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Zen and the Art….
By Mike Hyland
Executive Director, NEPPA
As a young man – I was an avid reader – read everything I could. I miss those days. Life plays a cruel joke as you age. Everything seems to get in the way - careers, family life and commitments in too many areas. Also, being over 60 and tired doesn’t help much either. In the late 70’s and throughout the 80’s, most of my friends were reading fantasy books by J.R.R. Tolkien or Frank Herbert. I must admit I was as well. I loved the Hobbit, Lord of the Rings and many of the books in the Dune series.
As time went on, I found my own reading journey. My favorite books were different from my friends, and I went down the path of reading Kurt Vonnegut, Douglas Adams and Tom Robbins. Enjoyable books for me were Slaughterhouse Five, Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy and Jitterbug Perfume. Throw in an occasional John Irving novel and I become quite satisfied with daily reading. However, the one book that still sticks in my head is Robert Pirsig’s classic - Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values. To be honest – it sticks in my head because I read it three times.
Recently I broke out the E-Bikes after what seemed to be a long winter with plenty of snow and numerous cold snaps. Yes, I understand the connotation of an "E-Bike owner". I can hear it now: “Mike – get a real bike why don'tcha!”. Well, I have a real bike as well but sometimes prefer to ride the E-Bike. Regardless of the bike type, maintaining a bike takes time. There’s always something minor to be adjusted, tightened, or tweaked. Miles on any bike cause chains to wear, brakes to come loose, and screws/nuts/bolts to come undone. It’s a constant battle to have a smooth ride, trying to avoid that annoying clicking sound with every spin of your pedal.
Pirsig’s philosophical novel explored the differences between rational, scientific views of life versus the more emotional, artistic views of the world. I think I’ve written enough about my past for all readers to guess that it is the classical view of science and rational thought that means everything to me. The romantic, artistic view of life was not a big part of my upbringing, and thus Pirsig’s novel pushed me to explore the side of the brain I was unfamiliar with. I’m convinced that the concept of accepting the beauty and benefits of things in our own unknown is based mostly on our ability to put our guard down and see the world from someone else’s view. The old adage of walking in someone’s shoes for a few miles before enacting judgement rings true.
When it comes to Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, or in my equivalent "Bicycle Maintenance”, Pirsig’s fictional cross-country journey with his son explored the balance of the rational, scientific view (working on the machine to keep it running well) and the artistic, romantic view (the enjoyment of travel with friends and exploring the beauty of such a journey).
At this point you may be asking yourself - “why do I read Mike’s musings when they land in my inbox?” I can’t blame you. I too wonder how anyone reads my ramblings. Well, take a moment to think about times in your life when the lightbulb turned on. Those times when you saw the value in something you were previously ignorant of. It’s more than "Ah ha". It’s "Ah yes!". Every day we see it at our utilities, our associations, our agencies and in our personal lives. We tend to think that our part of the utility is more important or more deserving of recognition.
The key is to realize that as important as you are (and you are) others have the same claim. In our world, the utility doesn’t function solely because you send them a bill. Your utility doesn’t survive just because the lights are on for the customers. The endless battles between technical engineering folks and the need for positive press and social media campaigns amuses me. At the end of the day - we all want the same thing – a fulfilling career where we are appreciated, find value in our daily mission, and deliver each day with our eye on the long view. Our collective success depends on valuing the team, not the individual.
Outside of a teenager having an Ah Yes! moment when reading Pirsig’s novel – there are plenty of ways to bring folks together in a collective understanding of everyone’s values and the need to row in the same direction. Training, education, organization wide goals and company group outings are just some of the methods required. Changing a culture from "Me" to "We" takes time, it takes leadership, and it takes skill.
Find the time, the money and the commitment to provide your utility employees with the opportunities to broaden their journey. And then send them over to me – I still can’t seem to fix the rear brakes on my E-Bike and could use another person’s take on the problem.
Cheers,
-Mike
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NEPPA Student Scholarship Winners Announced
These 11 deserving students received scholarships this year as part of NEPPA's Student Scholarship Fund, supported by the Member Value Committee.
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Each year our group of scholarship winners grow. NEPPA's Member Value Committee chose to award a total of 11 scholarships in 2026, up from 7 awarded last year. We are excited to congratulate the following students and thank our members for their donations, which make this possible.
HIGH SCHOOL RECIPIENTS:
Cayden Anderson - Mansfield Municipal Electric Department
Concetta Cerio - Shrewsbury Electric and Cable Operations
Justin Curtis - Mansfield Municipal Electric Department
Samara Dosch - Marblehead Municipal Light Department
Claudia Drakos - Danvers Electric Division
Grace Li - Braintree Electric Light Department
Drew Little - Peabody Municipal Light Plant
Brianna Stone - Middleborough Gas & Electric Department
Sharanya Valluri - North Attleboro Electric Department
COLLEGE RECIPIENT:
Sean Nigborowicz - Concord Municipal Light Plant
TRADE SCHOOL "MICHAEL RAMPANELLI SCHOLARSHIP" RECIPIENT:
Jack Sloboda - Littleton Electric Light and Water Departments
The NEPPA Student Scholarship Program provides scholarships to Northeast Public Power Association residents/relatives pursuing higher education. The Student Scholarship is available to students pursuing a career in a public power related field.
| | Upcoming Training & Events | | |
NEPPA's 2026 Annual Conference
August 16-19, 2026
Margaritaville Resort
Hyannis, MA
| Spark new ideas and strengthen industry connections during these four dynamic days, packed with a variety of expert learning sessions, collaborative roundtable conversations, interactive sponsor showcases and countless opportunities for connection. Recharge your professional development and power up your perspective. Join us as we move public power forward to shape what the future looks like for our industry. | | |
Apprentice Lineworker Rodeo
June 17-18, 2026
NEPPA Training Center
Littleton, MA
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Tactical Tuesday
July 14, 2026
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Held Virtually
(Free to members)
Topic: Building Situational Awareness Across the Distribution Grid
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Cybersecurity Course
(Hosted by NEPPA on behalf of NCPC)
July 14-16, 2026
(Tues-Wed)
8:00 am - 2:30 pm
&
(Thurs)
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
NEPPA Training Center
Littleton, MA
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Tactical Tuesday
August 11, 2026
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Held Virtually
(Free to members)
Topic: SolarAPP+
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Industry Day - Hosted by HasGo
September 1, 2026
8:00 am - 2:00 pm
NEPPA Training Center
Littleton, MA
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Middleborough Gas and Electric Department holds Topping-Off Ceremony for its new Electric Division Building
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May 26, 2026 - Middleborough, MA – Middleborough Gas and Electric Department (MGED) marked a significant milestone in the construction of its new Electric Division Building with a traditional topping-off ceremony on May 15, 2026. Employees, project partners, commissioners, and building committee members came together to celebrate the placement of the final structural beam, honoring both the progress achieved and the collaborative spirit driving the project forward.
The topping-off ceremony, a time-honored construction tradition, celebrates the placement of the final structural beam at a building’s highest point. This moment marks the completion of the building’s framework and symbolizes achievement, safety, and the dedication of everyone involved. Attendees had the unique opportunity to sign the beam before it was lifted into place, creating a lasting tribute to the teamwork and commitment behind the project.
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Burlington Electric Department Announces New Hydroelectricity Power Purchase Agreements
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June 1, 2026 - Burlington, VT - Burlington Electric Department (BED) announced today new power purchase agreements (PPAs) with a subsidiary of New England Reliable Hydropower Holdings LLC (NERH)* and Relevate Power for hydroelectric power from projects in New England. The PPAs represent continued support of Burlington’s energy needs with clean, renewable generation and BED’s commitment to in-state and New England renewable resources.
BED and a subsidiary of NERH signed two PPAs, one for short-term hydropower through the end of 2026 providing 100 percent of the energy output and associated renewable energy credits (RECs) from the Skelton Hydro facility on the Saco River in Maine and another five-year PPA beginning January 1, 2027 for 50 percent of the output (approximately 50,000 MWh annually) and associated RECs from Skelton Hydro. The five-year agreement was considered and approved by the Burlington Electric Commission (BEC) at its May 13, 2026 meeting.
| | WBMLP Charges Up New Battery Storage Project | |
June 3, 2026 - West Boylston, MA - West Boylston Municipal Light Plant (WBMLP) has installed its second energy storage project. The consumer-owned, municipal utility serving the West Boylston community recently interconnected a new utility-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) to its distribution system. The department partnered with Convergent Energy & Power, a New York-based green energy supplier, to install the 3 megawatt, 9 megawatt hour battery.
By partnering with Convergent Energy, WBMLP can reap the benefits of the battery system without providing the upfront cost, making it the ideal financial option for WBMLP. Convergent funded the battery project and entered into a shared savings contract with WBMLP so WBMLP and Convergent will both share the monthly electric savings provided by the battery. The contract is inked for the next 20 years, which has the potential for significant savings.
| | Keeping you Connected... Events & Opportunities | | |
Recognize Public Power Employees,
Commissioners & Industry Partners - Nominate Today!
| | | | Nominations Due
Monday, July 6, 2026 | |
NEPPA’s Annual Conference is just a few months away and the Annual Conference Sub-committee is hard at work planning another exceptional event. One of the highlights of the conference is our Annual Awards Banquet where we honor NEPPA and public power’s most outstanding individuals. We want to recognize excellence in electric utility operations and leadership throughout our region and invite you to submit your nominations now.
Winners will be recognized during NEPPA’s Annual Awards Banquet on Monday, August 17, 2026 and will also be showcased on our website, on social media channels, and in NEPPA’s Newsline. Winning an award gives honorees the opportunity to raise their credibility with local press, policymakers, elected officials, and customers.
| | NEPPA Directory Advertising | | |
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: House Energy and Water Development Spending Bill Passes Committee; Senate Begins Voting on Reconciliation Package | | Congressional Actions: Highway Bill Reauthorization Advances in Committee; Energy and Commerce Subcommittee Holds Transmission Hearing; House Releases FY27 NDAA; Senate Approves Group of Nominees | | |
Administration Actions: FEMA Review Council Releases Final Report; NERC Issues Level 3 Alert.
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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
Cybersecurity in a Resource Constrained Environment for Public and Rural Utilities
July 14-16, 2026
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Littleton, MA
Tactical Tuesday (Virtual)
July 14, 2026
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Held virtually
Tactical Tuesday (Virtual)
August 11, 2026
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Held virtually
2026 Annual Conference
August 16 - 19, 2026
Margaritaville Resort
Hyannis, MA
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
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2026 Apprentice Lineworker Program
Year I:
Group A: Jul. 21 – Jul 24; Sept. 29 – Oct 2
Year II:
Group A: Aug. 4 – 7; Oct. 20 – 23
Group B: Aug. 11 – 14; 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 Skills Assessment Rodeo
June 17 – 18, 2026
Apprentice Lineworker Program Graduation
(Class of 2026)
December 3, 2026
Learn More
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(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
Energy Connect Conference*
September 29 - October 1
Hilton Mystic
Mystic, CT
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: Spring 2026 -Preparing for Construction Season & Staying Focused
In spring, public power utilities across New England begin transitioning from winter operations to construction and capital improvement projects. This seasonal change brings increased workloads, tighter schedules, and greater exposure to energized work, excavation, and system upgrades. Quarter 2 is a crucial time to slow down, refocus, and keep safety fundamentals as the top priority. Planning, communication, and situational awareness will determine how safely and successfully we navigate through the busy construction season.
Read the Latest Edition
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