MPS Announces New Distribution Design Department

" . . . continues our effort to improve efficiencies, reduce operating costs and align operations in an effort to help keep rates stable for customers while maintaining the highest levels of customer service."

Maine Public Service Company announces the development of a new department within the company. The Distribution Design Department will focus on service to customers, planning and power line maintenance.  Lucas Ireland, Philip Rochford, Christopher Nicholas, and Zane Wetzel have been named to fill MPS planner positions and will work collaboratively with MPS line operations. The team will align with Bangor Hydro Electric Company utilizing best utility practices.    

Brian Gray, Supervisor of Bangor Hydro Distribution Design, will lead the team.  Gray states, “This reorganization calls for a shift in responsibilities from district supervisors to planners and continues our effort to improve efficiencies, reduce operating costs and align operations in an effort to help keep rates stable for customers while maintaining the highest levels of customer service.  I look forward to a smooth transition and appreciate that MPS folks support each other in this transition of responsibilities.”  

Zane Wetzel, one of the four planners, is happy to be part of the new team; and, MPS employees are grateful for his return.  This week, Zane reports to work for the first time since he was seriously injured in an electrical arc-flash accident while working at the Flo’s Inn Substation on October 12, 2010.  He was immediately taken to TAMC and was flown to Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston for treatment of major burns to his chest, back, neck, and arm.  After several surgeries, skin grafts, and continuous rehabilitation, Zane and his wife Courtney returned home to Mars Hill after three-and-one-half months in Boston.  Zane has since steadily improved with physical therapy and was recently cleared to accept the position of T&D Construction Planner.   

Gray said, “We are excited to have all four MPS planners on our team and are extremely pleased to welcome Zane back to work.” 

Many positive changes have occurred since the accident to enhance effectiveness and sustainability of more critical functions such as training and risk assessments.  These improvements are not solely due to the unfortunate incident in October 2010, but rather represent an increased focus on safety across the business, starting at the top of the Emera family, and demonstrate significant investments and efforts to benefit both the safety and health of all employees.
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