by Bonnie Biocchi, Executive Director

The month of September was a busy one as the NEPPA training center sprang back to life. With pandemic protocols in place and a new UV filtration system installed for our HVAC system, we welcomed students back. We hosted our Hoisting Class, Basic Electricity and Math, and Substation training, all of which were well attended. Our Apprentice Training for Year One and Two classes were full (meeting regulations!) as well. Witnessing the training center back at capacity felt good and although everyone wore masks and maintained social distance, it almost felt “normal” for the first time in many months.

On September 15^th and 16^th, we held our virtual DC fly-in. With the tremendous assistance of Meguire Whitney, we had two very busy and successful days pursuing our legislative agenda and providing input on the four NEPPA Resolutions (Capacity Market, Transmission, Hydro Relicensing and Pole Attachments) which the Board of Directors adopted in July.  A team of thirteen members of the Advocacy & Reporting Committee and others, “zoomed into” seventeen valuable meetings, providing context and information to members of Congress and their staffs, as well as FERC Commissioners, and members of Senate Committees. As always, it was time well spent and I’d like to thank A & R Chair, Paul Heanue and the entire Committee for a job well done.

In early October, Mutual Aid Committee Chair Nick Lawler led the General Manager Roundtable to discuss the new software notification and tracking system that will be implemented when there is a call for Mutual Aid. After a lengthy process, the Mutual Aid Software Subcommittee chose Veoci as the software solution. They are diligently working to customize the software for NEPPA’s needs and the new software is expected to be rolled out in the next month – just in time for the next winter storm season!

And speaking of storms, we had quite a windstorm in Massachusetts last week. There was widespread damage across much of the state and Mutual Aid was activated in Western MA. With the help of Mutual Aid Regional Coordinator Art Potter, Westfield Gas and Electric was connected to two crews from Chicopee and a crew from Russell who worked side by side to restore power. It is gratifying to see neighbors helping neighbors.

The month of November looms large – with the federal election on November 3^rd. It is my hope that our nation can take a page from our Mutual Aid folks and recognize that by working together, we can achieve the best results. We are all neighbors after all. Let’s hope our country can unite and remember that we are all in this together. Whatever your affiliation, I hope you will take the time to vote!