NEPPA eNewsletter

On September 11 and 12, NEPPA will be resurrecting the Annual Lineworkers’ Rodeo at the training center in Littleton. This will be a continuation of the rodeo that was so graciously hosted by the Burlington Electric Department from 1999 to 2005. While we can’t deliver the great views and spectacular venue that was enjoyed in Burlington, the spirit of the event will remain unchanged. There will be competition, camaraderie, and fun for all those who attend.

The rodeo is based on the International Lineman’s Rodeo, and will feature three-member teams competing in six events. The events are designed to showcase the lineworkers’ skills and safe working procedures. It is an excellent exhibition for spectators to witness the various tasks that may be performed by lineworkers over the course of their careers. Performance is judged on completing the events in a safe and efficient manner; speed is considered only as a tiebreaker. The emphasis is always on safety, as it is in our everyday work practices. Unlike work, however, the rodeo is intended to be fun!

Many fond memories have been made at the rodeo, and at the same time, valuable insight has been gained as well. Dave Schofield, manager of the Georgetown Light Department states: "As a competitor in this event, I had a great time. It allowed me to network with other public power linemen while putting my skills to the test against some stiff competition. As a manager, I can appreciate the value the rodeo represents as a great training and information-sharing tool for the crews."

Whether you are a lineman looking to test your abilities against your peers, a supervisor looking for an exciting day of observing some skilled lineworkers plying their trade, or just interested in seeing what lineworkers do on a daily basis, keep September 11 and 12 open on your calendar!

To register a team, volunteer or be a judge, please go here!

Is the electric industry the next to be redesigned by technology? Over the past two decades we have seen personal communication, mass media and other industries retooled by the quick adaption of technology.

Ten years ago most of us were still reading the newspaper, mailing our bills and using our home phone as primary ways to communicate. Each of these industries was faced with the need to make dramatic and quick changes for their survival. 

What about our industry? We have been observing smart grid technology advance so quickly that what was smart ten years ago is an Edsel today. Maybe only Mark Kelly and I get that one. But, the fast growing distributive generation industry adds even greater strains to our system and remind us of the need for change to the US electric industry. Some are going as far as saying that the overhaul of the entire electric grid is necessary for modernization. 

So let me ask you some speculative questions:

Is grid security likely to improve or become more vulnerable with more automation of the transmission systems to a smart grid level? The trend has been that when industries have gone to computerized (online, cloud, etc.) pathways there is usually a period of vulnerability where not all access points or viral attacks are accounted for. The problem is that hackers and electronic disruptors are constantly working on new ways to garner access and wreak havoc. Building protections are almost outdated when they are implemented. So, in some ways, a "dumb" grid is less hack-able.  

But if we can get past the period of vulnerability, what are the potential benefits of modernizing the grid to a more intelligent/interactive system? The obvious benefits are real time information and response and the potential to be proactive instead of reactive to potential system faults or failures. These benefits should also improve cost efficiency and power management. There will be logic issues and other glitches, but overall it would be beneficial.

What are other implications for distribution utilities? This is where some very dangerous pathways can be followed. All electric distributors are grappling with the issues related to distributed generation. Recently, articles have appeared about the very real problems Hawaii is facing with the insistence of customers to be net generators on their systems. The demand has created such significant conflicts that they have actually capped annual permits for home conversions. How we accommodate this phenomenon in the near future and the desire of state and federal governments to expedite the conversion to net metering and other distributed generation models could severely damage the model for municipal electric utilities. 

If programs are not created and managed locally, then the ability to control your business flow will be compromised. Could your utility end up pushing power back into the transmission grid and what are the rules for the transmission companies in how they accommodate this? Is the ISO New England market prepared for the implications of this process? My fear is that no real conversations are occurring about this in New England and the folks of ISO will just throw together a new set of rules that do not account for the two million New England public power customers.

We as public power need to do a full analysis on what the future holds for us. Potential solutions to these issues are being posed to the Department of Energy and concepts like expanding the oversight of ISOs and RTOs to have control over distribution or creating new organizations like them that solely are responsible for distribution are out there. These are horrible ideas, but there are a lot people who stand to make a great deal of money if they go forward. This is why we need to conduct our research and come up with potential options that do not undermine our business model which has been able to adapt and serve consumers for over 100 years.

The Board of Commissioners of the Littleton Electric Light and Water Departments are pleased to announce that Scott Edwards has been hired as the General Manager. The position was awarded to Mr. Edwards following a highly competitive selection process that was conducted throughout New England by an executive consultant. 

Scott has been with LELWD for 22 years, most recently in the position of Assistant General Manager to the Littleton Electric Light Department. Scott assumed the position upon the retirement of Savas Danos.  

WESTBOROUGH, MA – 3C Electrical Company, Inc. held a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house at their new corporate headquarters on 40 Washington Street, Westborough MA. 3C had operated in Ashland since 1971 but began an exhaustive search to find a suitable facility due to growth and expansion. This new, 26,000-square-foot facility provides the necessary space for the staff, equipment, shop work, fleet of vehicles and additional expansion.

To mark this significant milestone in the company’s history, guests attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony and saw presentations by James Cialdea PE, 3C Electrical CEO; Alexander Piccioli, 3C Electrical COO; Christopher Egan, Carruth Capital; Jim Robbins, Westborough Town Planner; George Barrette, Chairman of the Westborough Board of Selectman; Carolyn Dykema, State Representative; and Danielle Gregoire, State Representative.

Carolyn Dykema presented a citation from the Massachusetts House of Representatives to recognize 3C Electrical’s expansion into the town of Westborough. Dykema noted that 3C has grown in size and capabilities during an economic climate that caused many small businesses to fail. "We have faced many challenges through the years, but have succeeded because of our dedicated, capable team of employees," said Jim Cialdea, CEO, 3C Electrical. "We have always put the needs of our customers first and will continue to let that drive our business decisions."

3C Electrical has expanded its business to complement its founding purpose to install and service electrical power equipment. The company currently employs over 60 people that includes technicians, industrial electricians, power engineers, management and administrative support. The move to a larger facility will ensure that 3C can continue to meet the growing demands of customers in the power industry.

3C Electrical Co. Inc. 40 Washington Street, Westborough MA 01581, www.three‐c.com / 508‐881‐3911. About 3C Electrical Company, Inc. 3C Electrical Company, Inc. was founded in 1971 and specializes in electrical testing, maintenance, commissioning, emergency repair and engineering. Expertise includes service and regulatory compliance guidance for power system components for electric utility transmission and distribution substations, power generating facilities, manufacturing and municipal utilities.

3C is a NETA-accredited company. For more information, visit www.three-c.com or call 508-881-3911.

(Peabody, MA) – On May 28, 2014, the Peabody Municipal Lighting Commission, along with representatives from PMLP, honored 114 fifth grade elementary school students who demonstrated outstanding achievement in Energy Conservation and Energy Awareness at Science Fairs held at their respective schools in the city. The awards ceremony was held at Peabody Veteran’s Memorial High School with approximately 800 people in attendance. Coordinated by Jennifer Santoro, Community Relations Manager at PMLP, the program began with the presentation of colors and the Pledge of Allegiance led by the Peabody Veteran’s Memorial High School Air Force Junior R.O.T.C., followed by the National Anthem sung by Gabriella R. Grillo, a fifth grade student and Honorable Mention Winner at the West Memorial School.  

Lighting Commission Chairman, William Aylward, presented award packages containing an engraved plaque from PMLP, a congratulatory letter from United States Congressman John Tierney, a joint citation from State Senator Joan B. Lovely, State Representatives Ted Speliotis and Leah Cole and a certificate from Peabody Mayor Edward A. Bettencourt Jr. to all students.  First, Second and Third place winners received a Barnes & Noble Gift Card from the Light Plant.  Lighting Commissioners Robert Wheatley, Charles Bonfanti, Thomas D’ Amato, and Thomas Paras, State Senator Joan Lovely, State Representatives Speliotis and Cole, Mayor Bettencourt, City Councilor James Moutsoulas, School Committee Members Brandi Carpenter, Tom Rossignoll, Jarrod Hochman, and Beverly Griffin-Dunne, as well as Superintendent of Schools, Joe Mastrocola were in attendance to congratulate the students along with Chairman Aylward.

Light refreshments, prepared by Peabody High School Culinary Arts Department students, were served following the ceremony.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

A list of all winners follows: 

ALYSA CAVANAUGH, ANTHONY IANNALFO, BRADY CARPENTER, CHRISTOPHER WINTERS, DEREK PERRIN, ELIOS KLEFTI, GABRIELLE CAPONE, JESSE L. SILVA, MATTHEW S. MCDONALD, OLIVIA GARVEY, SARA MARTINS, SARAH MONSINI

AIDAN MCFADDEN, CADE BUCKLEY, CHRISTOPHER BRATT, EMILY THOMAS, EMMA HAYWARD, J.J. JALBERT, JACK HOULDEN, JACOB DELLACROCE, JAMES BRODERICK, MATTHEW PURSELL, MIKAYLA BUCKLEY, SAMANTHA SILVA

CHRIS FABBO, DANIEL NORMAN, ERIN SURVILAS, EVAN BALLOU, GRACE EMERSON CONWAY, JAROD T. WONG, KAYLA MOY, KRISTINA DERRIVAN, MAGGIE BENA, MARK BATISTA, MIA MODUGNO, ROBERT J. KOSTAN, SCOTT EMERSON, STEPHANIE GUGLIELMO

 

ALEX RICE, AMBER KIRICOPLES, CADENCE COLLINS, DANIEL RICHARD, HAILEY NORMAN, JAMES CHRISTIAN ALIMONTI, JOSCELYN MYERS, KEELI MCGONIGLE, LUKE C. BUCKLEY, MICHAEL LEONARD, SWETHA SARAVANAKUMAR, VINCENT C. SADOWSKI

AMANDA FRIESER, BIANCA I. GIGLIELLO, CARLY CALNAN, CHRISTIAN COOK, DYLAN M. HALLOWELL, EMMA MARGOSSIAN, GRADY ROBERT MCLAUGHLIN, ISABELLE PITROWSKI, JAMES GRACE, KAITLYN MCLAUGHLIN, KYLE MAGLIONE, LILY M. RYAN, NAYELI GARCIA, THOMAS LIGH

ALEXA BETTENCOURT, BRIANNA RENEE BROWN, CAILEY STICKNEY, CHRISTOPHER TSAPARLIS, EMILY MARSHALL, FIAMA LAKO, JENNA DURKIN, MIA TSAPARLIS, SAMANTHA M.P. VALENTE, STAVROULA TZORTZIS, SYDNEY O'DONNELL, TREVAN TILLEY, TYLER SOTOMAYOR 

ADRIANA LOMANNO, AMY PLOURDE, ANDREW KASS, ASHLEY JEAN VOISINE, CAILEY M. FLYNN, CAM CUZZI, CECELIA LEBRON,  CHIKA AMAKOR, CHRISTOPHER KILBRIDE, DOMINIC ANNESE, DYLAN LEDREW, ERIC FERGUSON, HARRY SORELL, KARISSA FENNELLY, KING V. GASKINS, OLIVIA GRIFFIN, PETER QIRJAZI, STARLIN BATISTA, SYDNEY BRANGA

AIDAN FINN, AMANDA FARHAT, ANDREW PHILLIPS, BREANNA WHITE, DANTE DIGIANFELICE, DANTE OLOWU, ELIZABETH HART, GABRIELLA R. GRILLO, HANNA JOHNSON, INDIA GOODMAN, JADEN CABRERA, JENNA L. RICH, NICHOLAS PETITTO, NICOLE MICHELMAN, RICKY DELORETO, SAYMI LOPEZ, STEVEN BAKER, ZOE CASSIDY

NEPPA welcomes OSIsoft, LLC as an associate member as of Monday, June 2, 2014! OSIsoft, LLC is a software for utility engineering and operations. The company is located at 777 Davis Street, San Leandro, CA 94577. The primary contact person is Todd A. Pistorese who is a Market Principal for Public Utilities. He can be reached at todd@osisoft.com or by phone at 206-399-3815.

Atlantic Power Systems Division of Steward & Stevenson became as associate member of NEPPA on Thursday, June 12, 2014! Atlantic Power Systems Division of Steward & Stevenson is the Northeast Distributor for Rolls-Royce Power Systems – Utility Peaking Power and Cogeneration. The company is located at 11 North Maryland Avenue, Port Washington, NY 11050. The primary contact person isArthur LaBarbera, who is the Director of Gas Energy Power Systems. He can be reached by email at a.labarbera@sss.com, by phone at 201-538-2949 or by fax at 513-944-1775. 

The first day started with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag which was once again supplied by the Wakefield Municipal Gas and Electric Plant of Wakefield, Massachusetts. That was followed by time of recognition for all the veterans in attendance. A moment of silence was then observed in remembrance of all those heroes who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. Included in the moment of silence was the mention of Mark Miles, a lineworker that was killed while working on a trouble call almost one year ago. Finally, came the playing of our National Anthem, which signaled the beginning of the event. The apprentices then finished as many of the events as possible on the first day to help ensure that they could get all 10 accomplished during the two-day event.

The second day started with the "National Anthem" once again and the students immediately went to work to finish their remaining events. The Top Overall Performer was Jesse Cote for the 2nd year in a row. To see the 2014 Rodeo Winners, please go here!

The weather was perfect and many visitors arrived to show their support for their respective apprentices who were able to showcase their skills in a friendly competition. Several vendors including Hydron Inc., Stuart Irby Co., and Lincoln Hoist also supported the event by donating prizes for the top performers in each event. A faithful crew from Pascoag Utility District of Pascoag, Rhode Island once again worked over a very hot grill to supply the contestants with food and refreshments on both days. 

The 2014 Rodeo was a huge success due largely to many of NEPPA’s members assisting in various ways such as supplying digger/derrick trucks to get poles set and bucket trucks to assist in the Hurt Man Rescue Event. An event like this is not possible without the help of many of NEPPA’s members and I thank them so very much.

Overwall Winner – Jesse Cote – 3rd year

TJ Cassidy – 2nd year

Eric Horn – 1st year

John Mahaney – 1st year

Ken Rhudick – 3rd year

Branden McAuliffe – 1st year

Eric Horn and Shane Egan – 1st year

Jesse Cote – 3rd year

John Mahaney – 1st year

Matt Vachula – 3rd year

Branden McAuliffe – 1st year

Jesse Cote – 3rd year

Dionisio Gerena – 1st year

• FERC: Deal on LaFleur and Bay for FERC posts, demand response order stricken...
• EPA: Existing source GHG Rule released...
• CFTC: House-passed reauthorization bill includes sub-threshold fix, Senate confirms nominees...
• Cyber Security: Industry, Chamber comment on Senate Intelligence draft...
• Appropriations: House passes Energy and Water Bill as Senate cancels markup of its version...

On June 18, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee approved the nominations of Norman Bay and Cheryl LaFleur to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) by votes of 13-9 and 21-1, respectively.  Prior to the vote, Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) announced that the White House had agreed to name LaFleur to be Chair for a nine-month period; after that, Bay would take over as Chair. Both nominees now must be confirmed by the full Senate.  No vote has been scheduled, although Chairman Mary Landrieu (D-LA) said she expected it after the July 4 recess. 

In related news, on May 23, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit overturned FERC Order No. 745, which required ISO/RTOs to pay electric consumers for "demand response;" that is, for reducing their retail electric usage during certain periods.  

The Court said that Order No. 745 exceeded the Commission’s authority under the Federal Power Act.  Even if FERC had authority to regulate demand response, the Court said, its actions were still unlawful since it had failed to address arguments that the demand response payments it had authorized were too high.  

To read the complete legislative update including the following topics, click the links below: