR are not safe or effective? Q: When will the new guidelines for CPR "go into affect" since new materials are not yet available?

Learning linked to performance

November 2010 -- THE LEARNING CORNER
by Rockie Blunt, Training & Education Director Learning in the workplace is, or should be, linked to job performance. Here are some helpful hints about the Do's and Don'ts of evaluating someone's work.

Technical Training Information and Registration Forms have been Mailed

October 2010 -- EDUCATION & TRAINING UPDATE
By Rockie Blunt Training and Education Director You have probably already received it in the mail: NEPPA’s Safety & Technical Programs 2011 booklet, which includes course descriptions and registration forms for NEPPA’s technical training offerings for the coming year. The booklet reflects a significant increase in the number of learning opportunities NEPPA is making available to its members in the coming year.

MMWEC receives National Safety Council 'Perfect Record Award' for Stony Brook operations

October 2010 -- AROUND NEW ENGLAND
The National Safety Council (NSC) has awarded the Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company (MMWEC) its "Perfect Record Award" for six years without a lost-time accident at its Stony Brook Power Plant in Ludlow, Mass.

BELD Broadband Named Best of Greater Braintree for Third Straight Year

October 2010 -- AROUND NEW ENGLAND
For the third year, Braintree residents have named BELD Broadband the "Best of Greater Braintree" of 2010 in the Internet Provider category. The town also voted the department Best Cable TV Provider for the second year and best phone service.

PUMP Program 2011 set for Lenox, Mass.

October 2010 -- ASSOCIATION HAPPENINGS
NEPPA's unique professional development program, the Public Utility Management Program, has been planned for 2011. It is an intensive one-week program (divided into spring and fall sessions) in which participants learn or improve critical leadership skills, apply practical management techniques and strengthen their understanding of the most important developments affecting the electric utility industry in the United States

Templeton Wind Turbine Named for Local Science Teacher

October 2010 -- AROUND NEW ENGLAND
On Sept. 19, Templeton's 1.65-megawatt wind turbine was named the John R.S. LeClerc Wind Turbine in honor of Narragansett Regional Middle School technology teacher John LeClerc, who started the project as a way of teaching his classes about renewable energy. The 383-foot-high wind turbine with 122-foot-long blades is located near a running track behind Narragansett Regional Middle-High School.

Business Forum Well Attended by NEPPA Members

October 2010 -- ASSOCIATION HAPPENINGS
More than 40 public power officials from New England attended the NEPPA Business Forum on Sept. 24 at the Chocksett Inn in Sterling, Mass. The meeting highlighted important business topics for public power systems, including electronic billing and payment systems, data security and freedom of information challenges and dealing with the growing problem of utility customer bankruptcies.

NEPPA Requests the Honor of Your Presence.....

October 2010 -- EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT
by Pat Hyland On Nov. 5, at the beautiful and historic Mechanics Hall in Worcester, Mass., NEPPA will celebrate its 45th birthday. The setting for this celebration will be the association’s annual membership meeting , where we will envision plans for the future while briefly looking back at 1965, the year in which our "founding fathers" established the Northeast Public Power Association.

It Takes a Community

October 2010 -- THE LEARNING CORNER
By Rockie Blunt Training and Education Director Learning is not restricted to schools or training courses, nor is it always organized and led by a teacher or expert. Learning takes place anywhere and anytime, and nowhere is this more true than with communities of practice (CP).

Solar Power in the Land of the Rising Sun - Staz and Industry Colleagues Tour Japan to View Solar Energy Industry

October 2010 --
Sharon Staz, general manager and treasurer of the Kennebunk Light and Power District in southern Maine, realized a childhood dream this summer. She was selected by the American Public Power Association (APPA) to represent U.S. consumer-owned electric utilities on a tour of Japan, where she was able to briefly immerse herself in Japanese culture and history while learning about the growing importance of solar power in the country’s energy mix.

NEPPA affiliates are annual conference sponsors

September 2010 -- ASSOCIATION HAPPENINGS
Each year, NEPPA is the beneficiary of financial and other contributions by its affiliates and friends through their sponsorship of the annual conference. Their contributions are very important to this event, and NEPPA would like to thank the following for their generosity:

Insights from the front lines

September 2010 -- EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT
by Pat Hyland Every year at the NEPPA Annual Conference, invited speakers are asked to provide our members with some new insights and information about their assigned topics. I believe at this year's conference, attendees walked away with at least 3-4 new ideas to bring back to their organizations.

Person of the Year Award presented to Ted Garille

September 2010 --
The NEPPA Person of the Year Award is NEPPA’s most prestigious award and is presented to those individuals who have distinguished themselves through their sustained, outstanding service and contributions to NEPPA and to the entire public power community. This year, the association recognizes Ted Garille of the Pascoag Utility District.

Awards given at NEPPA Annual Conference

September 2010 --
NEPPA recognized several organizations and individuals with awards at the Annual Conference banquet held in Providence, R.I. on Aug. 16. The recipients of these awards represent the best in public power in New England. (Left photo: Linda Soucy, right, accepts a Century Award on behalf of her utility from Barbara Grimes.)

Bilda is new NEPPA president

September 2010 -- ASSOCIATION HAPPENINGS
Gary Babin, director of the Mansfield Municipal Electric Department and outgoing president of NEPPA, presented the president’s gavel, the official symbol of the NEPPA Presidency, to incoming president, John Bilda, general manager of Norwich (Ct.) Public Utilities. Bilda thanked Babin on behalf of the Board of Directors for his distinguished service as president of the association.

It’s September. Gather Your Books

September 2010 -- THE LEARNING CORNER
By Rockie Blunt director of training and education I thought I would list some books you might find helpful if you are looking to build your professional skills in a variety of areas. These are books I typically use when I design communication, supervisory or leadership skills training.

Braintree Electric Light Department Implements Outage Management System

August 2010 -- AROUND NEW ENGLAND
The Challenge Rob Forde, Electric Operations Supervisor for Braintree Electric Light Department, was asked by upper management to investigate an Outage Management System that would tie into their existing GIS system. "I saw some marketing material from mPower that described how their browser-based mapping software, mPower Integrator, can easily link to multiple data bases and systems, so I decided to attend one of their webcasts."

Fox Island Wind receives overwhelming customer support

August 2010 --
Completed in the fall of 2009, Fox Island Wind is the largest community wind-power facility on the East Coast of the United States. However, installing wind turbines on an island off the Maine coast has its own special problems, according to Charles (Chip) Farrington, general manager of the Fox Islands Electric Cooperative, Inc.

That’s Using Your Head!

August 2010 -- THE LEARNING CORNER
By Rockie Blunt, director of training and education Everyone knows that we use our brain to think, but how many of us know that different parts of our brain control different ways of thinking?

The Business of Public Utilities

August 2010 -- EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT
by Patrick Hyland NEPPA has scheduled three programs designed specifically for utility business and finance professionals. Each of these programs have been designed to help NEPPA members remain current with developments in their fields, and to learn from their public power colleagues about how they deal with similar problems and challenges.

OBITUARY - John McRae, Age 64

August 2010 -- AROUND NEW ENGLAND
John McRae, former general line foreman of the Taunton Municipal Light Plant, died at his home on July 27 following a period of failing health. He was a fourth generation lineworker with 42 years of experience, 34 of which were spent at TMLP.

Dan Sack on Retirement from Concord Light: "I like to look out into the future"

July 2010 --
by Elaine O'Neil When Dan Sack became superintendent of Concord Light in July 1988, the utility's one computer in the tiny office space on Keyes Road near Concord Center represented cutting-edge technology. Deregulation did not affect the electric industry, and most utilities were not involved in complex energy conservation projects.

2010 Safety & Operations Conference Features Demos and Equipment Displays

July 2010 -- ASSOCIATION HAPPENINGS
New England public power officials and operations personnel had an opportunity to learn about new technologies, tools and equipment at NEPPA's 2010 Safety and Operations Conference and Expo in June at Fitchburg, Mass.

APPA Statesmanship Award Given to William Gallagher

July 2010 --
APPA's 2010 Alan H. Richardson Statesmanship Award was given to William J. Gallagher, the retired general manager of the Vermont Public Power Supply Authority. The award recognizes public power leaders who work successfully and tirelessly on APPA's behalf forging consensus on national issues that achieve public power's goals.

Belmont Names Santoro to New Position

July 2010 -- AROUND NEW ENGLAND
Jennifer M. Santoro of Belmont has been named energy services and communications coordinator for the Belmont Municipal Light Department (BMLD) with responsibility for promoting and implementing energy conservation programs.

Golf Tournament Raises Money for Benevolent Fund

July 2010 -- ASSOCIATION HAPPENINGS
NEPPA raised approximately $2,500 at the Benevolent Fund Golf Tournament on June 10 in Westminster, Mass.