JULY 2006
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MESSAGE FROM RAY
...Let's keep pushing forward
SAFETY FIRST
...Troubleshooter Barry Lockwood saves a life
...Crews test E-Z Drill
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
...CL&P volunteers at East Hartford’s Langford Elementary School
...PEAC program celebration held
...“Stock the Pantry” seeks donations
...School clothing and supplies needed for “Adopt a Child”
ENERGY SENSE
...Revised award program for reporting energy theft
...Energy forum promotes PA 05-01 incentives
EXTERNAL FORCES
...House approves measure that would end offshore drilling ban
VITAL SIGNS
...Are we meeting our targets?
...Measuring our progress with pbviews
TOOLBOX
...Human Performance tools save thousands of lives
...New tools help manage switching activity
HERE AND THERE
...New HR Service Center delivers when you call
TRAINING TOPICS
...Check your substation entry requirements
BRIGHT IDEAS |
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| ..M..E..S..S..A..G..E....F..R..O..M....R..A..Y | |
Recently I shared with you an update as to where CL&P and Yankee Gas stand since the completion of our reorganization. We have streamlined our organizational structure and are in the process of finalizing the changes that were part of the plan. Once the changes are implemented, we have no plans for additional cuts, so we should all focus on running the business.
I also spoke about how we continue to look for efficiencies and ways to improve productivity with the help of Human Performance, Process Improvement, Imagine 21 and other tools. To share just a few examples, Human Performance training is in progress, our Corrective Action review team is helping to raise standards, the Procedure Power initiative is back on track with monthly communications going to the field and a safety workout team has come up with a series of recommendations that will place more of an emphasis on positive safety reinforcement. In other words, there is a lot going on.
We are committed to providing you with the tools needed for personal and professional development as we strive to achieve the highest levels of safety, ethical standards, customer service and meeting NU’s financial targets. You should work with your supervisor to form your own developmental plan.
And let's keep pushing forward. CL&P and Yankee teams are working together. Yes, there have been some bumps in the road and there will continue to be. The recent weather has presented some challenges. We have a great team in place and we are making progress towards our goals. And great teams make great things happen. Have a safe summer!
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| ..S..A..F..E..T..Y....F..I..R..S..T | |
Troubleshooter Barry Lockwood saves a life
On Thursday, July 6, CL&P troubleshooter Barry Lockwood was on McIntosh Road in Bristol to replace a streetlight bulb. As he arrived on the scene at 6:30 p.m., he noticed a female jogger bent forward, seemingly stretching.
Moments later, after retrieving a volt meter from his truck, Barry saw the 19-year-old fall face-forward into the street. Immediately, he called 911 and went to help. A resident also came from a nearby house and together the two performed CPR on the jogger, who was unconscious. CPR was continued until she was breathing again. The jogger was taken from the scene by ambulance to Yale-New Haven Hospital at approximately 6:45 p.m. Later, the jogger had pacemaker surgery, and she has returned home.
“Barry's heroic effort is to be commended,” said CL&P Manager of Customer Operations George Garner. “We’re very proud of him.”
Barry has been with the company since January 2004. He has been nominated for the Chairman's Lifesaving Action Award. |
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Crews test E-Z Drill
Recently, Yankee Gas distribution mechanics and local safety committee chairpersons gathered at the Cooper Street facility to try out a pneumatic drilling rig. Manufactured by E-Z Drill, Inc. (Stillwater, Okla.), Model 20 UTL is a vertical drill system designed for gas utility companies to drill through streets to pinpoint gas leaks. It has an 18-inch standard drill depth, and wheels allow for easy maneuverability. Rochester Gas & Electric Corporation and Bay State Gas are using the model currently.
It is hoped that the drill will reduce injuries to elbows, wrists and shoulders because the tool takes the impact, not the worker. Currently, crews use a manual tool called a bang bar that places strain on the upper body, especially shoulders and backs. “It’s definitely a back saver,” commented one mechanic, referring to the drill.
For more information, contact Area Operations Manager Mike Fortier
(fortimr@nu.com) at Meriden Ext. 634-2403.
On the left is Fred Dewick, chief distribution mechanic, Waterford. On the right, working the drill, is Tom Passarelli, chief distribution mechanic, Meriden. |
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| ..C..O..M..M..U..N..I..T..Y....C..O..N..N..E..C..T..I..O..N..S | |
CL&P volunteers at East Hartford’s Langford Elementary School
Thanks to CL&P employees who provided tutoring help over the past six months in English, math and computers at East Hartford’s Langford Elementary School, 65 students enjoyed a fulfilling and positive learning experience that went beyond the traditional classroom. This is the 18th consecutive year CL&P has tutored at the school. Employee volunteers included Ana Alfaro, Walter Foster Jr., Jacqueline Hammond-West, Donald Holmes, Charles Jones, Leo Luciani, Joseph Morrissey, Sergio Perez, Richard Pizzella, Catarina Rodrigues and Mark Smith.
Donald Holmes and students Chelsea Burns, Brittany Rodriguez and Malik Rose.
PEAC program celebration held
On Thursday, June 22, the PEAC program celebration was held at the R. J. Kinsella Magnet School in Hartford. PEAC (parental involvement, etiquette enrichment, academic enrichment and character development) was developed through a grant provided by the Northeast Utilities Foundation for students who are “below grade level” at Kinsella. As a result of the PEAC program, there are recent positive trends at the school, such as reading growth, reduction in disciplinary action and improved attendance rate. The PEAC program was designed specifically for Kinsella’s first through third grade students in partnership with the Hartford Board of Education, Hartford Public Schools and the City of Hartford. Forty-four students along with their adult mentors were recognized at a ceremony at the school. Ray Necci, president and COO of CL&P and Yankee Gas, praised the students, mentors and their families for supporting the children and encouraged them to continue their education for future success.
“Stock the Pantry” seeks donations
The Greater Waterbury Emergency Food Resource Committee, a coalition of area food pantries and soup kitchens, needs your help this summer. Local food pantries are preparing for the anticipated increase in families requesting help to feed their children now that school is no longer in session. Current inventory levels will not be able to meet the increase in demand. Food items will be collected throughout the summer. Please consider donating. Canned meats, such as tuna, beef stew, salmon, chicken, chunky soups or hash, are especially needed. These are the important protein items that are critical to a balanced meal. For more information, please contact Pam Hall (hallpj@nu.com) at Cheshire Ext. 303-4748.
School clothing and supplies needed for “Adopt a Child”
The United Way of West Central Connecticut is sponsoring the “Adopt a Child” program to provide new clothes, books and other back-to-school supplies for needy children, from ages preschool to 14. Volunteers can help by purchasing a back-to-school outfit and basic school supplies for a specific child. Participants receive the child’s first name, gender, clothing size and favorite colors to assist in the purchases. All items must be in by August 3. Last year, the program helped more than 375 children in Bristol, Burlington, Plainville and Plymouth. To help, or for more information, contact Pam Hall (hallpj@nu.com) at Cheshire Ext. 303-4748. |
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| ..E..N..E..R..G..Y....S..E..N..S..E | |
Revised award program for reporting energy theft
Theft of gas and electric service does exist and is very active. It is unlawful, unsafe, and unfair to our customers, shareholders and employees.
Employees can be rewarded for reporting confirmed cases of theft of service. The revised policy is attached. An initial award of $50 will be paid for each verified theft of service. Awards can be paid only to a single individual who submitted the first report. An additional award of 10 percent of the billed revenue will be paid for theft losses over $500. The maximum award an employee may receive for any single theft report is $5,050.
If you suspect energy theft, call the hotline at (800) 286-5350.
An online form for reporting energy theft can also be found on the CL&P Web site. Complete the form, anonymously if preferred, and provide the account number if known, the service location, city and comments. Revenue Protection appreciates your assistance.
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Energy forum promotes PA 05-01 incentives
On June 29, 100 of CL&P’s largest commercial, industrial and municipal customers attended an energy forum in the Berlin auditorium about Public Act 05-01, An Act Concerning Energy Independence. Attendees learned the latest details on the incentives offered by the legislation and the application process.
The Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control gave an overview of the monetary grant application process and the application process for the long-term financing program. CL&P gave an overview of its 2006 conservation and load management programs and emergency generation incentives. Distributed generation rate provisions and the waiver of certain utility charges and additional opportunities presented by PA 05-01 were also discussed. Representatives from the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund and the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund were present to provide an overview of their programs.
More than 20 suppliers and developers were also on hand so that attendees could learn about different technology options for distributed or emergency generation projects. |
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| ..E..X..T..E..R..N..A..L....F..O..R..C..E..S | |
House approves measure that would end offshore drilling ban
The House of Representatives has voted to allow energy companies to tap natural gas and oil beneath waters from New England to Alaska. The bill’s prospects in the Senate are uncertain, and Florida’s two senators have vowed to filibuster. Rep. Richard Pombo, R-Calif. and a leading proponent of lifting the moratorium, argued that drilling still would be prohibited within 50 miles of shore and that states could extend the ban up to 100 miles. He ridiculed the bill’s critics as “opposing everything” when it comes to increasing domestic energy production. The governors of Connecticut, New Jersey and Delaware sent letters to House leaders asking the drilling ban be lifted only “as a last resort, not a first step toward achieving energy independence.” |
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| ..V..I..T..A..L....S..I..G..N..S | |
Are we meeting our targets?
The following chart depicts our year-to-date performance.
| CL&P | Yankee Gas |
| Measure | YTD | Target | YTD | Target |
| Our People | | | | |
| OSHA rate | 2.62 | 2.33 | 7.27 | 3.16 |
| PMVAs | 13 | 14 | 0 | 2 |
| Operational Performance | | | | |
| SAIDI | 40.21 | 34.32 | | |
| CAIDI | 123.77 | 124.90 | | |
| Environmental Compliance | 100.00 | 95.00 | 100.00 | 95.00 |
| Gas leak response rate (normal hrs) | | | 100.00% | 97.1% |
| Gas leak response rate (after hrs) | | | 100.00% | 98.2
% |
| Third party damage | | | 1.46 | 3.52 |
| Service appointments kept | | | 94.8% | 87.6% |
| Billing based on actual meter reads | | | 99.1% | 98.5% |
| Customer Care | | | | |
| Customer contact survey | 71.5% | 75.0% | | |
| Restoration projections | 86.1% | 90.0% | | |
| Restoration projection accuracy | 71.6% | 83.0% | | |
| Average speed of answer | | | 33.0 | 27.1 |
| DPUC complaints | | | 105 | 85 |
| Financial Performance | | | | |
| Net income | $23.3M | $19.0M | $11.8M | $12.7M |
| Capital | $81.2M | $87.9M | $12.3M | $14.4M |
| O&M | $46.3M | $48.3M | $16.3M | $17.2M |
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Measuring our progress with pbviews
As mentioned in this year’s EnVision brochure, CL&P and Yankee Gas utilize a tool called the Performance Enhancement System (PES) to measure our progress toward becoming a peak performer. This system, aligned with our four Key Results Areas, enables us to monitor our performance in critical aspects of our business and adjust resources as necessary to achieve desired results. PES runs on a software application, pbviews, which allows users to view performance by measure or location, providing comparisons across departments, divisions or operating companies. CL&P and Yankee Gas performance information is also available to employees via NUNet:
For more information, contact Mike Strout (stroumr@nu.com) at Berlin Ext. 701-5740 or Deb Ziegenhagen (ziegeda@nu.com) at Berlin Ext. 701-5312. |
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Human Performance tools save thousands of lives
A 1999 medical study conducted in hospitals across the Untied States reported up to 90,000 lives were lost annually due to human error. Patients getting the wrong medication, the wrong surgery, and misdiagnosis are some of the many errors that caused these alarming statistics. In 2004, an unprecedented national campaign was started to reduce these lethal errors and unnecessary deaths. The campaign included implementing several Human Performance tools to reduce the chance of a single error causing a tragedy. Estimates released in June reported the saving of over 120,000 lives in the last 18 months.
What Human Performance tools did the hospitals use to achieve this incredible improvement?
- Checks and Rechecks – Workers checked their own work (self-checking) or had a co-worker check their work (peer check) to ensure there were no errors prior to proceeding.
- Procedures – Workers were given clear, concise guidelines to follow for specific tasks. Following the guidelines ensured that best practices were used and errors would not occur.
- Questioning Attitude – All workers were encouraged to ask questions and get issues resolved prior to taking action. More senior workers and supervisors were trained on creating a work environment where others were not intimidated about asking for help or asking a question.
These same tools will help CL&P and Yankee Gas improve our safety and operational performance. We can reduce errors by using self-checking, peer checking, procedures, guidelines and a questioning attitude. By reducing errors, we also reduce the chance of more significant events.
For more information about Human Performance tools, please contact Dan Hagan (haganda@nu.com) at Berlin Ext. 701-6460. |
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New tools help manage switching activity
This month, two new tools are being rolled out to help both CL&P field personnel and the System Operations Center (SOC) manage switching activity.
The new Qualified Personnel List (QPL) will provide the names and skills of the people qualified to perform switching and tagging. The QPL will replace the current TD800 Distribution Qualified Reporting List tracking system.
The new Distribution Clearance Request (DCR) Lotus Notes database will provide an electronic means for initiating, processing and tracking switching requests. The DCR will be used by the System Operations Center Distribution Clearance Administrator (DCA) or the Distribution System Operator (DSO) to accept, write and check switching requests.
For more information, contact CL&P System Operations Manager Mike Zappone (zappom@nu.com) at Berlin Ext. 701-5309. |
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| ..H..E..R..E....A..N..D....T..H..E..R..E | |
New HR Service Center delivers when you call
To provide personalized information and answers to the questions employees have about benefits, HR policies and procedures, NU’s Human Resources team is introducing its new HR Service Center beginning Monday, August 28, for employees of CL&P and Yankee Gas.
All CL&P and Yankee Gas employees will be able to get fast, confidential access to subject matter experts regarding:
- Benefits elections (health care, vision, dental, life insurance, dependents, beneficiaries)
- 401(k) and pension planning
- Retirement benefits
- Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) inquiries
- Policy questions including, but not limited to, time coding, time away from work and jury duty
- Educational reimbursement
- Inquiries for job descriptions and Payroll Change Requests and other items
To contact the HR Service Center, call Berlin Ext. 701-5660 or 1-800-841-8684. You can also submit an electronic ticket. The center will be open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
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| ..T..R..A..I..N..I..N..G....T..O..P..I..C..S | |
Check your substation entry requirements
The CL&P Substation Entry Validation training developed by the Electrical Hazard Assessment Team (EHAT) ended on May 1 and is no longer available. All attendance has been entered into Learning Central. If applicable, you should check your Learning Central training records to ensure you meet all requirements for your entry level (see table below). To register for required classes, follow the attached Learning Central Directions. Please note that all training EXCEPT First Aid Initial is taken online (eLearning).
Entry Level | Training requirements for Type I, II or III work |
| Escorted Entry |
- Substation & Electrical Hazard Awareness
- PPE
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Unescorted Entry
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Escort Others |
- Substation & Electrical Hazard Awareness
- PPE
- Job Safety Briefing (tailboard)
- First Aid Initial or Medic First Aid Initial (includes CPR & Bloodborne Pathogens). This is an instructor-led course. Additionally, your refresher training must also be current.
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The new process for obtaining substation entry is to complete all requirements (training, approvals, substation tour, sign-offs) on the Substation Access Qualification (Qual) Card located in Learning Central.
If you have any questions, contact Walt Heinig (heiniwe@nu.com) at Berlin-3333 Ext. 708-5528 or Tom Burns (burnstf@nu.com) at Berlin-3333 Ext. 708-5440. |
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| We welcome your ideas, suggestions and comments. Please contact Mitch Gross (grossms@nu.com) at Berlin ext. 701-5221 or Jeff Tilghman (tilghjj@nu.com) at Berlin ext. 701-3931. We appreciate hearing from you.
Contributors: Ana Alfaro, Pam Hall, Lindsay Parke, Matt Carroll, Jeanne Maitland, Mike Zappone, Robin Thompson, Rose Pappas, Dan Hagan, George Garner, Dina Denicola, Mike Strout |
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