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Sometimes in Life you Simply have to "Blunt the Nose"
By Mike Hyland
Executive Director, NEPPA
My mom and my teachers (yes, some were catholic school nuns) taught us one of the golden rules - "When hit by an enemy, turn the other cheek". Don't let the enemy see that their force has gotten you rattled. For any young man that’s a tough pill to swallow. As I saw it, you get to smack me and I have to take the fat lip, and even worse, allow you to take another shot? Whose crazy rule is that!
Well, I learned early on - Sometimes you just have to throw the first punch. Now, I’m not saying that you should walk up to someone and simply pop them in the nose, but there are times when all indicators are that you are about to be taken down. I remember growing up and boxing with my brothers. It was a crazy sight indeed - 7 Hyland boys, a bunch of friends and about 15 of us would take turns getting into the ring. I was on the younger side of the group (always) and I tried to “bob and weave”, use footwork and simply avoid getting hit. I would run around the ropes until my dad or older brother hit the bell. Well, it didn’t work well as a long-term strategy. I was kind of overwhelmed and ready to give up on being the next "Joe Frazier", when my dad pulled me aside and simply stated: "Take the first swing and blunt his nose". It worked! I came out swinging, staggered my older sibling and surprised myself. Did I win? Heck no, but I learned a great lesson not taught in my catholic upbringing. Sometimes in life you simply have to "Blunt the nose". So... has Mike lost his mind again, rambling like a mad man about days gone by? No, I have not, but it’s time to think about taking the first swing.
On May 9, 2024, I will have completed two full years at NEPPA. Super cool! Thank you for this opportunity. I am humbled to help lead at NEPPA and I’ll point out - I’m not trying to turn NEPPA into a high school full of thugs. But rather I’d like to think we can remain civil, while defending our business model and the essence of public power in a more aggressive, rather than passive method.
In my two years at NEPPA, I’ve watched more than one NEPPA system fight an ill-informed movement
by locals, hell bent on turning public power into a for-profit utility. How does it play out (not just here, but throughout the entire 49 states that are lucky enough to have public power)? Simple,
1. We tend to be caught off guard. The attack is sneaky, usually by a small group of citizens that are ignorant to the benefits of public power, but are in a position that has a microphone for all to hear.
2. We shift into defensive mode and most times we fight back against the attacks.
3. We look in the mirror, celebrate and then promise for be more proactive in our promotion of the "awesomeness of public power utilities (municipal and cooperative)".
So, let’s talk to our sparring coach - Mr. Mike Tyson. He was quoted as saying: "Everyone has a
plan until they get punched in the mouth". We plan to go through our careers knowing that our business model is best, remaining humble public servants and then we get punched in the mouth.
Well, it’s our turn. Let’s get out there! Let’s tell the world how good public power is for safety, costs, reliability, customer service, and every other area we kick butt and take names in. Let’s go "Blunt the nose".
Cheers
-Mike
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Time is Running out ... Register NOW
for NEPPA's 2024 RodE&O!
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NEW THIS MONTH: The Safety Corner | |
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Check out our new "Safety Corner", which can be found on our website www.neppa.org and will now be included in each edition of our monthly Newsline. In the Safety Corner, our staff shares best practices, tips and reminders for safety, on the job, at home and in the community.
Let it spark discussions among your co-workers, friends and family.
Let it be a reminder that prevention and awareness save lives.
Any tips you would like to see in the Safety Corner? Send us an email at communications@neppa.org.
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Upcoming Training & Events | |
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Tactical Tuesday
May 14, 2024
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Virtual
Topic:
Employee Recruitment,
Selection and Retention
Presenter:
Dr. Art Graziano, BELD
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Tactical Tuesday
June 11, 2024
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Virtual
Topic:
Security Best Practices:
Infrastructure, Data &
How to securely introduce AI into your organization.
Presenter: Tricia King, Vertikal6
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Public Utility Accounting
(APPA In-House Training)
June 17 - 18, 2024
8:30 am - 3:30 pm
NEPPA Training Center
Littleton, MA
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Mutual Aid Disaster Exercise
June 26, 2024
8:00 am - 3:00 pm
NEPPA Training Center
Littleton, MA
This workshop allows utility representatives the opportunity to "game play" during a future disaster exercise. Attendees will learn how the National and NEPPA Mutual Aid programs operate.
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2024 Annual Mutual Aid Exercise
June 26, 2024
NEPPA Training Center
Littleton, MA
Tactical Tuesday (Virtual)
July 9, 2024
2:00 - 3:00 pm (EST)
Hoisting 1B - 1A
July 23, 2024
NEPPA Training Center
Littleton, MA
Hoisting 2A - 2C
July 24, 2024
NEPPA Training Center
Littleton, MA
Tactical Tuesday (Virtual)
August 13, 2024
2:00 - 3:00 pm (EST)
2024 Annual Conference*
August 25 - 28, 2024
Bretton Woods, NH
@Your-Site Virtual: Hot Stick Safety
September 4, 2024
8:30 am (EST)
@Your-Site Virtual: Job Briefings
September 5, 2024
8:30 am (EST)
Tactical Tuesday (Virtual)
September 10, 2024
2:00 - 3:00 pm (EST)
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Tactical Tuesday (Virtual)
October 8, 2024
2:00 - 3:00 pm (EST)
Hoisting 1B - 1A
October 15, 2024
NEPPA Training Center
Littleton, MA
Hoisting 2A - 2C
October 16, 2024
NEPPA Training Center
Littleton, MA
Public Utility Management Program (PUMP) - Session II
October 29 - 31, 2024
NEPPA Training Center
Littleton, MA
2024 Energy Connect Conference*
October 2024
TBD
Tactical Tuesday (Virtual)
November 12, 2024
2:00 - 3:00 pm (EST)
Tactical Tuesday (Virtual)
December 10, 2024
2:00 - 3:00 pm (EST)
*Please contact communications@neppa.org to be notified as soon as registration opens.
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Appropriations: Congress funds the remainder of FY24 as President Biden releases FY25 budget request. | |
FERC: Senate ENR questions FERC nominees; FERC holds its March Open Meeting. | |
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Energy Policy: EPA seeks input on its decision to remove existing gas plants from the final power plant rule.
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Photo above: Superintendent Doug Lyons and members of the Committee, pictured here with winners (front row, from left to right) Gloria Young, Caterina Vanoni, Reese Tremblay, Felicity Sullivan, Kabir Tejas Rana, and Quinn McCarthy | | |
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WMGLD Announces Annual Energy Art Contest Winners
Wakefield, MA - March 11, 2024 - The Wakefield Municipal Gas & Light Department (WMGLD) recently selected the winners of the annual WMGLD Energy Art Contest. The previous essay contest format was changed in 2023 to an art contest for 4th grade students to reflect the students’ science curriculum.
Seven winners were selected from among the drawings submitted by 4th graders in Wakefield public elementary schools and St. Joseph’s School after viewing an energy conservation and renewable energy video featuring a message from WMGLD General Manager Pete Dion. The students were asked to create a drawing to raise public awareness about renewable and nonrenewable energy and energy conservation.
Read More
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MGED Municipal Heat Pump Forum
Middleborough, MA - March 22, 2024 - The Middleborough Gas & Electric Department (MGED) held the Municipal Heat Pump Forum on Saturday, March 16th at the Middleborough Town Hall with the Taunton Municipal Lighting Plant (TMLP). The event was attended by over 200 area residents and business owners and aimed to educate residents, businesses, contractors, and municipal leaders about the benefits and applications of heat pump technology, the importance of weatherization, available rebates and incentives, and financing for these projects.
Read More
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Photo above: Municipal Heat Pump Forum held Saturday, March 16th at the Middleborough, MA Town Hall. | |
Stowe's Moscow Mill Awarded $75,000 Grant
Stowe, VT - March 28, 2024 - Stowe Electric has received a $75,000 grant for structural work to its Moscow Mill headquarters. The Moscow Village Mill, built in 1822 by Alexander Seaver of Craftsbury, is a well-preserved example of 19th-century architecture that has evolved over time to meet the changing needs of its owners and the community. Moscow Village is in the midst of a village revitalization, and the mill is primed to play a leading role in that process as a renewable energy producer and community center. The Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization grant will support structural work, which will happen in coordination with a micro-hydro generation project that will produce renewable energy for the village.
Read More
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DOE Final Rule on Energy Efficiency Standards for Distribution Transformers Responsive to Industry Concerns | |
April 4, 2024 - The Department of Energy released its final rule on energy efficiency standards for distribution transformers. The final rule appears to be an improvement from the proposed rule whereby the new efficiency standard could be met with only 25 percent of new transformers using energy-efficient amorphous steel cores, the American Public Power Association said. The remaining 75 percent of distribution transformers can continue to use grain oriented electrical steel cores.
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“Although NEPPA and its membership are proponents of energy efficiency, some standards can do more harm than good. The mandatory use of Amorphous core steel might seem like a compromise to some, but the real issue is still in play. The transformers were not taken out of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA), and we will be back in this exact same argument in less than a decade.”
---NEPPA Executive Director Mike Hyland
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DOE Announces $27 Million to Help 40 State, Local and Tribal Communities Lead America's Equitable and Resilient Clean Energy Future
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Atlanta, GA - April 4, 2024 - In support of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda and the historic Justice40 Initiative, today the U.S. Department of Energy announced $27 million in financial and technical assistance awarded to 40 partner teams of states, local governments, and Tribes through the Energy Future Grants (EFG) Program. U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm made the announcement during a visit and tour of Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, GA.
Read More
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Keeping You Connected...
Events & Opportunities | |
** Free Webinar **
How to Create a Hazard Communication Program
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
10:00am - 10:30am
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The Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards is hosting a free webinar on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, from 10:00am - 10:30am. This short webinar will discuss how to develop a hazard communication program for your establishment. Lack of a hazard communication program is a common finding in DLS Enforcement inspections. This webinar will discuss how to develop and maintain a Hazard Communication Program for your establishment. Pre-registration is not required but DLS recommends that attendees sign-on 5 minutes before the webinar begins. | | |
Year 1 Apprentice Lineworker in their second week of classes, honing their pole climbing and equipment operation skills. | |
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We want to hear from you!
Share what's happening!
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JOIN THE CELEBRATION!
Calling all NEPPA member utilities and followers: Share your stories, achievements, and innovations with us! Let's showcase the power of public power together.
#MunicipalMondays is a tribute to the champions of public power in the Northeast! Every Monday, we're shining a spotlight on the remarkable contributions of municipal utility companies in our region.
From sustainability initiatives to community connections, we'd love to feature a different aspect of their work each week. But we need YOUR help to make it truly special! Send your submissions to media@neppa.org & be part of #MunicipalMondays!
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Extend your brand to those who matter! | |
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Advertising for the 2024 NEPPA Directory of Consumer-Owned Electric Utilities in New England is now underway!
Dear Member, our publishing partner E&M Consulting is in the process of producing our Northeast Public Power Association Directory of Consumer-Owned Electric Utilities in New England.
If you have any interest in advertising in the Directory, you can view the advertising options and sign-up online through https://www.reserveyourad.com/NEPPA/
Don't hesitate to call Ryan at 978-301-6361 if you have any questions. As always, your support of the Northeast Public Power Association is greatly appreciated.
Click here for rate sheet and form
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