Laura Smith

The board meeting included a safety presentation regarding heat stress awareness, a public comment session addressing community concerns following winter storm Fern, and an update on the independent review of utility performance during that storm. The consultants presented findings on restoration efforts, noting strengths in safety and resource utilization while highlighting the need for improved planning and scalable operational processes for future severe weather events.

The meeting included a review of an independent update, a report on Winter Storm Fern, and an overview of the Seven States and NES Battery and Energy Storage Project. The board considered approvals for transmission and distribution contracts, vegetation management contracts, updates to the NES bylaws, and a resolution for Lineworkers' Appreciation Day. Additional business included revisions to the outdoor lighting facility charge, funding for the Pension and OPEB plan, and various procurement purchases. A separate Civil Service Board meeting was held and subsequently adjourned, with the Electric Power Board reconvening to ratify the actions taken during the civil service portion.

The board meeting included a safety presentation regarding roadside work zones. The Audit and Ethics Committee presented reports on internal audit status, non-metered electric billing, equipment and materials management, contribution and aid to construction, and employee accounts. Additionally, an update was provided on the progress of the Four Pillars recovery initiative following a major winter storm, focusing on emergency management framework, communications, and system resiliency.

The meeting encompassed sessions for the Audit and Ethics Committee, the Electric Power Board, and the Civil Service Board. Discussions included internal audit reports covering topics such as non-metered electric billing, equipment and materials management, and financial account reviews. The Board addressed updates regarding Winter Storm Fern, company memberships, and the approval of operating, maintenance, and capital budgets for upcoming fiscal years. Additionally, the agenda featured a Civil Service annual report, human resources workforce updates, and the ratification of Civil Service Board actions.

The committee reviewed the FY26 Audit Plan presented by PricewaterhouseCoopers and discussed the recommendation for the approval of the external auditor and related fees. Additionally, the committee addressed topics discussed during an executive session and covered miscellaneous business items.