Business Forum Well Attended by NEPPA Members

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. Presentations on each topic were made by industry experts, followed by extensive discussions of specific cases and circumstances.

Peter Castiglia and Bill Gambon of Century Bank discussed their company’s lockbox and collections systems and the use of credit cards and other online payment systems by utilities. Mark Altman of Mark Altman & Associates described the advantages of electronic bill presentment and payment systems.

Attorney Lauren Goldberg of Kopelman & Paige explained the intricacies of public records laws for municipal utilities and the growing responsibilities of public and private companies alike for data privacy protection.

The final speaker of the day was attorney David Fixler of Rubin & Rudman, who provided a roadmap for public utilities faced with bankruptcy filings by customers. He explained different types of bankruptcies under the federal bankruptcy code and the various steps utilities can take once a customer has made a bankruptcy filing under chapters 7, 11 or 13 of the bankruptcy code.

Before adjourning, the group also discussed future roundtable topics, including collections and a more in-depth review of different bankruptcy proceedings. Plans will be under way soon to schedule the next business roundtable.

Copies of each presenter’s slides are available on the NEPPA website. Click here.