Energy Smart Community Rises In This Issue
6/23/2017
CONNECTED Newsletter - February 9, 2017
FEBRUARY 9, 2017 view it in your web browser | printable pdf
Energy Smart Community Rises NYSEG’s Energy Smart Community near Ithaca, N.Y., brings together the people, processes, and technology to achieve a clean, renewable energy future.
PEOPLE
WARM EFFORTS CMP employees donate items to Warming Center. + READ MOR E
BUSINESS
WHAT? AGAIN! AVANGRID battles winter storms. + READ MORE
COMPANY
SAFETY ESSENTIALS UI Test Department shows the way. + READ MORE
READ MORE
In This Issue Hook, Line and Sinker Cabin Fever Cure Visiting the 'Desert' Relief for Neighbors Troupe for Troops Feeling Grateful Scholarship Deadline Near What’s Trending
BUSINESS
Energy Smart Community Combines People, Processes, Technology for Cleaner Future By Juanita Washington Manager, NY Corporate Communications, AVANGRID http://iberdrolausa-email.com/t/2IVV-10A65-602EJQ7242/cr.aspx
1/10
6/23/2017
CONNECTED Newsletter - February 9, 2017
You can call it innovation at its core. The Energy Smart Community (ESC) in Ithaca, N.Y., which brings together the people, processes, and technology to achieve a clean, renewable energy future, will launch its first projects this March. AVANGRID selected Ithaca and the surrounding towns of Tompkins County as its first Energy Smart Community to test programs and projects linked to New York’s Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) initiative. This spring, NYSEG will introduce new energy services to engage consumers in wiser energy use, including an online portal, “Yes Home Solutions,” that will connect them to new energy resources and energy efficient services and products. Avangrid Networks will also begin upgrades to grid technology, including the first introduction of smart meters for NYSEG and RG&E, which puts the companies on the leading edge for this technology in New York. This spring, we will install 12,400 electric and 7,300 gas smart meters for
HelloHola Deadline is Feb. 26 Hello Hola is a benefit available to employees of Iberdrola affiliated companies. AVANGRID employees with children aged 1318 can apply to send their children to Spain for two weeks in July to live with an Iberdrola host family with a child of similar age, and in turn host that child for two weeks in the U.S. The deadline for applications is Feb.
customers in Tompkins County. Right now, there are nearly 65 million smart meters operating in homes in the U.S.
26.
“Customers will have access to detailed usage information to track,
exchange and communication for employees' dependent children.
manage and control their own energy use. When you combine that information with innovative rate structures, and programs for conservation and energy efficiency, you create real opportunity for consumers to reduce their electricity use if they choose,” said Keith Lorenzetti, program director, Energy Smart Community. “This also has tremendous operational and customer satisfaction benefits, for example, we can reduce our estimated billings to almost zero, which means many
Read more here: Cultural
NC Republicans Tour Amazon Wind Farm
fewer complaints about inaccurate billing.” Smart meters will provide more information to both customers and NYSEG, so data security will be a priority. “AVANGRID utilities take careful measures to prevent unauthorized access to critical transmission and generation systems, and we have more than 600,000 smart meters in Maine alone,” said Keri Glitch, vice president, Security, AVANGRID. “Cyber security is not new to us, and we routinely protect highly sensitive data from unauthorized access.”
From left to right: Rep. Howard Hunter, Rep. Chuck McGrady, House Speaker Tim Moore, Rep. Holly Grange, Rep. Sam Watford, Rep. Bob Steinburg,
NYSEG is also dedicated to the collaborative process to ensure customers are properly informed about the Energy Smart Community. The company has partnered with government officials, Cornell University, and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County to conduct
Majority Leader Rep. John Bell, Rep. Chris Malone and Rep. John Szoka.
research on ways to provide energy sustainability options for the community. These partnerships will help customers take a more active role in their energy future. For more information, click here.
northeastern North Carolina will grow a lot taller than corn and soybeans. As the first Avangrid Renewables’ wind farm in the
http://iberdrolausa-email.com/t/2IVV-10A65-602EJQ7242/cr.aspx
Click here to view larger photo.
A new crop for the farmers of
2/10
6/23/2017
CONNECTED Newsletter - February 9, 2017
PEOPLE
AVANGRID, CMP Employees Donate Clothing, Food to Local Warming Center By Gail Rice Corporate Communications, AVANGRID
southeast, the new wind turbines are naturally attracting people’s gaze, particularly in a part of the state so remote, it’s affectionately known as the “Desert.” Avangrid Renewables' employees hosted a delegation of Republican state House members, including House Speaker Tim Moore, to the Amazon Wind Farm US East in January. “I appreciate the time and input of everyone who participated in the tour today,” said Moore. “This was a valuable learning experience for me and my House colleagues to tour the first wind energy facility of its kind in North Carolina.”
Employees in Maine stepped up to donate clothing and food for the Augusta Community Warming Center. Above employees (from the left) Matt Newell, Suzanne Colwill, Sue Clary, and Heather Douglass help two Warming Center representatives gather the donations.
Supporting Neighbors in Connecticut
Maine has a reputation for severe winter weather, which has many community organizations seeking to make the season a bit more comfortable for people in need. Every year, between Christmas and Martin Luther King Day, the Augusta Community Warming Center seeks donations of warm clothing, snacks, beverages, and other items. And as in past years, employees came through. Grateful Warming Center volunteers collected the donations on Martin Luther King Day, and offered a public “thank you” on the organization’s Facebook page: “Thanks CMP! This is the 3rd year in a row you have collaborated with us to make MLK Day a success! Thanks for your support!” The Warming Center is open daily from midDecember through the end of March to anyone seeking a warm and safe escape from the cold. It is one of many programs run by the United Way of Kennebec Valley.
UIL's Eileen LopezCordone (left) presents a check to United Way's Merle BerkeSchlessel. Click here to view a larger photo.
Avangrid Foundation is supporting the United Way of Coastal Fairfield County’s
“Neighbors Helping Neighbors” initiative. The $10,000 grant will
“Employees here in Maine are always eager to be good neighbors and help people in need,” said Sue Clary, director, Electric Supply. “This year
be used to help an estimated 3,000 local Coastal Fairfield
was no exception, and I’m proud to be involved in this project that means
County families with young
so much to people here in our community.”
children who struggle to make ends meet. In Connecticut, the bareminimum Household Survival Budget (HSB) for a family of four (2 adults, 1 infant, 1 preschooler) is $70,788,
http://iberdrolausa-email.com/t/2IVV-10A65-602EJQ7242/cr.aspx
3/10
6/23/2017
CONNECTED Newsletter - February 9, 2017
making it hard for those families who earn the HSB or less to pay all of their monthly bills and struggle to save for emergencies.
Suzanne Colwill (left) hands a Warming Center representative a box of clothing.
Applause! BUSINESS
Mild Winter for Some; Wild Winter for AVANGRID Utilities By Trish Nilsen Director, Emergency Management, AVANGRID
Comments and letters from customers recognizing employees or the company for good deeds. Email to: AVANGRID Corporate Communications. Grateful for Wire Guard Aster W. of Owego, NY “I was very grateful that the (wire) guard stayed there until a (NYSEG) crew could make repairs (following the Jan. 23 25 storm) to ensure that no person or animal was injured and for working as hard as they did to get the repairs done safely.”
RG&E Entertains the Troops
Some of the storm damage in NYSEG territory from the Jan. 2325 winter storm.
For some, this winter may seem moderate. For employees, it’s been more wild than mild as one storm* after another descends upon us. The latest event put us into our stormmode preparation starting Friday, Jan. 20 and resulted in fullstorm response by several operating companies the following week (Jan. 23 25). The forecasts were dire for all Avangrid Networks areas, so preparation efforts were underway in all locations. We were fortunate that the forecasts didn’t materialize as http://iberdrolausa-email.com/t/2IVV-10A65-602EJQ7242/cr.aspx
Frank Reynolds welcoming attendees to a performance of "Christmas Carol" at Geva Theatre (Rochester, N.Y.)
4/10
6/23/2017
CONNECTED Newsletter - February 9, 2017
predicted, and where we had interruptions, our planning resulted in safe, efficient restoration.
through the Home for the Holidays. Click here to view a larger photo.
RG&E shared the spirit of United Illuminating: The Storm Team alerts began Friday. Peak winds were forecast upwards of 50 miles per hour with 1 to 2 inches of rainfall and tidal surges above 8 feet. Company resources were supplemented by contract workers and the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) opened. The EOC closed Tuesday and normal operations resumed.
Christmas last December by again sponsoring the GEVA Theatre’s annual Home For the Holidays presentation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.
Fewer than 700 customers were affected. NYSEG/RG&E: The companies began preparing the week prior, as
Through the program, RG&E provided 494 tickets free of
forecasts indicated heavy, wet snow and winds to 35 mph. Resources
charge to military veterans,
were acquired and readied for Monday activation. As the actual weather began, the storm’s focus shifted to the Binghamton, Ithaca, Liberty,
active service personnel and their families, and Gold Star
Plattsburgh and Brewster divisions. Approximately 16,000 customers
families. RG&E has sponsored Home for the Holidays since
were affected. More than 700 company and contractor line and vegetation personnel were engaged. RG&E reported no significant
2012.
outages. “As a 20year veteran of the Central Maine Power: Weather forecasts predicted a wintry mix from
Army National Guard, this is a
the coastal areas up to the northern areas in Maine, with up to ¾ of an inch of ice predicted. Preparedness activities began with resourcing of
particularly moving event for me,” said Frank Reynolds, vice
contract resources the prior week. Area Command was activated
president, Asset Management &
Monday with internal resources ready to report Tuesday morning. Fortunately while the weather did materialize, system impacts were less
Planning, AVANGRID in welcoming attendees to the Dec.
than the predicted 50,000plus customer outages. CMP responded to
20 matinee.
more than 24,000 customer outages, primarily in Brunswick, Portland, Rockland, and Alfred.
“I know firsthand the sacrifices
* Editor's Note: Winter Storm Niko was hitting New England as this issue was being posted. Stay turned.
that you have made − and are making − for the sake of our country,” he said. “On behalf of RG&E, and to all of the active duty service members and veterans here today, please accept our gratitude and heartfelt thanks for all that you do.”
NYSEG employees on the job restoring service.
COMPANY
http://iberdrolausa-email.com/t/2IVV-10A65-602EJQ7242/cr.aspx
Avangrid Foundation Scholarships Deadline is Feb. 17 5/10
6/23/2017
CONNECTED Newsletter - February 9, 2017
The Avangrid Foundation is accepting scholarship applications for master’s studies
A Success Story Spotlights AVANGRID’s ‘5 Essentials of Safety’ Initiative By Mike Foley Corporate Communications, AVANGRID
in energy and/or the environment at various universities in the U.S., the U.K. and Spain. The Scholarship application deadline is 8 a.m. (EST) Feb.17. The Avangrid Scholarship is open to U.S. nationality students wishing to pursue master’s level work with an emphasis on sustainable energy, energy efficiency and climaterelated areas of study, in addition to more specific business areas.
Since 1985, the UI Test Department has gone about their work without a single lost
The grants cover full tuition, fees and health insurance, and
time accident.
provide a $25,200 annual The AVANGRID Health & Safety Department’s “5 Essentials of Safety” program kicks off with Essential #1: “We follow our processes, rules and
stipend for other expenses. For more information or to apply, click here.
procedures.” There might be no better way to see how Essential #1 can create a safe work environment than visiting the UI Test Department. Since 1985, the Test Department has not had a single “losttime accident (LTA).” That means none of its employees have been off the job due to an accident or jobrelated injury for more than three decades. Keep in mind the UI Test Department is constantly in harm’s way. They work on construction job sites, locate faults in manholes, and perform regular maintenance on transformers and breakers in substations. Sometimes they are in bucket trucks, close to power lines. They work on all kinds of equipment; testing, troubleshooting, fixing and maintaining and making sure the company’s energy grid operates reliably. “We respond 24/7 under all kinds of conditions,” said Robert Earley, manager, Electric Systems Operations/Test, UI. Do the math, and 30 years works out to approximately a million worker hours. While safety documentation going back decades is not precise, the achievement appears to be unprecedented at UI. The department recently celebrated at a luncheon, attended by several UI senior leaders who started their careers in the Test Department. "You're exposed to high voltage; you’re working at construction sites. You have done a phenomenal job,” said Test Department alumnus Joe Thomas, vice president, Electric Systems, UI. “You watch out for each other’s backs and you’ve built a culture of safety.” So how do you go more than 30 years without an LTA? http://iberdrolausa-email.com/t/2IVV-10A65-602EJQ7242/cr.aspx
6/10
6/23/2017
CONNECTED Newsletter - February 9, 2017
Earley and Carl Simmons, lead electrical test technician, said it’s a multifaceted approach. They always review the current processes and procedures before undertaking a task, work in pairs, and think two or three steps ahead before they start work. “No matter how many times we perform a task, we review current rules and procedures. We’re taught if you don’t feel comfortable in a situation, you step back," said Simmons. The department takes pride in having technical knowledge about everything they work on, which enables them to resolve problems in an efficient and safe manner. The group was thanked by Ed Smith, manager, Health & Safety, AVANGRID for taking safety personally and helping personify the 5 Essentials. “You keep safety at the forefront of everything you do,” he said.
BUSINESS
Berkshire Gas Presents Pittsfield Winter Arts Festival By Chris Farrell Manager, Corporate Communications and Government Relations, Berkshire Gas/AVANGRID
At a time of year when many of the Berkshire’s cultural attractions are dormant, downtown Pittsfield, Mass. will come alive with arts and culture as Berkshire Gas partners with the City of Pittsfield’s Office of Culture Development and the Barrington Stage Company to present the 10 x 10 Winter Arts Festival. The sixth annual 10 x 10 Winter Arts Festival will feature a lively array of music, art, theater, dance, comedy, film, play, fireworks and more from Feb. 16 26 in the heart of the Berkshires of western Massachusetts. The festival will host more than 50 events and highlights dozens of artists, actors, musicians, playwrights, and performers. A sampling of offerings available on the opening day of the Festival on Thursday, Feb. 16 includes: “10 Spot: Photography,” a dual exhibition featuring 10 pieces from 10 photographers from around the country; “Through the Historic Lens: 10 Pittsfield Perspectives,” a collaborative exhibit between the Berkshire Historical Society and the Berkshire
http://iberdrolausa-email.com/t/2IVV-10A65-602EJQ7242/cr.aspx
7/10
6/23/2017
CONNECTED Newsletter - February 9, 2017
Athenaeum and the first preview night of Barrington Stage's “10X10 New Play Festival” featuring 10 new 10minute plays. This year there are a variety of familyfriendly, free or lowcost daytime activities, perfect for a week when many schools are closed for vacations. They include daily adventure play at the Berkshire Museum, including a free community night, performances at the Berkshire Museum, a workshop and lecture/demonstration with Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival at the Pittsfield Boys and Girls Club, the winter fireworks extravaganza at the Pittsfield Common, and a Dance Ten performance showcase. In addition to Barrington Stage Company, participating arts and cultural organizations include Berkshire International Film Festival, Berkshire Museum, Berkshire Theater Group, Berkshire Athenaeum, Berkshire Yoga Dance and Fitness, Berkshire Art Association, and the Berkshire Historical Society.
COMPANY
AVANGRID Phishing Program Helps Teach Employees Cyber Defense Monthly email tests improve employee ability to protect the grid
Some of you might remember seeing this startling message last month after clicking a link in an email:
The email was a fake – crafted by the Corporate Security team and sent to all AVANGRID employees as part of its ongoing mission to raise awareness about the dangers of doing business in cyber space. “The good news is nearly 95% of us either didn’t open the email or opened it, deemed it suspicious and didn’t click,” said Dan Hucko, manager, Cyber Security, AVANGRID. The bad news is more than 400 did – 200 of them in the first hour. And, it only takes one click to possibly compromise our network. http://iberdrolausa-email.com/t/2IVV-10A65-602EJQ7242/cr.aspx
8/10
6/23/2017
CONNECTED Newsletter - February 9, 2017
“Research shows email is the number one hacking attack vector. Last year 91.5% of all network breaches started with a phishing email that tricked a user into clicking a link, downloading an attachment or giving up their login credentials,” said Hucko. AVANGRID has been phishing its employees every month for the last two years, and believes it is a very effective way to modify behavior through learning and engagement. “We create very realistic emails that mimic actual phishing attacks ‘in the wild’ and we send them to every employee – nobody is spared. We’ve sent about 75,000 of them in the last 12 months,” said Hucko. “We actually want employees to get hooked. When you see that big red OOPS on your screen, it helps change your behavior. “We’ve seen a nice downward trend during the last year. Corporate Security in Spain was so impressed with our results they copied our program and are implementing it in Spain, Mexico, Scotland and Brazil,” he said. “AVANGRID will continue its monthly phishing program and hopes to add to it.” Think before you click that link. Please report any suspicious email to the help desk.
TRENDING
WIND TECH JOBS FASTEST GROWING A new report published by the Environmental Defense Fund's Climate Corps program, says wind turbine technician is the fastestgrowing profession in the US. The growth in wind power is just one example of the rising employment numbers associated with the clean energy and sustainability sector. According to the report, the industry now has at least 4 million jobs, up from 3.4 million in 2011.
HUMAN ERROR CAUSING LEAKS Human error is increasingly a factor contributing to pipeline leaks, according to Canadian federal data. Over the past three years, human error has caused an average of 20 leaks annually, according to figures compiled by the National Energy Board. This marks an increase from an average of four leaks annually over the past six years. Human errors often stem from failure to follow
http://iberdrolausa-email.com/t/2IVV-10A65-602EJQ7242/cr.aspx
SEC EXAMINES DATA SECURITY The Securities and Exchange Commission will be looking at cybersecurity practices as part of its “examination priorities” for 2017, which lawyers say will be shaped by recent settlement agreements involving the handling of personal information and unencrypted data. The reviews, to be conducted by SEC's Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations, are
EXTREME MULTI TASKING Melbournebased Aubot has created a “telepresence robot” that can be controlled by the brain. Dubbed “Teleport” the technology allows users to be in two places at once. Business people can be “present” at multiple offices around the world, and sick employees could theoretically attend important meetings from home. The design was originally intended to enable people with disabilities to visit places 9/10
6/23/2017
CONNECTED Newsletter - February 9, 2017
The report also estimates that solar and wind jobs are growing at a rate 12 times as fast as the rest of the US economy. Business Insider
Business Cards and Stationery
procedures or use equipment properly. Examples of human error include burying a pipeline too shallowly and fastening bolts too loosely. E&E
Templates and More
Company Store
intended to prevent fraud, identify risk and ensure compliance by regulated entities, according to the commission. Inside Cybersecurity
Forms/Printed Material
remotely, all someone has to do is think, and the robot will move. HR Grapevine.com
Branding Questions
Newsletter Archives
CONNECTED is our weekly newsletter. CONNECTED strives to communicate valuable information and connect all employees to each other, to the company and to the community. Please send questions, comments, story ideas and photos to AVANGRID Corporate Communications.
Unsubscribe from this newsletter
http://iberdrolausa-email.com/t/2IVV-10A65-602EJQ7242/cr.aspx
10/10
CONNECTED Newsletter - February 9, 2017
FEBRUARY 9, 2017 view it in your web browser | printable pdf
Energy Smart Community Rises NYSEG’s Energy Smart Community near Ithaca, N.Y., brings together the people, processes, and technology to achieve a clean, renewable energy future.
PEOPLE
WARM EFFORTS CMP employees donate items to Warming Center. + READ MOR E
BUSINESS
WHAT? AGAIN! AVANGRID battles winter storms. + READ MORE
COMPANY
SAFETY ESSENTIALS UI Test Department shows the way. + READ MORE
READ MORE
In This Issue Hook, Line and Sinker Cabin Fever Cure Visiting the 'Desert' Relief for Neighbors Troupe for Troops Feeling Grateful Scholarship Deadline Near What’s Trending
BUSINESS
Energy Smart Community Combines People, Processes, Technology for Cleaner Future By Juanita Washington Manager, NY Corporate Communications, AVANGRID http://iberdrolausa-email.com/t/2IVV-10A65-602EJQ7242/cr.aspx
1/10
6/23/2017
CONNECTED Newsletter - February 9, 2017
You can call it innovation at its core. The Energy Smart Community (ESC) in Ithaca, N.Y., which brings together the people, processes, and technology to achieve a clean, renewable energy future, will launch its first projects this March. AVANGRID selected Ithaca and the surrounding towns of Tompkins County as its first Energy Smart Community to test programs and projects linked to New York’s Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) initiative. This spring, NYSEG will introduce new energy services to engage consumers in wiser energy use, including an online portal, “Yes Home Solutions,” that will connect them to new energy resources and energy efficient services and products. Avangrid Networks will also begin upgrades to grid technology, including the first introduction of smart meters for NYSEG and RG&E, which puts the companies on the leading edge for this technology in New York. This spring, we will install 12,400 electric and 7,300 gas smart meters for
HelloHola Deadline is Feb. 26 Hello Hola is a benefit available to employees of Iberdrola affiliated companies. AVANGRID employees with children aged 1318 can apply to send their children to Spain for two weeks in July to live with an Iberdrola host family with a child of similar age, and in turn host that child for two weeks in the U.S. The deadline for applications is Feb.
customers in Tompkins County. Right now, there are nearly 65 million smart meters operating in homes in the U.S.
26.
“Customers will have access to detailed usage information to track,
exchange and communication for employees' dependent children.
manage and control their own energy use. When you combine that information with innovative rate structures, and programs for conservation and energy efficiency, you create real opportunity for consumers to reduce their electricity use if they choose,” said Keith Lorenzetti, program director, Energy Smart Community. “This also has tremendous operational and customer satisfaction benefits, for example, we can reduce our estimated billings to almost zero, which means many
Read more here: Cultural
NC Republicans Tour Amazon Wind Farm
fewer complaints about inaccurate billing.” Smart meters will provide more information to both customers and NYSEG, so data security will be a priority. “AVANGRID utilities take careful measures to prevent unauthorized access to critical transmission and generation systems, and we have more than 600,000 smart meters in Maine alone,” said Keri Glitch, vice president, Security, AVANGRID. “Cyber security is not new to us, and we routinely protect highly sensitive data from unauthorized access.”
From left to right: Rep. Howard Hunter, Rep. Chuck McGrady, House Speaker Tim Moore, Rep. Holly Grange, Rep. Sam Watford, Rep. Bob Steinburg,
NYSEG is also dedicated to the collaborative process to ensure customers are properly informed about the Energy Smart Community. The company has partnered with government officials, Cornell University, and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County to conduct
Majority Leader Rep. John Bell, Rep. Chris Malone and Rep. John Szoka.
research on ways to provide energy sustainability options for the community. These partnerships will help customers take a more active role in their energy future. For more information, click here.
northeastern North Carolina will grow a lot taller than corn and soybeans. As the first Avangrid Renewables’ wind farm in the
http://iberdrolausa-email.com/t/2IVV-10A65-602EJQ7242/cr.aspx
Click here to view larger photo.
A new crop for the farmers of
2/10
6/23/2017
CONNECTED Newsletter - February 9, 2017
PEOPLE
AVANGRID, CMP Employees Donate Clothing, Food to Local Warming Center By Gail Rice Corporate Communications, AVANGRID
southeast, the new wind turbines are naturally attracting people’s gaze, particularly in a part of the state so remote, it’s affectionately known as the “Desert.” Avangrid Renewables' employees hosted a delegation of Republican state House members, including House Speaker Tim Moore, to the Amazon Wind Farm US East in January. “I appreciate the time and input of everyone who participated in the tour today,” said Moore. “This was a valuable learning experience for me and my House colleagues to tour the first wind energy facility of its kind in North Carolina.”
Employees in Maine stepped up to donate clothing and food for the Augusta Community Warming Center. Above employees (from the left) Matt Newell, Suzanne Colwill, Sue Clary, and Heather Douglass help two Warming Center representatives gather the donations.
Supporting Neighbors in Connecticut
Maine has a reputation for severe winter weather, which has many community organizations seeking to make the season a bit more comfortable for people in need. Every year, between Christmas and Martin Luther King Day, the Augusta Community Warming Center seeks donations of warm clothing, snacks, beverages, and other items. And as in past years, employees came through. Grateful Warming Center volunteers collected the donations on Martin Luther King Day, and offered a public “thank you” on the organization’s Facebook page: “Thanks CMP! This is the 3rd year in a row you have collaborated with us to make MLK Day a success! Thanks for your support!” The Warming Center is open daily from midDecember through the end of March to anyone seeking a warm and safe escape from the cold. It is one of many programs run by the United Way of Kennebec Valley.
UIL's Eileen LopezCordone (left) presents a check to United Way's Merle BerkeSchlessel. Click here to view a larger photo.
Avangrid Foundation is supporting the United Way of Coastal Fairfield County’s
“Neighbors Helping Neighbors” initiative. The $10,000 grant will
“Employees here in Maine are always eager to be good neighbors and help people in need,” said Sue Clary, director, Electric Supply. “This year
be used to help an estimated 3,000 local Coastal Fairfield
was no exception, and I’m proud to be involved in this project that means
County families with young
so much to people here in our community.”
children who struggle to make ends meet. In Connecticut, the bareminimum Household Survival Budget (HSB) for a family of four (2 adults, 1 infant, 1 preschooler) is $70,788,
http://iberdrolausa-email.com/t/2IVV-10A65-602EJQ7242/cr.aspx
3/10
6/23/2017
CONNECTED Newsletter - February 9, 2017
making it hard for those families who earn the HSB or less to pay all of their monthly bills and struggle to save for emergencies.
Suzanne Colwill (left) hands a Warming Center representative a box of clothing.
Applause! BUSINESS
Mild Winter for Some; Wild Winter for AVANGRID Utilities By Trish Nilsen Director, Emergency Management, AVANGRID
Comments and letters from customers recognizing employees or the company for good deeds. Email to: AVANGRID Corporate Communications. Grateful for Wire Guard Aster W. of Owego, NY “I was very grateful that the (wire) guard stayed there until a (NYSEG) crew could make repairs (following the Jan. 23 25 storm) to ensure that no person or animal was injured and for working as hard as they did to get the repairs done safely.”
RG&E Entertains the Troops
Some of the storm damage in NYSEG territory from the Jan. 2325 winter storm.
For some, this winter may seem moderate. For employees, it’s been more wild than mild as one storm* after another descends upon us. The latest event put us into our stormmode preparation starting Friday, Jan. 20 and resulted in fullstorm response by several operating companies the following week (Jan. 23 25). The forecasts were dire for all Avangrid Networks areas, so preparation efforts were underway in all locations. We were fortunate that the forecasts didn’t materialize as http://iberdrolausa-email.com/t/2IVV-10A65-602EJQ7242/cr.aspx
Frank Reynolds welcoming attendees to a performance of "Christmas Carol" at Geva Theatre (Rochester, N.Y.)
4/10
6/23/2017
CONNECTED Newsletter - February 9, 2017
predicted, and where we had interruptions, our planning resulted in safe, efficient restoration.
through the Home for the Holidays. Click here to view a larger photo.
RG&E shared the spirit of United Illuminating: The Storm Team alerts began Friday. Peak winds were forecast upwards of 50 miles per hour with 1 to 2 inches of rainfall and tidal surges above 8 feet. Company resources were supplemented by contract workers and the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) opened. The EOC closed Tuesday and normal operations resumed.
Christmas last December by again sponsoring the GEVA Theatre’s annual Home For the Holidays presentation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.
Fewer than 700 customers were affected. NYSEG/RG&E: The companies began preparing the week prior, as
Through the program, RG&E provided 494 tickets free of
forecasts indicated heavy, wet snow and winds to 35 mph. Resources
charge to military veterans,
were acquired and readied for Monday activation. As the actual weather began, the storm’s focus shifted to the Binghamton, Ithaca, Liberty,
active service personnel and their families, and Gold Star
Plattsburgh and Brewster divisions. Approximately 16,000 customers
families. RG&E has sponsored Home for the Holidays since
were affected. More than 700 company and contractor line and vegetation personnel were engaged. RG&E reported no significant
2012.
outages. “As a 20year veteran of the Central Maine Power: Weather forecasts predicted a wintry mix from
Army National Guard, this is a
the coastal areas up to the northern areas in Maine, with up to ¾ of an inch of ice predicted. Preparedness activities began with resourcing of
particularly moving event for me,” said Frank Reynolds, vice
contract resources the prior week. Area Command was activated
president, Asset Management &
Monday with internal resources ready to report Tuesday morning. Fortunately while the weather did materialize, system impacts were less
Planning, AVANGRID in welcoming attendees to the Dec.
than the predicted 50,000plus customer outages. CMP responded to
20 matinee.
more than 24,000 customer outages, primarily in Brunswick, Portland, Rockland, and Alfred.
“I know firsthand the sacrifices
* Editor's Note: Winter Storm Niko was hitting New England as this issue was being posted. Stay turned.
that you have made − and are making − for the sake of our country,” he said. “On behalf of RG&E, and to all of the active duty service members and veterans here today, please accept our gratitude and heartfelt thanks for all that you do.”
NYSEG employees on the job restoring service.
COMPANY
http://iberdrolausa-email.com/t/2IVV-10A65-602EJQ7242/cr.aspx
Avangrid Foundation Scholarships Deadline is Feb. 17 5/10
6/23/2017
CONNECTED Newsletter - February 9, 2017
The Avangrid Foundation is accepting scholarship applications for master’s studies
A Success Story Spotlights AVANGRID’s ‘5 Essentials of Safety’ Initiative By Mike Foley Corporate Communications, AVANGRID
in energy and/or the environment at various universities in the U.S., the U.K. and Spain. The Scholarship application deadline is 8 a.m. (EST) Feb.17. The Avangrid Scholarship is open to U.S. nationality students wishing to pursue master’s level work with an emphasis on sustainable energy, energy efficiency and climaterelated areas of study, in addition to more specific business areas.
Since 1985, the UI Test Department has gone about their work without a single lost
The grants cover full tuition, fees and health insurance, and
time accident.
provide a $25,200 annual The AVANGRID Health & Safety Department’s “5 Essentials of Safety” program kicks off with Essential #1: “We follow our processes, rules and
stipend for other expenses. For more information or to apply, click here.
procedures.” There might be no better way to see how Essential #1 can create a safe work environment than visiting the UI Test Department. Since 1985, the Test Department has not had a single “losttime accident (LTA).” That means none of its employees have been off the job due to an accident or jobrelated injury for more than three decades. Keep in mind the UI Test Department is constantly in harm’s way. They work on construction job sites, locate faults in manholes, and perform regular maintenance on transformers and breakers in substations. Sometimes they are in bucket trucks, close to power lines. They work on all kinds of equipment; testing, troubleshooting, fixing and maintaining and making sure the company’s energy grid operates reliably. “We respond 24/7 under all kinds of conditions,” said Robert Earley, manager, Electric Systems Operations/Test, UI. Do the math, and 30 years works out to approximately a million worker hours. While safety documentation going back decades is not precise, the achievement appears to be unprecedented at UI. The department recently celebrated at a luncheon, attended by several UI senior leaders who started their careers in the Test Department. "You're exposed to high voltage; you’re working at construction sites. You have done a phenomenal job,” said Test Department alumnus Joe Thomas, vice president, Electric Systems, UI. “You watch out for each other’s backs and you’ve built a culture of safety.” So how do you go more than 30 years without an LTA? http://iberdrolausa-email.com/t/2IVV-10A65-602EJQ7242/cr.aspx
6/10
6/23/2017
CONNECTED Newsletter - February 9, 2017
Earley and Carl Simmons, lead electrical test technician, said it’s a multifaceted approach. They always review the current processes and procedures before undertaking a task, work in pairs, and think two or three steps ahead before they start work. “No matter how many times we perform a task, we review current rules and procedures. We’re taught if you don’t feel comfortable in a situation, you step back," said Simmons. The department takes pride in having technical knowledge about everything they work on, which enables them to resolve problems in an efficient and safe manner. The group was thanked by Ed Smith, manager, Health & Safety, AVANGRID for taking safety personally and helping personify the 5 Essentials. “You keep safety at the forefront of everything you do,” he said.
BUSINESS
Berkshire Gas Presents Pittsfield Winter Arts Festival By Chris Farrell Manager, Corporate Communications and Government Relations, Berkshire Gas/AVANGRID
At a time of year when many of the Berkshire’s cultural attractions are dormant, downtown Pittsfield, Mass. will come alive with arts and culture as Berkshire Gas partners with the City of Pittsfield’s Office of Culture Development and the Barrington Stage Company to present the 10 x 10 Winter Arts Festival. The sixth annual 10 x 10 Winter Arts Festival will feature a lively array of music, art, theater, dance, comedy, film, play, fireworks and more from Feb. 16 26 in the heart of the Berkshires of western Massachusetts. The festival will host more than 50 events and highlights dozens of artists, actors, musicians, playwrights, and performers. A sampling of offerings available on the opening day of the Festival on Thursday, Feb. 16 includes: “10 Spot: Photography,” a dual exhibition featuring 10 pieces from 10 photographers from around the country; “Through the Historic Lens: 10 Pittsfield Perspectives,” a collaborative exhibit between the Berkshire Historical Society and the Berkshire
http://iberdrolausa-email.com/t/2IVV-10A65-602EJQ7242/cr.aspx
7/10
6/23/2017
CONNECTED Newsletter - February 9, 2017
Athenaeum and the first preview night of Barrington Stage's “10X10 New Play Festival” featuring 10 new 10minute plays. This year there are a variety of familyfriendly, free or lowcost daytime activities, perfect for a week when many schools are closed for vacations. They include daily adventure play at the Berkshire Museum, including a free community night, performances at the Berkshire Museum, a workshop and lecture/demonstration with Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival at the Pittsfield Boys and Girls Club, the winter fireworks extravaganza at the Pittsfield Common, and a Dance Ten performance showcase. In addition to Barrington Stage Company, participating arts and cultural organizations include Berkshire International Film Festival, Berkshire Museum, Berkshire Theater Group, Berkshire Athenaeum, Berkshire Yoga Dance and Fitness, Berkshire Art Association, and the Berkshire Historical Society.
COMPANY
AVANGRID Phishing Program Helps Teach Employees Cyber Defense Monthly email tests improve employee ability to protect the grid
Some of you might remember seeing this startling message last month after clicking a link in an email:
The email was a fake – crafted by the Corporate Security team and sent to all AVANGRID employees as part of its ongoing mission to raise awareness about the dangers of doing business in cyber space. “The good news is nearly 95% of us either didn’t open the email or opened it, deemed it suspicious and didn’t click,” said Dan Hucko, manager, Cyber Security, AVANGRID. The bad news is more than 400 did – 200 of them in the first hour. And, it only takes one click to possibly compromise our network. http://iberdrolausa-email.com/t/2IVV-10A65-602EJQ7242/cr.aspx
8/10
6/23/2017
CONNECTED Newsletter - February 9, 2017
“Research shows email is the number one hacking attack vector. Last year 91.5% of all network breaches started with a phishing email that tricked a user into clicking a link, downloading an attachment or giving up their login credentials,” said Hucko. AVANGRID has been phishing its employees every month for the last two years, and believes it is a very effective way to modify behavior through learning and engagement. “We create very realistic emails that mimic actual phishing attacks ‘in the wild’ and we send them to every employee – nobody is spared. We’ve sent about 75,000 of them in the last 12 months,” said Hucko. “We actually want employees to get hooked. When you see that big red OOPS on your screen, it helps change your behavior. “We’ve seen a nice downward trend during the last year. Corporate Security in Spain was so impressed with our results they copied our program and are implementing it in Spain, Mexico, Scotland and Brazil,” he said. “AVANGRID will continue its monthly phishing program and hopes to add to it.” Think before you click that link. Please report any suspicious email to the help desk.
TRENDING
WIND TECH JOBS FASTEST GROWING A new report published by the Environmental Defense Fund's Climate Corps program, says wind turbine technician is the fastestgrowing profession in the US. The growth in wind power is just one example of the rising employment numbers associated with the clean energy and sustainability sector. According to the report, the industry now has at least 4 million jobs, up from 3.4 million in 2011.
HUMAN ERROR CAUSING LEAKS Human error is increasingly a factor contributing to pipeline leaks, according to Canadian federal data. Over the past three years, human error has caused an average of 20 leaks annually, according to figures compiled by the National Energy Board. This marks an increase from an average of four leaks annually over the past six years. Human errors often stem from failure to follow
http://iberdrolausa-email.com/t/2IVV-10A65-602EJQ7242/cr.aspx
SEC EXAMINES DATA SECURITY The Securities and Exchange Commission will be looking at cybersecurity practices as part of its “examination priorities” for 2017, which lawyers say will be shaped by recent settlement agreements involving the handling of personal information and unencrypted data. The reviews, to be conducted by SEC's Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations, are
EXTREME MULTI TASKING Melbournebased Aubot has created a “telepresence robot” that can be controlled by the brain. Dubbed “Teleport” the technology allows users to be in two places at once. Business people can be “present” at multiple offices around the world, and sick employees could theoretically attend important meetings from home. The design was originally intended to enable people with disabilities to visit places 9/10
6/23/2017
CONNECTED Newsletter - February 9, 2017
The report also estimates that solar and wind jobs are growing at a rate 12 times as fast as the rest of the US economy. Business Insider
Business Cards and Stationery
procedures or use equipment properly. Examples of human error include burying a pipeline too shallowly and fastening bolts too loosely. E&E
Templates and More
Company Store
intended to prevent fraud, identify risk and ensure compliance by regulated entities, according to the commission. Inside Cybersecurity
Forms/Printed Material
remotely, all someone has to do is think, and the robot will move. HR Grapevine.com
Branding Questions
Newsletter Archives
CONNECTED is our weekly newsletter. CONNECTED strives to communicate valuable information and connect all employees to each other, to the company and to the community. Please send questions, comments, story ideas and photos to AVANGRID Corporate Communications.
Unsubscribe from this newsletter
http://iberdrolausa-email.com/t/2IVV-10A65-602EJQ7242/cr.aspx
10/10
