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The Dog Days of Summer
By Mike Hyland
Executive Director, NEPPA
The "Dog Days of Summer" is an expression that I first became familiar with during my early days of youth sports. My dad would aways remind us that Summer was great, but he would also warn us that the "Dog Days of Summer" were on their way. I never really gave it much thought – I just know that I’ve never felt hotter than those July and August days playing sports. Whether it was lacrosse or football, we would always wear helmets and full pads, while running sprints, tackling in the dirt, or going for a ground ball, and the air was still with temperatures over 95 Degrees and a similar level of humidity. It tested the best of athletes. It was the mid-Atlantic at its worst. While others were down at the beach, summers to the Hyland boys meant summer leagues for lacrosse, baseball or basketball. Then August brought us the three-a-day football practices to get ready for our season opener the first weekend in September. The Dog days of Summer, I hated them then...and I hate them now.
I would say that the "Dog Days of Summer" has become a common expression I use to describe discomfort in my life, in regards to hot weather. Whenever I found the situation too hot or the conditions too sticky and downright miserable - yep - the "Dog Days of Summer" ! And for those unaware – real dogs having nothing to do with the expression. A short explanation: The Star Sirius is known as the Dog Star in Ancient astronomy. Sirius is the brightest of the stars in the Canis Major constellation. Sirius rises in the east alongside the sun from approximately July 3rd to August 11th. The Ancient Greeks and Romans believed that Dog Star’s light added to that of the sun causing the increased heat, thus – the "Dog Days of Summer" Cool, huh? Well no... Hot!
In mid-August of 2003, we were dealing with a heat wave in the mid-west and east coast. I certainly remember the heat in Washington, DC. You see, I had switched vehicles with Colleen so she could have the bigger vehicle to cart the kids around, and I assumed command of the 1989 Toyota Camry. A great car if you are a car enthusiast, but in 2003, it was 14 years old, had over 260,000 miles on it, and the air conditioner had broken in July. I was very busy at APPA with my travel schedule, and we (i.e. me) were too busy to get it fixed. Now, in my defense – it did have 260K on it – and simply selling it was on my mind. Regardless of my love, or possible hatred of the car, traveling to and from APPA in over an hour of traffic without AC was indeed – THE DOG DAYS OF SUMMER!! If I went into work early enough before the sun rose high – it wasn’t too bad. But coming home was brutal – weather it be 3:30 pm or 6:00 pm, the roads were packed, I needed to keep the windows down, and I was traveling in what felt like a sauna.
On Thursday August 13, 2003, things finally went bad for the grid. A series of errors caused a massive outage for much of PJM, the NY-ISO, and most of Ontario. At the time, it was the second largest blackout in history, second only to the 1999 Brazil Blackout. It occurred just after 4:00 pm. I was sitting in Lou’s Barbershop for my 4 o’clock appointment, and halfway through my haircut the lights went out. Lou was great – he quickly finished the job and let me go, as he knew the industry in which I worked. I literally ran back to the APPA offices, sweating the whole way. Why the haste? Well, I was the lead on all things concerning grid operations, and due to the timing, the CEO and all senior leadership were either on vacation or left the office at 4:00 pm.
So, I got right to it. I had a quick call with the US Department of Energy and then with NERC staff. Then I joined the legislative staff on calls to the hill. It’s probably important to note that I had made some great contacts over the previous four years in DC. I was APPA’s Y2K lead in 1998/99 as we headed into the year 2000 and again led the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. A few of us were in the conference room in the 2301 M Street office with the TV on, making and taking calls. When things calmed down around 5:30 pm, I realized that I was supposed to go home right after my haircut for a family commitment. Whoops! I had to run! As I was walking out the door in a flurry, our PR person working with the news outlets reminded me to keep my mobile phone on, since news outlets might want an interview throughout the evening. Check - Got it!
Yep, you guessed it. I’m fifteen minutes into my commute home that day (one which will certainly take over an hour on such a congested Thursday Summer evening) and inside my car feels like it's 120 degrees. I’m soaked in sweat, the windows are down and the phone rings. Madalyn from APPA is excited and says that I’m about to go live on air for a radio show. I quickly pulled the Camry into the breakdown lane and before I could attempt to prepare, I hear the Fox News radio host greet me with "Okay – what caused the outage?". Since I couldn’t hear too well, I rolled my windows up to drown out the traffic noise. My interview lasted about five minutes, and because no one knew exactly what had caused the blackout just yet, I didn’t want to speculate. However, somewhere along the way, I informed the host that squirrels cause many more outages than these rare blackouts. As he ended the conversation, he quipped “Well, there you have it – the experts think squirrels are our problem!”. Lol indeed. When you can direct the blame for an outage affecting 55 million people onto the backs of squirrels – I’d say I nailed the interview.
So, each year I’ve watched with interest as most regions of the United States struggle with their own dog days. Although I’m happy to see more solar and wind in our generation fleet, it’s not enough to offset the increases in electric vehicle loads and new AC loads due to the addition of heat pumps. This doesn’t even take into account the race to install large data centers. Our loads are increasing and will continue to do so. At the same time, the electric system is not getting younger. In 2003, it only took a mild heat wave, a small amount of generation to drop off line, along with a lack of tree trimming and human error to create the largest blackout in US history.
So, as we end another Northeastern Dog Days of Summer, one where temperatures resembled Hotlanta more than northern Maine, let’s continue to create utility programs that work. Let's add generation, exercise energy efficiency, institute demand response, all while taking care of our utility systems health through tree trimming and system maintenance. The dog days of summer are not going away soon.
And remember – if the lights go out and you need someone to talk to the press, reach out to me. I’m the guy in the beat up gray 1989 Camry with the windows rolled up, on the side of the highway. Come join me – its only 120 degrees in here. Together – maybe we can blame it on the squirrels.
Stay safe.
-Mike
| | Upcoming Training & Events | | |
NEPPA's 2026 Energy Connect Conference
September 29 - October 1, 2026
The Hilton Mystic in Mystic, CT
| Come for the exciting educational sessions and roundtables and stay for the networking opportunities and social events! The Energy Connect is our highest rated conference, geared towards attendees in customer service, leadership, energy innovation, IT and more. | | | | |
Industry Day - Hosted by HasGo
September 1, 2026
8:00 am - 2:00 pm
NEPPA Training Center
Littleton, MA
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Hot Work Essentials
September 8-10, 2026
7:30 am - 2:30 pm
NEPPA Training Center
Littleton, MA
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Metering II Program
September 8-10, 2026
8:00 am - 2:00 pm
NEPPA Training Center
Littleton, MA
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Tactical Tuesday
September 8, 2026
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Held Virtually
(Free to members)
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Crew Leadership
September 15-17, 2026
8:00 am - 2:00 pm
NEPPA Training Center
Littleton, MA
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Substation II Program
4 Sessions Starting
September 22, 2026
Tuesday – Thursday
8:00 am – 2:00 pm
NEPPA Training Center
Littleton, MA
| | | Highlights from this year's Annual Conference! | | |
August 16-19, 2026 - Hyannis, MA – NEPPA’s 2026 Annual Conference brought public power professionals from across the Northeast together in Cape Cod for four days of learning, networking, collaboration and fun. From the opening Welcome Reception to the final farewell breakfast, attendees had plenty of opportunities to connect with colleagues, visit with sponsors and exchange ideas on the issues shaping the future of public power. A dynamic lineup of speakers tackled some of the industry’s biggest challenges and opportunities, including New England’s electric grid, energy markets and affordability, climate policy, fusion energy, mobile battery storage, data centers, energy policy and the growing demand for electricity. The conference also featured elections at the Annual Business Meeting, including the gavel being passed to NEPPA's new Board President, Ken Nolan General Manager of VPPSA. Not to be missed was the awards celebration, the Scholarship and Benevolent Fund activities (a golf tournament and whale watch) and the cozy Sunset Social hosted by NEPPA’s Young Professionals Group. Most importantly, the conference provided a chance for the public power community to step away from the day-to-day, learn from one another and strengthen the connections that make this industry so special. As one attendee put it, the Annual Conference offers “invaluable opportunities to network with peers from across the region”—and this year’s gathering on Cape Cod was no exception!
Here is a quick run-down of the awards presented:
Outstanding Affiliate Member: Next ERA Energy Resources
Commissioner Service Awards: Dan Farley, Thomas Murphy, John Healey: Middleborough Gas & Electric Dept, MA
NEPPA Service Awards: Bill Bottiggi, General Manager at Braintree Electric Light Department, MA; and Jonathan Fitch, General Manager of the West Boylston Municipal Lighting Plant, MA
Francis ‘Skip’ Willey Individual Achievement Award: Anthony Calascibetta, Ipswich Municipal Light Department, MA
Distinguished Service Awards:
Howard Bemis, Jacksonville Electric, VT
Mark Barakian, General Manager of the Boylston Municipal Light Department, MA
Cheryl Silva, Office Manager of the Middleton Electric Light Department, MA
Kevin Snow, General Manager of the Groveland Municipal Light Department, MA
Tom Paras, Commissioner at the Peabody Municipal Light Department, MA
Special Recognition Awards:
Angelica Medina of Danvers Electric, MA
Jim Moore, General Manager of the Mass Development – Devens Utilities. MA
Danielle Taylor, Energy Services & Communications Supervisor at the Middleborough Gas & Electric Department, MA
John Coyle, Managing Partner at Duncan & Allen.
Person of the Year: Kenny Rollins, retired from the Middleton Electric Light Department and currently a senior Safety Trainer at the NEPPA
Read full article about our new NEPPA Board President, Ken Nolan HERE
For more about our Person of the Year, Kenny Rollins click HERE
Learn about the elections that took place during the Annual Conference HERE
| | Follow NEPPA on Social Media for More Pictures! | | National Electric Transmission Advocacy Group Names Suzanne Lane Executive Director | |
August 17, 2026—Suzanne Lane has been named as the new executive director of the Transmission Access Policy Study Group (TAPS). Lane will succeed Tom Heller, who has served as executive director since 2024 and has announced his retirement. She will assume the position on November 4, 2026, following the TAPS Fall Conference in Key West, Florida.
Lane brings more than 25 years of energy industry experience, including nearly six years as executive vice president and chief executive officer of Kansas Electric Power Cooperative (KEPCo) and almost 20 years at Westar Energy (now Evergy) in a wide variety of roles.
“Suzanne’s diverse industry experience, technical expertise, and executive leadership make her a great fit for TAPS, its members, and the policies the organization works to advance,” said TAPS chair Jane Cirrincione, Assistant General Manager of the Northern California Power Agency. “We are pleased to welcome Suzanne and look forward to her leadership guiding TAPS into this next critical chapter.”
| | Next Steps for Fox Islands Electric Cooperative Following the Vote in Favor of Partial Turbine Repowering | |
August 8, 2026 - Vinalhaven, ME - At FIEC’s Annual Meeting, held on July 28, 2025, the election results on whether to partially repower our wind turbines were announced. FIEC members voted 431 to 24 in favor of partially repowering the wind turbines. The election results are available HERE.
The partial repowering construction activities, which involve replacing and upgrading outdated equipment while keeping the towers, foundations, and other site infrastructure, are planned for 2028-2030.
So, what’s next? First, an extensive environmental and engineering review and permitting process will be conducted. FIEC and FIW are committed to a transparent review and permitting process that complies with all applicable federal and state regulations, including those with public notice and opportunity for comment.
| | Keeping you Connected... Events & Opportunities | | Introducing “Off the Grid,” a new NEPPA member spotlight series! | |
NEPPA’s new Off the Grid campaign highlights the people behind public power and the passions, hobbies, and talents they pursue outside of work. From photography and writing to woodworking, music, sports, and everything in between, this series showcases the unique stories that make our public power community special.
We’ll be featuring NEPPA members throughout the year and sharing the interests and experiences that inspire them beyond their day-to-day roles. Interested in being featured? NEPPA members can submit their stories through our Off the Grid submission form below or by emailing media@neppa.org!
| | | Federal Funding: House Passes Budget Resolution for “Reconciliation 3.0”; House Passes a Continuing Resolution | | Congressional Actions: Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Renews Support for the FEMA Act; Energy and Commerce Committee Advances Data Center and Grid Bills; Energy and Natural Resources Holds FERC Oversight Hearing | | Administration Actions: President Trump Expands Ratepayer Protection Pledge; DOE Announces Plan for Data Center Campus on Federal Land; DOE Court Filings State Grant Cancellations Were Based on Political Affiliation. | | |
Industry Day - Hosted by HasGo
September 1, 2026
8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Littleton, MA
Hot Work Essentials
September 8 - 10, 2026
7:30 am - 2:30 pm
Littleton, MA
Metering II Program
September 8 - 10, 2026
8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Littleton, MA
Tactical Tuesday (Virtual)
September 8, 2026
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Held virtually
(PUMP) Public Utility Management Program SOLD OUT
April 14-16, 2026
September 9, 2026 (Virtual)
September 23, 2026 (Virtual)
October 27-29, 2026
8:30 am - 4:00 pm
Littleton, MA
Crew Leadership
September 15 - 17, 2026
8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Littleton, MA
Substation II Program (Session I)
September 22 - 24, 2026
8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Littleton, MA
Energy Connect Conference
September 29 - October 1
Hilton Mystic
Mystic, CT
| | |
2026 Apprentice Lineworker Program
Year I:
Group A: Sept. 29 – Oct 2
Year II:
Group A: Oct. 20 – 23
Group B: Oct. 27 – 30
Year III:
Group A: Sept. 1 – 4 (Pascoag, RI); Nov. 3 – 6
Group B: Sept. 15 – 18 (Pascoag, RI); Nov. 17 – 20
Year IV: Sep. 22 – 25; Dec. 1 – 3
Apprentice Lineworker Program Graduation
(Class of 2026)
December 3, 2026
Learn More
| |
General Foreman's Roundtable
October 7, 2026
8:30 am - 1:00 pm
Littleton, MA
General Manager/ Leadership Roundtable
October 8, 2026
8:30 am - 1:00 pm
Littleton, MA
2027 RodE&O Conference and Expo*
May 10-13, 2027
The Loon Mountain Resort
Lincoln, NH
2027 Annual Conference*
August 29 - September 1, 2027
Newport Harbor Island Resort
Newport, RI
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*Registration not yet available.
See All Events
| | ** Your Logo Could Be Here **
By becoming a new NEPPA member you will not only be spotlighted here but also get VIP treatment with our many member benefits. Learn more & Join now! | | 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: Summer 2026 - Work Safe. Home Safe. Everyone. Every Day.
As we move through the summer season, our crews continue to face unique challenges, including heat stress, severe weather, increased construction activity, roadway hazards, long workdays, and vacation reset. While our commitment to reliability keeps the lights on for our communities, our commitment to safety ensures that every employee returns home safely at the end of the day.
Read the Latest Edition
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