The Business of Public Utilities

For a long time, NEPPA’s training and educational programs have been focused primarily on the technical and operations side of public power utilities: linework; substations; meters and electrical safety. This focus reflected what was, for many of our members, the most critical need of small public power systems throughout New England: assuring that their distribution systems were constructed, maintained and operated in a professional, safe and reliable manner by their own employees. For many small systems, having their employees trained and competent in these skills was the only reason to make investments in their staff’s professional development.

While these skills continue to be critical for any electric utility, it is well recognized that the "business" side of public utilities is no less important to a well-run and financially sound organization. Furthermore, the introduction of new digital technologies affecting all aspects of business management has added enormous pressures on professionals in these positions to learn, adapt and implement new systems and procedures on a regular basis. Recognizing this need for constant learning and adaption in these areas of utility operations, NEPPA is trying to assist its members in a variety of ways.

In the next few months, three programs have been scheduled specifically for utility business and finance professionals: a one-day "Business Forum" on Sept. 24, a "Billing System Roundtable" on Sept. 30, and a workshop on the "Fundamentals of Utility Accouting" on Oct. 7. 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.

The Business Forum will cover such topics as electronic billing and payment systems, data security, freedom of information requirements, and utility customer bankruptcies, with experts making presentations on each topic.

The Billing System Roundtable is an opportunity for public power officials to share information, knowledge and experience about their billing systems, and to learn more about the features of different systems being utilized in our region.

Finally, the accounting workshop will provide a one-day overview of utility accounting fundamentals for new accountants or others who need to have a better understanding of this subject.

These programs reflect NEPPA’s commitment to provide an ever-expanding number and range of educational opportunities for our members, in all areas of utility management and operations. While we are proud of our longstanding safety, technical and lineworker training classes, as well as more recent programs in customer service and crew leadership, we are pleased to offer these new programs to those responsible for the "business side" of public power. We hope you will take advantage of these programs, and tell us what else we can do to be of assistance.