Northeast Public Power Association

09/04/2026

🏆 RECOGNIZING TWO OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTORS TO PUBLIC POWER

Today we’re recognizing the first two recipients of the 2026 NEPPA Distinguished Service Award: Howard “Bud” Bemis of Jacksonville Electric in Vermont and Mark Barakian, General Manager of Boylston Municipal Light Department.

At 95 years old and after more than 55 years of service, Bud is stepping down from the Jacksonville Electric Board of Trustees. His decades of leadership, dedication, and commitment have helped shape public power in Jacksonville, Whitingham, and across Vermont.

Mark has dedicated more than 30 years to public power, working his way from apprentice lineman to General Manager at Boylston Municipal Light Department. His leadership, technical expertise, and commitment to safety, education, and collaboration have made an impact both in his community and throughout the NEPPA membership.

Two incredible careers. Decades of dedication. A whole lot of public power pride. ⚡

Congratulations, Bud and Mark! 👏 We’re proud to recognize you both with the 2026 NEPPA Distinguished Service Award!

09/04/2026

⏰ TODAY IS THE DEADLINE!

There’s still time to nominate an outstanding employee of a NEPPA member utility for the 2026 Carol A. Tracey Award! ⚡

This award honors individuals who go above and beyond in serving their utility customers through exceptional customer service or innovative programs that meet customer needs.

Know someone who deserves recognition? Submit your nomination by the end of today!

👉 Visit neppa.org to complete the nomination form.

09/03/2026

📺 Did you catch NEPPA on Chronicle?

WCVB’s Chronicle recently visited the NEPPA Training Center to take a look at how our lineworker apprentices prepare for the demanding and essential career of linework.

From climbing 40-foot poles to working safely around high-voltage equipment, becoming a takes skill, focus, and a serious commitment to safety. ⚡

🎥 Watch the full “Working Hands” story here:
https://ow.ly/a35350ZIWkF

A big thank you to Chronicle on WCVB Channel 5 and Sangita Chandra for spending time with us and showcasing the people behind !

Industry leaders hope more young people and women will pursue skilled-trade careers that remain in demand.

09/02/2026

🎓 40 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE. A CAREER BUILT ON SAFETY, SERVICE, AND SHARING KNOWLEDGE.

Please join us in congratulating Anthony Calascibetta of Ipswich Utilities Department on receiving the 2026 NEPPA Francis “Skip” Willey Individual Achievement Award! 👏

Anthony has spent his career building his knowledge and skills in the electrical and utility industry, and he continues to put that experience to work for the public power community.

From his work with the NEPPA Mutual Aid Committee and his weekly Safety Corner messages, to teaching NEPPA classes and sharing his expertise with the next generation of utility professionals, Anthony has made safety and education a priority throughout his career.

He’s also represented NEPPA on the national stage through the American Public Power Association (APPA), bringing his experience and knowledge back to our members.

Anthony’s commitment to safety, education, and public power makes him a great example of what this award represents.

Congratulations, Anthony! ⚡👏 We’re proud to recognize your dedication to NEPPA and the public power community!

09/01/2026

📺 WE’RE ON CHRONICLE TONIGHT! ⚡

NEPPA is hitting the big screen! 🎥 Our Training Center was recently featured in “Working Hands,” an upcoming episode of Chronicle highlighting the people, skills, and hands-on work that keep our communities running.

Tune in TONIGHT, Tuesday, September 1 at 7:30 PM on WCVB ABC Channel 5 (Chronicle on WCVB Channel 5) to catch NEPPA in the spotlight! 👀⚡

Can’t watch on TV? The episode will also be available online and through the free Very Local app.

Be sure to tune in, and let us know if you spot NEPPA! 🙌

08/31/2026

👏 A BIG CONGRATULATIONS TO TWO GREAT PUBLIC POWER LEADERS!

Please join us in congratulating Bill Bottiggi, General Manager of Braintree Electric Light Department, and Jonathan Fitch, General Manager of WBMLP - West Boylston Municipal Light Plant, on receiving the 2026 NEPPA Service Award! ⚡

Both Bill and Jon have been longtime leaders and supporters of NEPPA and public power, serving on the NEPPA Board of Directors and contributing their time, experience, and expertise to help strengthen our association and our industry.

Bill has led BELD for more than two decades and has been deeply involved in NEPPA through the Board, Finance Committee, Nominations Committee, conferences, and public power advocacy.

Jon has served as General Manager at West Boylston for nearly 15 years and has been an active NEPPA Board member since 2016. He has also played a key role on the Finance Committee and Annual Conference Subcommittee, helping shape programs and bring valuable topics and speakers to our members.

Two outstanding leaders, two impressive careers, and a whole lot of dedication to public power.

Congratulations, Bill and Jon! 👏⚡ We’re proud to recognize you both with the 2026 NEPPA Service Award!

08/28/2026

⚡ Happening next week!

Join us Tuesday, September 1 at the NEPPA Training Center for Industry Day, hosted by HasGo Power Equipment Sales!

Get up close with the latest equipment and innovations from Eaton/Cooper, with hands-on demos and presentations covering reclosers, fusing, coordination basics, capacitors and more.

🥪 Breakfast & lunch provided
💥 Free for NEPPA members
📍 NEPPA Training Center | Littleton, MA
⏰ 8 AM–2 PM

Advance registration is required!

👉 neppa.org

08/27/2026

⚡ THREE AWARDS. ONE UTILITY. DECADES OF SERVICE.

Please join us in congratulating Dan Farley, Thomas Murphy, and John Healey of the Middleborough Gas & Electric Department on receiving the 2026 NEPPA Commissioner Service Awards! 👏

Together, these three commissioners have dedicated nearly 75 years of combined service to Middleborough Gas & Electric, helping guide the utility through major infrastructure projects, system upgrades, storm response, mutual aid, and so much more.

Their commitment to their utility and the communities they serve is a great example of what public power is all about.

Congratulations, Dan, Thomas, and John! ⚡👏 We’re proud to recognize your years of leadership and service to NEPPA and public power.

08/26/2026

⚡ Ready to plug into something good?

NEPPA's Energy Connect Conference 2026 is coming in HOT! 🔌 Join us September 29–October 1 at the Hilton Mystic for three days packed with big ideas, great connections, interactive sessions, and plenty of reasons to step away from the daily grind.

From networking tips and AI to cybersecurity, grant writing, customer engagement, workplace generations, marketing, and even “Ask a Lineman: No Dumb Questions!”—there’s something for everyone.

And when the learning is done? We’ll Pack the Pantry together for a great cause. 🙌

📅 September 29–October 1, 2026
📍 Hilton Mystic | Mystic, CT

Don’t leave this one on the off switch. 😉
👉 Plug in and register: neppa.org/2026-energy-connect-conference/

08/25/2026

⭐ A WELL DESERVED SPOTLIGHT ON A GREAT NEPPA PARTNER!

Please join us in congratulating NextEra Energy, recipient of the 2026 NEPPA Outstanding Affiliate Member Award! 👏

NextEra Energy Resources has been a longtime supporter of NEPPA and the public power community, consistently showing up, getting involved, and supporting the programs and events that bring our industry together.

We were happy to recognize Dave Camardese and the NextEra Energy Resources team with this year’s award, accepted on their behalf by Mark Palanchian at our Annual Conference.

Thank you to NextEra Energy Resources for your continued partnership and support of NEPPA and public power! ⚡👏

Congratulations!