The Northeast Public Power Association in November celebrated NEPPA’s 60th anniversary, “six decades of dedication, innovation, and connection across the Northeast public power community,” it said.
“From our founding utilities to today’s members, this milestone reminds us that our strength comes from the people who keep communities powered, safe, and thriving,” it said.
“A huge thank you to everyone who joined us in honoring the legacy of NEPPA and the teamwork, collaboration, and community spirit that continue to drive us forward. Here’s to the next 60 years of public power excellence!”
"It is a pleasure this year to help NEPPA and its seventy-eight public power members celebrate its 60th Anniversary,” said John Tzimorangas, NEPPA President and CEO of Energy New England.
“The organization started in 1965 and has provided support, training and educational services to its members at a high quality. The mutual aid program is tops in the country and supports its members as we move toward another decade of success,” he said.
NEPPA marked the anniversary with a memorial bench dedicated to Public Power Employees.
“This one-of-a-kind bench will serve to celebrate the spirit of Public Power, recognizing those who have dedicated their lives to keeping the lights on in their communities, especially those who have fallen in the line of that mission,” NEPPA noted.
The bench was constructed by Jim Binkley, who retired as the Electric Superintendent of Scottsburg, Indiana, and entered the National Lineman Hall of Fame in October 2021.
NEPPA noted that Binkley has produced some excellent items over the years, from IMEA’s/APPA’s Rodeo trophies to a memorial bench to honor a fallen lineworker.
Binkley uses salvage materials in his work and NEPPA asked its members to donate items such as used crossarms, poles, insulators, meters, braces etc. to include in the construction of this bench, with the idea that the bench is a culmination of items touched NEPPA members.
