We are seeing all over the country that energy is in short supply and in the severe summer weather it is only getting worse. As I go around the system and speak with the members there is a growing concern on the demand and overload on our systems as well. This is where preventive maintenance is critical. As many of you know the local has been diligent in policing preventive maintenance and we are preparing to step up our efforts.

As recent as July 9, 2008, there have been reports around the country that the overload is epidemic, as written in the below article from the Daily Energy News.

“A heat wave along the west coast has resulted in high electricity demand from California to Idaho. According to the California ISO, peak demand reached close to 49,000 MW Tuesday due to nearrecord temperatures. While just shy of the demand record set two years ago, the ISO was still calling on customers to reduce energy use. Idaho Power broke its demand record on June 30, hitting 3,214 MW. But utility representatives expect electric service to remain solid due to new natural gas-based peaking plants and wholesale power purchases. The Western heat wave is slated to last the entire week. (Daily Energy News, July 9)”

On June 30, 2008, Forbes.com reported “overall the cost of electricity, which declined over the last two decades of the 20th century, has been relentlessly tracking up since 2001.” The article goes on further to say “while oil gets the attention, America uses just 15% more of it today than when the first modern energy crisis hit in October 1973. But electricity use is up 115% since then…”

ISO has projected that Massachusetts will be short over 8,300 KW by the year 2015. For these reasons the Local has been advocating for the power plant projects in Brockton and Walpole. Furthermore we are calling for strategically placing power plants in any potential casino sights. This way the new casinos won’t be a draw on the Grid because they can have their own power plants which will actually send the excess to the Grid.

All of this holds true for our OH, UG and O&M distribution and transmission systems as well. Preventive maintenance is the key and to make that happen, everyone knows, staffing levels are the key. We also know that we are understaffed, and we are aggressively pursuing that issue.

In closing, a word to our NSTAR & Mirant Brothers and Sisters: “At the Local we are assertively and aggressively preparing for contract negotiations and what we need you to do, as soon as possible, is start a Workers Investing In Negotiations (WIIN) Account at Members Plus Credit Union by calling 617-265-6967 or visit one of their many sites in Somerville, Medford, Westwood & Dorchester. If we are going to be successful against corporate greed you need to do your part. Sign up NOW!”

I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable summer!