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The Cost of Silence
By Mike Hyland
Executive Director, NEPPA
Famous musician and songwriter Paul Simon wrote the song Sound of Silence in 1963. Although it was originally met with little fanfare, the track made it onto Simon and Garfunkel’s first Album titled Wednesday Morning, 3AM. That album launched Paul Simon's career, one that would have him inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - not once, but twice. For my younger readers who may never have heard of Simon and Garfunkel, you might know the intense and very popular remake of Sound of Silence by the heavy metal band Disturbed. Disturbed’s video performance of the song has been viewed over 1 billion times on YouTube.
If you dig into the lyrics of this song, there’s a variety of interpretations of why it was written, where it was written, what the lyrics mean, etc. Garfunkel himself introduced the song in 1966 at a concert and stated that the meaning of the song was "the inability of people to communicate with each other”. Communications, or the lack thereof, is a common theme in all aspects of life, and especially in utilities. When I hear this song, the fourth verse sticks in my head:
"Fools" said I, "You do not know
Silence like a cancer grows
Hear my words that I might teach you
Take my arms that I might reach you"
But my words like silent raindrops fell
And echoed in the wells of silence.
This verse always makes me think that even if I speak up – people might not listen anyway and just ignore my warning or sage advice. Thus – why bother? At last November's 60th Anniversary celebration, Sean McKeon, General Manager of Princeton and NEPPA’s Safety Committee Chair stood before the crowd and recited the poem “I Chose to Look the Other Way” by Don Merrell. The first two verses of the poem read as follows:
I could have saved a life that day, But I chose to look the other way.
It wasn’t that I didn’t care, I had the time, and I was there.
But I didn’t want to seem a fool, or argue over a safety rule.
I knew he’d done the job before, If I spoke up, he might get sore.
It’s an eerie reflection back on a lineman staying silent when things mattered most. At the NEPPA Apprentice Lineworker School – we make sure that each student gets a copy of this poem. The poem is laminated on a small card so it can be placed somewhere important to all students, whether that be a visor in a truck, slipped into a mirror at home, or wherever we can get the students to periodically read the poem and understand the meaning and repercussions of remaining silent.
It’s no secret that working in electric utility operations comes with risk. It’s a risk that we have tried to systematically engineer out of the equation, through better training, more education, better clothing and equipment, and more stringent safety rules. However, power installation workers and tree trimers are still in the top five for all electrical fatalities every year. We need to stop being silent. We need to stop hiding the near miss. We need to stop holding accident investigations within just your utility. We need to stop looking the other way.
Rather: Let’s share every near miss. Let’s share every accident investigation. We know they are happening. The electric utility community is small, and the operations community is even smaller. Within an hour or two after your near miss or incident, the workers outside your utility hear the rumors, they read the texts. Bucket truck problem? Metering flash? Vehicle accident? Guess what – you can’t hide it anyway. Hearing it second hand through the grapevine could make you look bad.
So rather than try and keep things hush – lets do an about face, write up the incident, scrub the names of your utility and employees, and share widely. Even better – share old near miss reports or accidents that you have experienced. Send them to Codie Perry, NEPPA’s Manager of Safety and Training. (CPerry@NEPPA.org). We can use these for education and learning. The NEPPA Safety Committee, with the backing of the Board of Directors, will make this a priority initiative moving forward.
In a few weeks, many of the NEPPA Engineering and Operations community will descend on Loon Mountain in New Hampshire for our Annual NEPPA RodE&O. There will be lots of activities such as raising funds for the Benevolent Fund, competing in the 18th Lineworkers Rodeo, attending educational conference sessions and connecting with vendors from around the United States. The Safety Committee has arranged for our keynote presentation on Wednesday – Chuck Tiemann. Chuck contacted a 7200 kV power line and will tell his story. We also will have a breakout session on “Removing the Stigma of Sharing”.
Please attend and continue the discussion on speaking up rather than remaining silent. As Paul Simon summed up best, “Silence like a cancer grows, hear my words that I might teach you”. The next time you stop by NEPPA’s offices and want a laminated card with the poem on it, just check the front table and you might find a few there. If not, contact me or NEPPA’s Jackie Campbell and we will get you some.
Cheers,
-Mike
| | Upcoming Training & Events | | It's getting closer ...
Make sure you're registered for the RodE&O ! | | |
2026 RodE&O Conference & Expo
May 11-14, 2026
Loon Mountain Resort
60 Loon Mountain Rd., Lincoln, NH
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Strategic Municipal Electrification Blueprint Workshop
April 29, 2026
8:30 am - 12:30 pm
NEPPA Training Center
Littleton, MA
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Tactical Tuesday
May 5, 2026
(new date!)
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Held Virtually
(Free to members)
Topic: Utilizing data and AI to power the residential energy transition by Scott Rosenberg, CEO of 257
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**New Class**
Hot Work Essentials
May 27-28, 2026
7:30 am - 2:30 pm
NEPPA Training Center
Littleton, MA
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IT Roundtable
June 2, 2026
8:30 am - 1:00 pm
NEPPA Training Center
Littleton, MA
| | We Have Replaced our Substation! | | Substation no longer in use in Devens, MA gets delivered to NEPPA training yard to be used by students for years to come | | |
April 9, 2026 - Littleton, MA – Out with the old and in with the new! On April 9th, Northeast Public Power Association received a delivery of a decommissioned substation on behalf of Littleton Electric Light and Water Department. The substation, which two weeks earlier, was in use in Devens, MA, is an exciting addition to the NEPPA training facility. NEPPA previously had an outdated substation which was no longer contemporary enough to be used for training purposes and so this more modern, fully equipped substation was a welcome addition.
The substation will be cleaned and energized in preparation for the fall, when it will be used for hands-on instruction for NEPPA’s Apprentice Program and Substation II Program. Students will have the unique opportunity to practice troubleshooting and repair within a real-life substation.
“This is a huge step forward for our training program and it sets us apart nationally. Bringing in this modern substation elevates our program to a top tier level, positioning us among the leaders in substation training and development. We are grateful to LELWD for this donation and the opportunities it will provide to future students.” - Codie Perry, Northeast Public Power Association’s Manager of Safety and Training, regarding the exciting new arrival to the training yard.
| Check out our linkedin to watch a video of the old substation being carried away and the new substation being installed! | | MEAM-CES Holds Annual Conference and Presents Rising Star Award | | |
Devens, MA - April 9, 2026 - The Communications and Energy Services (CES) Subcommittee of the Municipal Electric Association of Massachusetts (MEAM) hosted its Annual Conference on April 1st and 2nd. The event brought together public power utility leaders, energy and communications professionals, and industry partners from across Massachusetts for two days of collaboration, expert insight, and forward-thinking discussions.
This year, two members received the “Rising Star” award recognition, Michael Hall, Energy Programs Manager for Marblehead Municipal Light Department, and Danielle Teel, Customer Service Representative for Merrimac Municipal Light Department.
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Submit Your Ideas for New NEPPA Resolutions | Do you have a good idea for a new NEPPA resolution? Please let us know. | |
As you are aware, the NEPPA Community relies upon our official NEPPA Resolutions to set policy on all issues regarding the electric utility industry. Some updates:
Interim Resolutions
In 2024, the NEPPA Advocacy and Reporting Committee added an ‘interim’ resolution process to address the need to create a resolution in the event of an urgent development. Earlier this year, we employed this interim process as the membership came forth with concerns about the lack of FEMA Funding after a disaster affects one of our NEPPA communities. Since many from the NEPPA membership were heading down to DC for the 2026 APPA Legislative Rally and to meet with their congressional offices, the A&R Committee passed the following interim resolution: NEPPA Resolution 2026-01 - Support a Well-Funded and Capable Federal Disaster Response System. At the March 5th NEPPA Board Meeting, the NEPPA Board unanimously approved this Resolution.
Sunset/Refresh of Resolutions
Resolutions at NEPPA are valid for three years. After three years we must either sunset that resolution, or vote to ‘refresh’ the resolution for an additional three-year period. This year we have four resolutions from three years ago that the A&R Committee will look at in the Sunset/Refresh category.
2023-2024 NEPPA resolutions:
1.) Need for Wholesale Electric Market Reform
2.) Streamline the Supply Chain for Transformers
3.) Support Local Control Over Utility Infrastructure
4.) Limit Transmission Incentives and ROE
New Resolutions
Do you have a good idea for a new NEPPA resolution? Please let us know. It doesn’t have to be formatted and complete – but could simply be an idea. That’s how the Disaster Interim Resolution started – with a simple discussion about the need to fund public power after disasters strike. Send us an email at communications@neppa.org – or pick up the phone and call 978-540-2200. Since we are starting the vetting process over the next couple of months in order to be ready for our NEPPA Annual Conference in August, the deadline to contact NEPPA or anyone on the A&R Committee is May 5th.
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CRC Launches Newest Service Offering: Social Media Monitoring & Response
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March 31, 2026 - Austin, Minn. - As consumer expectations for fast, digital communication continue to grow, Cooperative Response Center, Inc. (CRC) is expanding its service line to meet those needs. CRC recently announced the launch of its newest service offering for its membership: Social Media Monitoring & Response. The new service provides 24/7/365 monitoring of subscribers’ social media channels, delivering
real-time responses, consistent member experiences, and proactive engagement. Designed to help electric utilities maintain a strong and responsive online presence, the service also includes content moderation, reputation protection, and critical communications support during outages and major events.
| | MMWEC Partners with Local Utilities to Launch Innovative Drone-Based Thermal Imaging Pilot | | |
LUDLOW, MA – April 8, 2026 -- The Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company (MMWEC), in collaboration with Marblehead Municipal Light Department (MMLD) and West Boylston Municipal Light Plant (WBMLP), is launching a pioneering pilot program to modernize residential energy audits using advanced aerial technology. The initiative, part of MMWEC’s NextZero energy efficiency program, aims to provide homeowners and utilities with empirical data about how houses are leaking heat to accelerate energy efficiency improvements and support decarbonization goals.
Traditional energy audits often rely on manual, door-to-door inspections that can be time-consuming and invasive. This new project utilizes Kestrix, a drone-enabled thermal imaging and Artificial Intelligence (AI) platform, to scan approximately 900 properties across the ‘Old Town’ district of Marblehead and the Horseshoe Drive neighborhood of West Boylston.
| | Keeping you Connected... Events & Opportunities | | No Cost Cybersecurity Course Through NCPC | | Offered through the National Cybersecurity Preparedness Consortium (NCPC) and developed by Norwich University Applied Research Institutes (NUARI), this course examines cybersecurity in the context of community and critical infrastructure protection. It bridges policy, operations, and technology to help decision-makers and technology professionals understand how digital risk affects essential services and how to strengthen resilience through informed planning and investment. | | |
Location:
Northeast Public Power Association (NEPPA) Training Center- 200 New Estate Road, Littleton, MA 01460
Dates:
Students need to attend all three sessions to achieve course certification
July 14, 2026 8 am – 2:30 pm (includes 30 minute lunch break)
July 15, 2026 8 am – 2:30 pm (includes 30 minute lunch break)
July 16, 2026 8 am – 12 noon
Registration Fee: No cost
| | NEPPA Directory Advertising Now Available! | | | | |
E&M Consulting, Inc. is currently contacting all members about advertising opportunities available in our directory. This is a great opportunity to promote and give your company additional exposure.
If you want to advertise, please click below or visit: https://reserveyourad.com/NEPPA/
If you have any questions, please contact an E&M sales associate at 800-572-0011 ext. 0104 or advertising@eandmsales.com. As always, your support is greatly appreciated!
| | Federal Funding: Department of Homeland Security Left Unfunded Throughout March… | | Congressional Actions: Senate Permitting Negotiations Resume; Senate Committee Holds Hearing on the Bulk Power System… | | Administration Actions: Markwayne Mullin Sworn in as New DHS Secretary; White House Releases National AI Policy Framework; FEMA Reopens BRIC Program; DOE Announces SPARK Funding Opportunity… | | |
Substation I Program
March 17-19, 2026
March 31- April 2, 2026
April 14-16, 2026
April 28-30, 2026
8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Littleton, MA
Strategic Municipal Electrification Blueprint Workshop
April 29, 2026
8:30 am - 12:30 pm
Littleton, MA
Tactical Tuesday (Virtual)
May 5, 2026
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Held virtually
2026 RodE&O Conference
May 11 - 14, 2026
Loon Mountain Resort
Lincoln, NH
Hot Work Essentials
May 27-28, 2026
7:30 am - 2:30 pm
Littleton, MA
IT Roundtable
June 2, 2026
8:30 am - 1:00 pm
Littleton, MA
Tactical Tuesday (Virtual)
June 9, 2026
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Held virtually
Mutual Aid Disaster Exercise
June 10, 2026
8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Littleton, MA
APPA's National Conference
June 26 - July 1, 2026
Boston, MA
Chainsaw Safety for Utility Operations
July 8, 2026
8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Littleton, MA
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2026 Apprentice Lineworker Program
Year I:
Group A: Jul. 21 – Jul 24; Sept. 29 – Oct 2
Year II:
Group A: Apr. 21 – 24 (Plymouth, NH); Aug. 4 – 7; Oct. 20 – 23
Group B: Apr. 28 – May 1 (Plymouth, NH); Aug. 11 – 14; Oct. 27 – 30
Year III:
Group A: May 5 – 8; Sept. 1 – 4 (Pascoag, RI); Nov. 3 – 6
Group B: May 19 – 22; Sept. 15 – 18 (Pascoag, RI); Nov. 17 – 20
Year IV: Jun. 2 – 5; Sep. 22 – 25; Dec. 1 – 3
Apprentice Lineworker Skills Assessment Rodeo
June 17 – 18, 2026
Apprentice Lineworker Program Graduation
(Class of 2026)
December 3, 2026
Learn More
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2026 Annual Conference*
August 16 - 19, 2026
Margaritaville Resort
Hyannis, MA
2027 Annual Conference*
August 29 - September 1, 2027
Newport Harbor Island Resort
Newport, RI
(PUMP) Public Utility Management Program
April 14-16, 2026
September 9, 2026 (Virtual)
September 2, 2026 (Virtual)
October 27-29, 2026
8:30 am - 4:00 pm
Littleton, MA
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*Registration not yet available.
See All Events
| | Our Seasonal "Bucket Brief"
Brought to you by NEPPA's Safety Committee | | Keeping Lineworker Crews in the Safety Mindset
with Key Reminders and Resources | | | |
The Bucket Brief: Winter 2026 -
Starting the Year Focused, Prepared, and Safe
A new year brings fresh opportunities and new risks. Quarter 1 often brings harsh winter conditions, post-holiday distractions, and demanding workloads. This is the time to reset expectations, refocus on fundamentals, and recommit to doing the job safely every time. The habits we reinforce now will carry us through the year.
Read the Latest Edition
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