I am not sure when May/June became the official time to recognize achievements, but it may have started when we were kids; for example, when we graduated or got promoted to the next grade. Associations have always used this period to recognize member achievements. While we do most of our awards and elections in the fall for public power in New England, June is still a time of recognition.

In this issue we reported on two of our members who were recognized at the Annual APPA Conference for major milestones. I would like to personally congratulate Sharon Staz of Kennebunk Light and Power District and Ken Stone of Braintree Electric Light Department. It is great to see our members shine on the national stage.

NEPPA’s version of recognizing the achievements of our Apprentice Students occurred on June 19 and 20. It was the first time at our Training Center in Littleton, Massachusetts. We were glad to see the attendance by eight different general managers and numerous members from various utilities. The results of the competition are posted in this issue of Newsline. If you have not attended the Apprentice Rodeo, it is quite an event. Thanks to all of the members and staff that came together to make this event so great.

While we recognize the accomplishment of our students, I did want to inform members of an important development that could aid our efforts with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Most of you know that FERC Chairman Wellinghoff has decided to step down. He has been an obstacle to resolving issues that public power has had and so there has been great interest in who may be appointed as Chair and who will fill the vacant seat. Word came down on June 27 that President Obama may nominate Ron Binz, a strong proponent of renewable energy and former Colorado utility regulator, to head Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. It appears that Binz will be appointed as a commissioner and upon appointment, chair. Binz is also a senior policy adviser with the Colorado State University’s Center for the New Energy Economy.

The selection of Binz will please proponents of wind, solar and other renewable technologies, though it could spark opposition from some Republicans and the coal industry. It is unclear how it may or may not favor public power and our issues. At this point, I have not had a chance to review his Colorado PUC history; this may shed light on how he will approach market issues and public power.

The Chair and their staff set the agenda for FERC and are crucial for getting on the docket and how an issue is to be presented or the parameters for the discourse.