Public Utility Management Program (PUMP)
The NEPPA Public Utility Management Program did a great job catering to its audience of utility professionals coming from different technical backgrounds with varying levels of experience. The interactive learning techniques and course content provided exposure to many of the topics needed to be a public utility manager.
I am immensely grateful for the enriching experience at the New England Public Power Leadership Program. As a representative from our local municipal gas, electric, and fiber department, the program’s interactive and hands-on approach was a game-changer. The dynamic sessions, practical exercises, and collaborative problem-solving not only deepened my understanding of industry complexities but also equipped me with valuable leadership skills. The networking opportunities provided a unique platform to connect with peers facing similar challenges. This program has undoubtedly transformed my approach to leadership, and I highly recommend it to anyone in the public power sector seeking a comprehensive and impactful development opportunity.
NEPPA’s Public Utility Management Program (PUMP) is back and better than ever, including new instructors, new topics and more interactive sessions.
The PUMP program is held in two 3-day in-person sessions on April 14 – 16 and October 27 – 29, 2026 from 8:30am-4:00pm at the NEPPA Training Center (200 New Estate Road, Littleton, MA 01460), in addition to two shorter virtual sessions, held September 9th and September 23rd, 2026 from 10:00am-11:30am.
PUMP is a robust course of study which covers a variety of management, leadership, and operations disciplines necessary for leaders of municipal and co-op utilities. The purpose of this program is to provide best practices, knowledge/skill/behavior development and practical application for current and future public power leaders. Due to the extremely interactive nature of this training experience, class size is limited.
Upon successful completion of the Program, participants will a Certificate of Completion and special recognition for completing the Program.
Who Should Attend
To help position public power to address the growing number of retirements and position changes in the industry, PUMP is designed for anyone who wants to learn what it takes to be an effective leader including:
- General Managers
- General Foremen
- Assistant General Managers
- Supervisors
- Managers or Team Leads
- Aspiring Leaders
The Program is designed to address varying levels of experience and perspectives, from utilities of varying sizes and complexities. Participants may have significant management experience and responsibilities, be individual contributors with oversight, or individuals expected to rise into management in the future.
What makes PUMP different?
Program Objectives
The Public Utility Management Program is designed to accomplish the following objectives:
- Provide an overview of leadership philosophy and key leadership concepts, specifical for Public Power organizations.
- Enable participants to better understand their own leadership styles, strengths and limitations to support ongoing learning and development
- Build competencies that encourage leadership development in a diverse work environment
- Develop specific knowledge, skills and practices around Public Power including utility operations, finances, and management.
- Help participants build and sustain cultures of safe and effective operations.
- Understand and build awareness around trends, technologies, challenges and changes that impact the utility of the future.
- Create an interactive learning environment that supports practical application of concepts and uses real-world utility examples.
- Ensure transfer and application of learning to an on-the-job setting.
Course Agenda
This agenda is subject to change.
| Date | Time | Location | Morning Session Topic | Afternoon Session Topic | |
| Session 1, Day 1: | April 14 | 8:30am-4:00pm | Littleton, MA | Knowing Yourself and Your Team Strengths | Communication |
| Session 1, Day 2: | April 15 | 8:30am-4:00pm | Littleton, MA | HR Laws Governing the Workplace | Having Difficult Conversations |
| Session 1, Day 3: | April 16 | 8:30am-4:00pm | Littleton, MA | Strategic Planning and Relationship Building | Public Speaking (and Workshop Time) |
| Session 2, Day 1: | Sept 9 | 10am-11:30am | Virtual | Group Project Presentations | |
| Session 3, Day 1: | Sept 23 | 10am-11:30am | Virtual | Group Project Presentations | |
| Session 4, Day 1: | October 27 | 8:30am-4:00pm | Littleton, MA | Public Power 101 | Power Markets |
| Session 4, Day 2: | October 28 | 8:30am-4:00pm | Littleton, MA | Financial 101 for Leadership | Financing Utility Projects |
| October 28 | 4:00pm – 7:00pm | TBD | Reception, Dinner and Certificate Ceremony | ||
| Session 4, Day 3: | October 29 | 8:30am-4:00pm | Littleton, MA | Leadership | “Pathways to Power” Panel Discussion (Real stories from public power professionals who rose through the ranks) |
Registration
Due to the extremely interactive nature of this training experience, class size is limited. Registration fees include coffee and lunch, all program materials, supplemental assignments, certificates and special recognition.
Members: $3,195
Non-Members: $5,150
Cancellations
Cancellations are accepted until Tuesday, March 31, 2026 (two-weeks prior to the start of the program). Substitutions may be made at any time prior to day 1.
Location
These in-person training sessions will be held at:
NEPPA Training Center
200 New Estate Road
Littleton, MA 01460
Lodging
Lodging is not included in your registration fees and must be arranged directly with the hotel. If you need overnight accommodations, please see our lodging information page for details on discounted rates.