It was, in fact, an eventful year for electric utilities in New England due to the great "Northeast Blackout" of Nov. 9, which left more than 30 million people in Canada and the United States in the dark for up to 12 hours. In response to that event, fundamental changes in the structure and operation of the electric utility industry were undertaken, leading to the creation of regional reliability councils throughout the country and development of a consolidated power pool in New England.
As an association, NEPPA has also experienced fundamental changes over the past 45 years. Originally founded to help lobby for the development of a federal hydropower dam on the St. John River in Maine, it has evolved into a professional association providing a wide range of training, educational and information services to its members. With 73 public power utilities and more than 100 affiliate private companies in its membership, it serves as an important regional network linking industry officials, vendors and service providers throughout the six New England states. It also represents the interests of its members and their customers before the U.S. Congress and the executive branch of the federal government.
We invite each and every member of NEPPA to join us Nov. 5 in Worcester. We will update you on plans for the future and provide an opportunity for affiliate members to tell us about their companies, their services and products. We will also recognize members who are celebrating their own anniversaries.
If you come, you will see one of New England’s most famous and historical buildings and walk the same floors Mark Twain, Charles Dickens and Teddy Roosevelt once did. The only thing we ask is that you register in advance so we can assure adequate seating and food for everyone.
We look forward to seeing you all at Mechanics Hall on Nov. 5. We will be honored to have you join us.
