Another amazing luncheon speaker. Ron Anderson used the story of his life to illustrate the importance of service to others. Anderson, who grew up in difficult circumstances, explained that at one point in his childhood he lived without utility services and without a coat to keep warm. He told the rapt audience that he was given a coat by a neighbor who saw him walking to school in mid-winter in his shirtsleeves.

Anderson said that act of service by his neighbor saved him and the acts of service by those in the audience save the people they help. He pointed out that service is based on caring and described service as "perpetual and generational." Anderson explained that helping one person effects the lives of others. He said helping one person in need also helps the other members of their household and in turn helps the generations that follow.

"Service not only changes those you help, it helps you," Anderson said.

Protecting At-Risk Consumers

The morning plenary session focused on how public utility commissions go about protecting at-risk customers.  Speakers included California Public Utilities Commission member Catherine Sandoval, New Orleans City Council member Cynthia Hedge-Morrell and District of Columbia People's Counsel Sandra Mattavous-Frye.
Excellent session. All panel members stressed the need for effective outreach to low income consumers about programs designed to help them and making sure consumers are aware of how to participate in the rate making process.

Mardi Gras Reception

Masks and beads were the rule as NEUAC conferees closed out the first day of the conference with a New Orleans style reception. The Lagniappe Brass Band supplied the music and a good time was had by all. The reception featured a special raffle for new members of the NFFN. A perfect way to end a busy day.

Inspirational Speaker Brings Luncheon Audience To Their Feet

Motivational speaker Calvin Mackie drew a standing ovation from the luncheon audience as he described the obstacles he has overcome in his life and urged conference attendees to never give up hope as they work to help their clients.

Mackie, a New Orleans native, explained how hard work, determination and hope allowed him to overcome an impoverished background and low SAT scores to become a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society and earn a PhD in mechanical engineering.

In acknowledging the problems that tight budgets cause for many social service programs, Mackie urged the audience to learn to do more with less. He reminded the audience of the people who depend on their programs. "As long as you have hope you can make a difference," Mackie said.

Entergy Executive Says Millions Face "Acute Energy Crisis"

Entergy Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer Rod West said today that many Americans are facing an "acute energy crisis" and urged attendees at the National Energy and Utility Affordability Conference to raise their voices in defense of the most vulnerable members of our society.

West said proposed cuts in funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program for the next fiscal year were "penny wise and pound foolish" and "bad policy." He pointed out that 46 million people now live below the poverty level in the United States and called poverty "the uncomfortable question" in our society.

Speaking to an audience composed in part of people involved in providing energy assistance to those in need, West said "there is no greater mission than what you do. You're the ones on the front line"

Noting that this is an election year, he urged the audience to "seize the opportunity" and speak up for the "voiceless and vulnerable." "Your voice is critical to make sure those with the least" are not forgotten, he said.

NEUAC Opens With Conferees from 50 States and 3 countries

The National Energy and Utility Affordability Conference opened this morning with conferees from all 50 states and the District of Columbia in attendence for the first time. The conference also attracted participants from British Columbia, the Northern Mariana Islands and Ghana.

The opening session featured welcoming addresses from Entergy Corporation executive vice president and chief administrative officer Rod West, New Orleans Deputy Mayor Cedrick Grant, New Orleans blogger Steve Smith, NLIEC Chairperson Cindy Datig and NFFN Chairman Tom Stovall.

More than 600 people are attending the three day conference.

All reports indicate that more than 600 people will be attending the National Energy and Utility Affordability Conference, which opens June 11 at the Sheraton Hotel in New Orleans.  The conference is co-presented by the National Fuel Funds Network and the National Low Income Energy Consortium.
To learn more about the conference click on this link www.neuac.org.