March 2026

Does Your Utility Have IT?

By Mike Hyland

Executive Director, NEPPA

Does Your Utility Have IT?... No, not "Information Technology", but the word "it".

As I’ve progressed through my years in the professional ranks since high school, I’ve noticed the trend for deep thinkers to create effects, or theories to explain things. Everything from leadership principles to daily commute times; from the over confidence of stupid people to the selection of sodas at lunch. In fact, many of the theories are worth a read. I see them all the time on social media platforms, and I am fascinated that smart folks with PhD’s would set out to describe a phenomenon or situation through numbers, studies and research in order to create a few graphs and theories with their name attached. 

For instance, let’s take Marchetti’s Constant. Cesare Marchetti was an Italian physicist who was given credit for the theory that, throughout history, people have consistently spent an average of one hour per day (roughly 30 minutes each way) commuting to and from work. This 30-minute travel time remains stable even as transportation technology improves. Rather than live with a lesser travel time, people begin to travel further to work and move further out from the city – in essence causing the urban sprawl we see in most large US cities today. Better infrastructure allows faster speeds – but increase the commute distance. 

Then there is the Dunning-Kruger Effect. In 1999, David Dunning and Juston Kruger, both psychologists, describe the systematic tendency of people with low ability (or knowledge) in a specific area to give overly positive assessments of their ability. At the same time, they also refer to the tendency of high performers to underestimate their skills.

Both the Marchetti Constant and the Dunning-Kruger Effect use cool graphs to depict what their science suggests. The graphs allow both theories to be easily understood within a short one-page explanation. I love the Dunning-Kruer Effect’s “Peak of Mount Stupid”.

My old partner in crime at APPA , Alex Hofmann, and I could not stand idly by, and thus we jumped into theoretical deep thinking and created the "Diet Coke Factor". Through our repeated visual experiments, we noticed that if a luncheon or conference break had five different sodas on the table for the taking, 90 percent of the conference meeting attendees would take the diet cokes before the orange, root beer, sprite, ginger ale, or any other soda available. However, when the person in charge of the event (and ordering the sodas) shows up after the lunch or break is over – the other sodas have now also been depleted. Thus, the planner thinks they nailed their job since they did not see the order in which they were taken. They then repeat their same order over and over, believing that an even number of attendees wanted each kind of soda. In fact, unless the planner in charge of the event stood there and observed the soda taking as we did on 100’s of occasions, they would never realize that a more accurate amount of Diet Coke was probably over 50%, maybe even as high as 75%.

Alex and I even started to put numbers and equations to our Diet Coke theory. Unfortunately for us, we researched similar theories and found that a group of Harvard kids beat us to the punch with their own theories surrounding choice identification and the need to witness each soda selection versus simply evaluating the results. Thus, our desire for the "H-H Diet Coke Theorem" never materialized.

However, the next time you come across a cool graph or theory - stop and read the content, since many of them are fascinating although somewhat mundane.

So how does this relate to ‘it’? Well, in some way it doesn’t. For centuries people - many much smarter than I – have tried to place a theorem, a factor, a constant, or an effect on talent. In simple terms, they fail over and over and over. We still see it today. 

Let’s take music as an example. I remember sharing a dinner with Nashville Electric Service’s retired CEO Decosta "DJ" Jenkins. We were discussing what my musical children might be able to do to help them along in their musical journey to success. DJ told me that his good friend in Nashville was a major music talent scout and record label owner, and knew what it took to be successful – success came to those that have "it". DJ asked if they had "it"? He explained that his friend told him the following: you can give me the best technical singer, the best looks, the best voice, and they still might not become famous or have a huge hit, or in many cases, never get out of being the modern-day lounge singer. They had great attributes, but they didn’t have "it". At the same time, someone such as singer Joe Cocker has found his way into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Why? How? Well, to put things in context – Joe Cocker had "it".  

Same goes for sports. Tom Brady was not the tallest, not the strongest arm, not a fast runner, and was drafted in the 6th round because the standards set for QB’s based on some theory said he’s a 6th round draft pick. But once drafted by New England, the coaches, fans, teammates and opponents found out that he had "it". This "it" factor took Brady to 10 Super Bowls. 

You can point to just about every field and find those at the top might not have the pedigree as defined by some Standford study on leadership, or the education level thought of as essential by the Ivy Leagues. Now let’s pivot and relate this to municipal utilities and their succession planning and talent recruitment. It’s easy to recruit the best resume, the highest GPA, and the most perfect degree. It’s steady, and it’s probably safe. But does it guarantee "it". Nope, not even close. Throughout the US, we see two utilities from different parts of the country, same service area, same number of meters, same rate differential with the local IOU, yet one has excellent customer satisfaction scores, the other might be up for sale. Does one have "it" while the other doesn’t? Maybe. Maybe not. Nothing is quite that easy to decipher, nor can anyone make a guaranteed statement. 

However, we all have that gut feel about issues on a daily basis. What does your gut tell you when you interview two qualified candidates? What does your gut tell you when making that promotion or presenting the employment offer? If "years of service and schooling" or "this is how we always do things here" is your answer – you might just be missing an "it" identifying moment. It is very tough to define, it is tough to recognize, yet it is clear when they leave your utility and shine somewhere else. Heck – just ask Tampa Bay. 

Cheers,

-Mike 

Upcoming Training & Events

In Case You Haven't Heard ... 
Registration Now Open for the RodE&O !

2026 RodE&O Conference & Expo

May 11-14, 2026

Loon Mountain Resort 
60 Loon Mountain Rd., Lincoln, NH

General Foreman Roundtable

March 26, 2026

8:30 am - 1:00 pm

NEPPA Training Center

Littleton, MA

OSHA-10 General Industry



April 7-8, 2026

8:00 am - 2:30 pm

NEPPA Training Center

Littleton, MA

Industry Day
Hosted by Shamrock



April 9, 2026

8:00 am - 2:00 pm

NEPPA Training Center

Littleton, MA

Tactical Tuesday



April 14, 2026

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Held Virtually

(Free to members)

Topic: Harnessing the Power of Artificial Intelligence 
(Vantage Point)

Strategic Municipal Electrification Blueprint Workshop



April 29, 2026

8:30 am - 12:30 pm

NEPPA Training Center

Littleton, MA

In The News

Now Accepting 
Student Scholarship Applications

See if you, or someone you know, qualifies!

Scholarship applications are currently being accepted for NEPPA's Student Scholarship Fund. NEPPA provides scholarships for graduating high school seniors, or those currently in trade school or college. If you know anyone who may be interested in applying encourage them to apply.

APPLICANTS MUST:

1. Be pursuing a career in a Public Power related field (Fields of study may include: Electrical, Policy/Regulatory/Compliance, Business Management, Finance, Customer Service, Renewable Energy, Engineering/Research & Design, IT, Environmental Health and Safety, Operations/Maintenance/Construction, or other academic or vocational field of study that lends itself to electric utility employment).

2. Be a resident serviced by a NEPPA member utility or a relative of an employee of a NEPPA member utility. Click here to see if your utility is a member of NEPPA

3. Complete an application and submit it by the deadline.

Applications must be submitted by Friday, April 3, 2026 to be considered. 
Awardees will be notified in May 2026.

Energy New England Highlights Longstanding Leadership in Electric Vehicle Program Development and Community Engagement

February 17, 2026 - Mansfield, MA - Since 2018, Energy New England (ENE) has been a leader in electric vehicle (EV) education, outreach, and program development, supporting municipal utilities, communities, and regional partners as transportation electrification continues to grow across Massachusetts and beyond. ENE developed and administers EV programs for the following light plants: Braintree Electric Light Department, Concord Municipal Light Plant, Danvers Electric Division, Hingham Municipal Lighting Plant, Middleton Municipal Electric Department, Norwood Municipal Light Department, Reading Municipal Light Department, Rowley Municipal Lighting Plant, and Taunton Municipal Lighting Plant.

ENE’s Electric Vehicle Program is supported by a dedicated team with expertise in electric vehicles, residential/commercial rebate programs, marketing & education. This integrated approach enables ENE to deliver practical EV initiatives that help municipal light plants and their customers navigate adoption while planning for long-term grid and infrastructure needs.

Read More

Advocacy in Action: NEPPA's DC Fly-In

Washington, DC - February 23, 2026 - Thank you to those who participated in Northeast Public Power Association's Annual “DC Fly-In”. There were many successful meetings with congressional offices where NEPPA members were able to represent the interests of public power in the northeast. Pictured above are just some who attended: (left to right - Ken Nolan, General Manager of Vermont Public Power Supply Authority; Kate Roy, Director of Communications & External Affairs at MMWEC; Adam St. Martin, Director of Operations at South Hadley Electric Light Department; Richard Neal, First District Rep. and Ranking Member on the House Ways and Means Committee; Jim Leydon, Senior Legislative and Regulatory Coordinator at MMWEC, and Tom Barry, CEO of MMWEC.

MMWEC CEO Tom Barry Attends State of the Union Address

Washington, DC – February 25, 2026 – Tom Barry, Chief Executive Officer of the Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company (MMWEC), attended the State of the Union Address on February 24, as a guest of Massachusetts First District Rep. Richard Neal, Ranking Member on the House Ways and Means Committee. 

Barry, who leads the Commonwealth’s designated joint action agency for the not-for-profit, municipal light plants (MLPs) in the state, was in the House gallery during President Donald Trump’s address. 

While in Washington, D.C., Barry participated in the American Public Power Association (APPA) Legislative Rally, an annual event bringing together public power utilities from across the country to advocate for public power issues on Capitol Hill. 

Read More

Littleton Electric Recognized for Cybersecurity Leadership and Community Impact

March 5, 2026 - Littleton, MA - The Littleton Electric Light and Water Departments has received a cybersecurity industry award for its leadership in raising awareness of the threats posed to municipal utilities by foreign adversaries. 

The Massachusetts public power utility LELWD noted that it has has demonstrated leadership in cybersecurity by presenting to its peers at industry events, building strategic public-private partnerships, and sharing hard-earned lessons. 

On behalf of LELWD, General Manager Nick Lawler, P.E., accepted the Community Impact Award for “outstanding achievement in safeguarding civilization” from Dragos, a leading industrial cybersecurity firm, at a February 12 event. 

Read More

Keeping you Connected... Events & Opportunities

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!

Legislative Update

Administration Actions: EPA Repeals Endangerment Finding; President Trump Discusses Data Centers at State of the Union; DHS Remains Shutdown…  

Congressional Actions: Energy and Commerce Subcommittee Holds FERC Oversight Hearing; Energy Subcommittee Advances Grid Security Bills…

Judicial Action: Supreme Court Strikes Down Tariffs…

Read More in this Month's Legislative Update

Upcoming Training & Events



(URD) Underground Residential Distribution Program SOLD OUT
March 24-26, 2026
8:00 am - 2:00 pm

Littleton, MA

General Foreman Roundtable
March 26, 2026
8:30 am - 1:00 pm

Littleton, MA

OSHA-10

April 7-8, 2026

8:00 am - 2:30 pm

Littleton, MA

Industry Day - Hosted by Shamrock

April 9, 2026

8:00 am - 2:00 pm

Littleton, MA

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

(PUMP) Public Utility Management Program SOLD OUT

April 14-16, 2026

September 9, 2026 (Virtual)

September 2, 2026 (Virtual)

October 27-29, 2026
8:30 am - 4:00 pm

Littleton, MA

Tactical Tuesday

April 14, 2026

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
(Virtual)

Strategic Municipal Electrification Blueprint Workshop
April 29, 2026

8:30 am - 12:30 pm
Littleton, MA

2026 RodE&O Conference

May 11 - 14, 2026

Loon Mountain Resort

Lincoln, NH

APPA's National Conference
June 26 - July 1, 2026
Boston, MA

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

*Registration not yet available.

See All Events

Electrical Wholesalers Inc.

Our Seasonal "Bucket Brief" 
Brought to you by NEPPA's Safety Committee

Keeping Lineworker Crews in the Safety Mindset 
with Key Reminders and Resources

JOB BOARD

PAST ISSUES

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Northeast Public Power Association | communications@neppa.org | www.neppa.org