When Dan Sack became superintendent of Concord Light in July 1988, the utility's one computer in the tiny office space on Keyes Road near Concord Center represented cutting-edge technology. Deregulation did not affect the electric industry, and most utilities were not involved in complex energy conservation projects.
At his retirement more than two decades later, everything about the way wholesale electricity is bought and sold has changed, there's an active project to bring smart grid capabilities to Concord and finding new ways to cut electricity demand is a priority. And that's just some of what Sack's career has covered as he steadily moved Concord Light into the future.
"Dan had 22 years of dedicated service and really brought the light plant up to the times, so to speak," said David Wood, who was named acting superintendent in January and is Concord Light's new director. "We wouldn't be where we are today without Dan's vision."
Highlights of Sack's career include settling a long-standing rate case with Boston Edison, constructing a 115 KV substation, rebuilding Concord's electric distribution system and completing a consolidated operations center on Elm Street near Route 2. A key achievement was a favorable post-deregulation agreement with Constellation Energy to supply all of the town's power needs from January 2002 through September 2009, a contract that saved the town an estimated $100 million in power supply costs.
"As the market went to 5, 6, 7, 11, 12 cents, we were buying at 4.5 cents a kilowatt-hour," Sack said. As prices rose during the contract period, he explained, Concord Light raised prices slightly to create a rate stabilization fund now being used to mitigate market prices.
Today, Concord's power supply is more diverse, including renewable energy sources such as wind, hydro, solar and methane.
"We have been doing conservation work for 20 years, but we weren't giving it anywhere near the attention we are now," he said. "It makes sense to not have all of your eggs in one basket, and it made sense to buy from renewables."
Sack came to Concord from RW Beck Consulting, where he was a partner focusing on rate case litigation. His retirement has been planned for a year to ensure a smooth transition.
"I still love the job and I still love the light plant, but I figured 47 years of work were enough, and it was time to sit back and enjoy the other parts of my life a little bit," he said.
Dan Sack retired June 18 after heading Concord Light for 22 years.