NEPPA eNewsletter
November 2013
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT
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Thanks to all of those who included us in or provided us with information on your Public Power Week events. These events remind us that our communities can come together in celebration as well as when we respond to challenges. So many times this past year we have heard of our communities and others coming together after disasters or tragedies and while we all prefer that these events not occur, we are all proud of our response.
Unfortunately, Washington’s divide has gotten so great that even events that bring our local communities together have been used as political fodder. Normally, I would attempt to avoid discussing the great national political chasm, but I think the reason I would like to discuss it this month is that it does have an impact on our utilities and our member business models. I will not attempt to pose a solution, because there is no easy or short term solution on the horizon.
While as a nation we began partitioning ourselves into television networks, websites and other media that reflected our own beliefs back at us, those responsible for redistricting did the same. This creates districts where the local population is only marginally challenged to extend or rethink their own political positions. Moreover, this produces not only more homogenous districts, but also extreme divides at the federal level. States elect House Representatives from these like-minded districts that move farther away from center; so when Senate races occur, these folks have to move to center to get elected. This assures that the two houses can only agree on the most universal issues or concepts. Some will say that this was the intent when the founding fathers created the two house system. But the issues today extend far past agriculture versus industry or imports versus exports. Many still paint them as states rights versus federal authority.
So, while we are all frustrated with the lack of work and progress of Congress (reflected in the current approval polls) we are partially responsible. We don’t object when redistricted plans turn our community maps into Rorschach test ink blots.
How this plays out for our industry to be honest, it is like the start of the Indianapolis 500 where all of our issues are cars waiting at the starting line. But the start never comes and we just keep returning to the pit to refuel while we wait. Simple things like getting the industry exemption to the swap dealer definition in the Dodd/Frank bill are difficult, even though it is clear to all we speak with that this was an unintended consequence of the legislation.
This endless holding pattern would have us chasing shadows if not for the wise guidance of our Legislative Affairs Chair and Vice Chair (Sharon Staz and Mike Kirkwood). They understand that while a great deal of speculative talk occurs on the Hill related to cyber security, tax exempt financing, and other issues, that we have to pursue, the issues that may actually move. Thus, we pursue more of the issues we can with regulators and approach congressional leaders about how regulating issues are or are not working with the public power business model.
And we hope bridges or tunnels form between the divided houses so that the issues that we have will resolve, and we only hope that these tunnels are nothing like the Big Dig!
Happy Thanksgiving!
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ASSOCIATION HAPPENINGS
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NEPPA, the quality leader for public power education in the Northeast, is seeking a new full time instructor for its Littleton, Mass., Training Center and other remote training sessions.
NEPPA offers competitive compensation and a positive environment. Candidates must have crew experience and be proficient in operational/technical and safety areas of public utility operations and must be comfortable with public speaking and group management. NEPPA will train the right candidate in our programs. For information or to apply, please contact either Steve Socoby, ssocoby@neppa.org, or Larry Brownell, lbrownell@neppa.org, or call 978-540-2200.
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In the April edition of our e-newsline we began doing a feature on the Utilities and Affiliate Member’s that have generously donated to the NEPPA Training Center or have had a part in NEPPA’s move. This month we will recognize Kennebunk Light and Power District.
Sharon Staz, who is the General Manager/Treasurer of Kennebunk Light and Power District, goes on to say:
"In the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, I remember attending meetings in Boylston, Massachusetts where a number of us promoted the need for a centralized training center for the Northeast Public Power Association. As consumer owned utilities, we were finding it difficult to hire trained line workers and needed a strong apprentice program we could call our own. Years later, Pascoag stepped up to the plate and provided a fine facility that NEPPA members could use to provide this needed training. On behalf of the Kennebunk Light & Power District is was an honor to be able to contribute to the foundation of a state of the art training facility for NEPPA located in central Massachusetts. The District has put two students through the NEPPA program and will be enrolling a third in January of 2014. The District is a very small part of a large and dedicated number of public power systems in New England that have made this new facility one we can be proud of for years and decades to come."
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NEPPA welcomes PWRCO Road Warriors LLC as a new Associate Member. PWRCO Road Warriors LLC is a web site database designed for anyone who sells, provides services, or needs to stay informed about electric companies throughout the United States. The company is located at 102 Bessemer Place, Durham, NC 27712. The primary contact is Chuck Davidson, CEO. He may be contacted by phone at 919-471-4360 and/or by email at charlesdavidsonjr@mac.com.
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EDUCATION & TRAINING UPDATE
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The 2013 NEPPA Crew Leadership seminar was held at the NEPPA Training Center on October 16th and 17th this year with 34 participants in attendance. Dr. Rockie Blunt and NEPPA’s Director of Training Steve Socoby co-presented the program on both days.
Topics covered on the first day included scheduling line crews and conducting job briefings, developing communication skills, giving instructions and giving feedback, and working with the public.
Topics covered on the second day included situational leadership, motivating your crew, managing different generations, sharing your knowledge, and dealing with challenging employees.
All the attendees actively participated in vigorous discussions on each topic which made for a lively interaction both days.
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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
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In This Issue:
Congressional Overview
After a 16-day government shutdown, Congress reached a short-term agreement to reopen the government, temporarily increase the debt ceiling, and set up a House-Senate Conference Committee on the Budget to craft a longer term deal. It is unclear if real progress will be made or if the legislative branch will continue to "kick the can" down the road on all fiscal fronts.
Per the short-term agreement, the government will be funded through Jan. 15, when next year’s automatic sequestration cuts are due to kick in; the debt ceiling is raised until Feb. 7. Changes to the Affordable Care Act sought by Republicans were limited to a new requirement for income verification in order to be eligible for subsidies.
On Oct. 30, Senate Budget Chair Patty Murray (D-WA) and House Budget Chair Paul Ryan (R-WI) will convene the budget conference committee to see if they can reconcile differences between the Senate-passed Fiscal Year 2014 (FY14) budget resolution which provides for $1.058 trillion in spending and the House version which provides for $967 billion. The Committee has until Dec. 13 to develop a framework to move forward with one overall number for FY14 federal spending.
It remains to be seen how voters – and the political parties - will interpret the result of the politically-toxic stalemate. Polls say the developments were bad politically for everyone involved, but especially bad for Republicans.
To read the complete legislative update including the following topics, click the links below:
Dodd-Frank Sub-Threshold Fix ##SHARELINKS##
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PUBLIC POWER WEEK AROUND NEW ENGLAND
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On September 29, 2013, Shrewsbury Electric & Cable Operations was a part of the 2013 Spirit of Shrewsbury Fall Festival, along with many other local companies throughout Shrewsbury.The event was held at the Oak Middle School in Shrewsbury, Mass., from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. SELCO has been a part of the festival since it’s early beginnings in 1997. They have become a staple at the festival and customers make it a point to come visit their booth and see what goodies they are giving out as well as speak to the wonderful staff of SELCO. One customer who came to visit the booth said, "it’s good to see them in a different setting than when I go into the office to pay my bill."
This year, SELCO was handing out koozies, SELCO bags for the kids, pens, frisbees, water bottles and many other things. They were also selling energy efficient light bulbs, where all proceeds were donated to the Share The Warmth program. Share The Warmth is a program that assists Shrewsbury residents with funding to maintain electric service for heat, light and hot water through the cold winter months.
SELCO was also handing out other giveaways from their partners including a MLB Little baseball cap, a MLB Little bat key chain, an Outdoor Channel bouncy ball, Cartoon Network cup, DVD from Showtime, Zane Lamprey’s Drinking Made Easy Episode CD, Axs.tv pen, a BBC tiny flask, and a Game of Thrones Pen.
Jackie Pratt, one of the employees behind the booth, has been going to the festival to represent SELCO for 10 years. She goes on to say, "it’s a great way to reach out to the community and meet the people we only deal with when they pay their bills."
To learn more about this year’s Spirit of Shrewsbury Fall Festival, please visit www.spiritofshrewsbury.com/index.html Also, if you wish to donate to the Share the Warmth program, please do so here.
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In partnership with the Department of Elder Affairs, Braintree Electric Light Department hosted their yearly Senior Breakfast at the Department of Elder Affairs Tuesday, September 24. Breakfast was served by the Braintree Rotary Club and a Braintree Electric Light Department representative gave an overview of what’s new at The Light Department. There were two seatings available—8:00 and 9:30 a.m.—as well giveaways and drawings during the event.  Department of Elder Affairs, 71 Cleveland Avenue  William G. Bottiggi General Manager of BELD, gives praise to The Braintree Rotary Club for such a great job with all the help and support.  All the guests enjoy their breakfast as Mayor Sullivan gives a quick speach about some of the town upcoming projects, past accomplishments, and thanks BELD for their great sponsorship each year.  BELD serving the attendees   William G. Bottiggi does the drawings ##SHARELINKS##
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Georgetown Municipal Light Department celebrated the benefits of public power with an open house at its 94 Searle Street office on Thursday, October 10, from 9 a.m. to noon. The open house featured demonstrations by light department crews, a raffle, giveaways, coffee and light refreshments, along with conservation and energy-saving information.
The open house took place during Public Power Week, which was celebrated by Georgetown Municipal Light Department and more than 2,000 other community-owned and operated electric utilities from the October 6th through October 12. This year marks the 27th annual Public Power Week sponsored by the American Public Power Association (APPA).
"Public Power Week celebrates affordable, reliable power provided on a not-for-profit basis from municipal electric systems like Georgetown Municipal Light Department," General Manager David Schofield said. "This week allows us to focus on the benefits of a locally-owned electric utility right here in our community."
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Norwich Public Utilities (NPU) celebrated Public Power Week by hosting an Open House at its Customer Service Center on Wednesday, October 9. The event featured food, giveaways, and a live radio broadcast on WICH 1310 AM. Throughout the live broadcast, employees talked about various programs, projects and services offered by NPU. General Manager John Bilda kicked off the broadcast with an overview of the energy markets and an update on some of the projects underway at NPU. The Energy Services team discussed NPU’s gas expansion project and energy efficiency topics. Representatives from Customer Service discussed topics such as budget payments, online bill payment and presentment, and other payment options. One of NPU’s Linemen spoke about electric safety topics including wrapping service lines. Other subjects discussed during the broadcast included meter reading issues (keeping meters clear of debris, trees, dogs, etc.), social media and web site tools, and topics related to water and wastewater services. During the broadcast customers had the ability to call in and speak directly to NPU staff. Various NPU personnel were on hand throughout the day to meet and greet customers.
On Thursday, October 10, NPU employees enjoyed a company-sponsored breakfast which, in addition to great food, allowed employees from various locations throughout the company to get together and socialize with employees they do not normally see on a day to day basis. During this event, the General Manager gave a "State-of-the-Utility" presentation, which included welcoming new employees, announcing service milestones, status updates on capital projects, and information on industry changes and outlooks that impact our business. He also reiterated what it means to be a public power utility and how our customers and community benefit.
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Belmont Light joined more than 2,000 other public power utilities in the United States celebrating the benefits of hometown, community-owned and operated electric utilities during Public Power Week, October 6th through October 12. This year marked the 27th annual Public Power Week sponsored by the American Public Power Association (APPA). More than 2,000 communities in the United States light up their homes and businesses with ‘public power’— electricity that comes from a community-owned utility. Each public power utility reflects its own hometown characteristics and values, but all have a common purpose: providing safe, reliable electricity at a reasonable price. These community-owned electric utilities serve over 44 million people and more than 2.8 million business customers. Some of the America’s largest cities, including Los Angeles, San Antonio, Seattle and Orlando, operate publicly owned electric utilities.
"Public Power Week provides utilities like Belmont Light an opportunity to remind customers that local residents make important decisions about their public power services," General Manager James Palmer said. "That’s because public power utilities are consumer owned and operated and provide reliable, responsive, not-for-profit electric service. We’re accountable to the people we serve and are committed to serving our customers, keeping rates low, and contributing to the economic development and sustainability of the community."
"Belmont Light employees have also been committed to providing reliable, safe power and service to all our customers since 1898," he added. "We’re proud that Belmont Light has been a part of the community for more than 115 years and we plan to provide that same level of quality, reliable electric service to our customers for years to come."
In addition to Public Power Week, customers of public power utilities had access to programs and services not usually available to customers of private electric utilities, including conservation services, appliance rebates and other energy-saving incentives.
To learn more about BMLD and the services they provide, please call 617-993-2800 or visit the website at www.belmont-ma.gov/electric
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