With the stroke of a pen, President Donald Trump in recent months has moved to fulfill campaign promises to roll back the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Power Plan (CPP) final rule and revise the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) final rule. But to a large degree, Trump’s actions can be considered a starting point. The scrapping of either final rule is not likely to occur quickly or easily and the courts are expected to play a key role in determining the ultimate fates of the CPP and WOTUS final rules.

Something strange happened to me earlier this month. "Twilight Zone" strange. Call it coincidence or call it fate; it was downright spooky — and made me want to share a free resource with you this month. I had worked on an article about scams and robocalls for a utility magazine we produce, reporting on the latest efforts by the FCC to combat this annoying and potentially dangerous problem. Highlighted in the article was a particularly effective scam wherein the caller claims to be from the IRS and threatens the victim with legal action. A few days later, I checked my voicemail and there it was: a message from a man named "David" claiming to be an IRS agent, warning he was going to download an arrest order to my local sheriff’s office.

How can I build an effective information security program for my business? This is a question that keeps many business leaders awake at night. For large companies and organizations, compliance requirements will often drive the need to meet at least the minimum standards of a good cybersecurity program. For small and medium businesses, the path is not always as clear. Good security is good security, whether your business is large or small. However, in many cases, smaller organizations may not have the staff, resources, budget or experience to build and maintain a good cybersecurity program.

The exclusive mobile workforce partner of Hometown Connections, Clevest helps utilities deliver safe, reliable and superior services through innovative and configurable mobile workforce management and smart grid operations software solutions. The company specializes in optimizing utility field operations, automating field activities and processes to improve safety, reliability, and response time. Over 180 utilities have selected Clevest as their mobile workforce partner, based on its experience from hundreds of successful implementations.

The other day I received a phone call from one of managers. He said, "I've come to rely on the daily clips sent by TMEPA to such an extent that I read only the local paper now." Just to give you an idea about the number of articles "clipped", in 2016 we sent out 2,424 articles, 2,624 in 2015 and 650 so far this year. We routinely view hundreds of newspaper articles each day, 7 days a week, "clip" those we believe are of interest to TMEPA members and send them out, most days by 8:00 a.m. (Central). You can also see the current and past 6 days on our website. If you don't receive the clips and would like to, just send an email to any of the staff and we'll add you to the list (mvinson@tmepa.org, susans@tmepa.org or jelrod@tmepa.org). Click on the link below to see the articles for today and the last 6 days.

Ever tried finding a piece of days-gone-by technology... especially one that actually works? Today, thanks to that digital superhighway known as the Net and Google, you can find most anything, whether it works or not. In the pre-Net/Google days, I had tried for what seemed like an eternity to find a Kodak carousel slide projector. Garage sales, estate sales, newspaper, thrift shops... you name it, I tried it. Finally, thanks to the Net/Google, I found one...

Legislative sessions never have a definitive end date, but there are certain parts of the process that are benchmarks that signal when the end might be near. One of those benchmarks is coming, but it's stuck in a traffic jam waiting for transportation funding to get worked out. In the meantime, there are still several bills affecting municipal electric systems still hanging around to keep us busy.

The Spring E & O Conference was a big success! Your officers and Spring program committee prepared an agenda that offered several opportunities for education and networking. Our friends at Doubletree Hotel, prepared delicious meals, and hosted us in excellent meeting space. We had great a great time gathering in the exhibit area, that served both as the place to be for networking, and enjoying the nutritious treats prepared for us by the staff. We had over 20 folks who wanted to take the ride to Humboldt to tour the Reinhausen Factory. I think a few even squeezed in a round of golf, however, the wind conditions were a challenge! Our speakers topics offered information that provided new and challenging aspects for our industry from Fiber Deployment, to Utility Law. (see program attached for more information) We couldn't host these meetings without our gracious friends and meeting Sponsors, and we thank each of you! We had 15 Meeting sponsors, and 14 who exhibited and spent time with the attendee's, sharing the newest and best products to provide all our Tennessee Municipal Systems the opportunity to be at the top of their game. You don't want to miss the next event, so watch for information coming soon for the Fall E & O Conference.

The City of Newport was incorporated in March of 1903. With more than 2,000 miles of water, sewer and electric utility lines located over 600 square miles, the work that NU performs is not simple or easy. In order to provide essential and responsive utility services to our more than 21,500 customers across three counties, NU employs 95 full-time and five part-time employees to carry out the work associated with its water, sewer and electric utility operations.

Have an important meeting or event coming to your town? Let us know and we'll put it on the TMEPA Calendar. Stay up to date with all the TMEPA meetings and other events around the state and even nationally for TMEPA Member Systems.

Newport Utilities is actively seeking a Senior Systems Operator, responsible for the overall performance and efficiency of the 24/7 communications/dispatch center and the planning and assigning of work to NU’s field resources. This position will support the new requirements as NU moves forward and transforms the SCADA/Dispatcher monitoring functions.

Newport Utilities has an immediate opening for a Systems Engineer. This position is responsible for utility engineering work in the office and field; direct and manage water and wastewater utility projects; and other related work as required. Work in this position involves responsibility for the application of engineering skills and knowledge to moderately difficult and difficult utility engineering projects in connection with the design, construction, extension, inspection, and maintenance of water and wastewater utility systems. Technical work in design and preparation of plans and specifications also required.

The City of Sparta, Tennessee is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Lineman with the Sparta Electric System. Sparta is located 90 miles east of Nashville, TN, 95 miles west of Knoxville, TN and 80 miles north of Chattanooga, TN. The service territory includes a 6.3 square mile service area with approximately 3,000 meters.

The Athens Utilities Board is now accepting resumes for a full-time Communication Specialist. A Bachelor’s degree (B.S., B.A.) in communications, public relations/journalism or related field from a four-year college or university with course work in digital media, social media or related areas of study is preferred. At least two years related experience in corporate communications preferred, with an emphasis on social media management. Send resume to: Athens Utilities Board, Att: Human Resources Department, Post Office Box 689, Athens, Tennessee 37371-0689

Tullahoma Utilities Authority (Tullahoma, TN) is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Electric Engineering Supervisor or Electric Engineer. This position will be responsible for a wide range of activities and key functions for the Tullahoma Utilities Authority. These responsibilities include but are not limited to: • Engineering and system planning • Program administration • Technology support

Weakley County Municipal Electric System is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Engineer. This position requires, as a minimum, a bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited university, and 5 years’ experience in power system engineering.

Dickson Electric System, a municipal electric system located in Middle Tennessee, has an opening for an Electrical Engineer who will work under the supervision of the Director of Engineering. Must be able to perform professional work in the design, planning, operation and maintenance of overhead and underground electrical distribution systems; make recommendations on methods of system improvements; and develop engineering costs, labor costs, equipment costs, material costs, prepare bid documents, plans and specifications.