I know this is being published on April 1 and I had previously attempted to meet the satirical wit of my predecessor by publishing an April Fools' Day article, but I assure you, that is not the case here.

I have decided to step down as Executive Director of NEPPA on April 17. My time here overall has been a great experience. The opportunity to learn the ins and outs of the public power industry and meet the great people that make up the profession has been a real privilege.

NEPPA is fortunate to have some amazing volunteers like Mike Kirkwood and Sharon Staz who have done such a great job voicing and representing the vital interests of public power in Washington. They made it easy to take my previous experience and apply the public power issues. It was a nice feeling to see the close relationships that many members from the various states maintain with their elected leaders.

When I first arrived, power supply to me was like a great big spider web! While it had some form of pattern and design with a function, the actual market was a mystery. Steve Kaminski and Brian Forshaw were the best mentors anyone could ask for. These two gurus of power supply often have the unrewarding task of analyzing and communicating the ISO construct and working with participants on minimizing the damage from bad decisions. They get the joy of re-explaining these factors to people like me several times until we can fully grasp them. The Power Supply Committee is lucky to have these individuals leading the way.

My one regret upon leaving is not seeing the repair or replacement of the ISO created capacity market. I hope that Congress can pierce the incestuous veil between FERC and ISO New England. When speaking with leaders from around the country, ISO-NE has become known as the spoiled screaming child in the supermarket whose parent (FERC) gives them whatever they desire to avoid their tantrums. No matter where I am I will support three changes that need to be made to protect consumers:

An independent body that sits and reviews RTO markets, proposed changes and RTO budgets;
A Federal law that prohibits RTOs and other entities that are created and overseen by Federal agencies from lobbying or paying for lobbying services. You do not want to know how much is spent by ISO NE on this;
A return of the right of self supply to public power entities and/or voluntary capacity markets.

The consumers of New England deserve better and do not deserve the highest rates in the nation due to poor constructs and unchecked bureaucratic growth at ISO NE.

It has been a real pleasure meeting and observing the crews of NEPPA members. The strong commitment to their communities by member utilities' staff is a true testament to all those in public service.

Finally, thank you to John Bilda, Barbara Grimes and Calvin Ames, the Presidents I served under. These individuals worked tirelessly managing their utilities and then still found time to address NEPPA issues.