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January’s Safety Leaders Among Us

Congratulations to Calvin Barry, Powerline Technician, Stephenville, has been named the first Safety Leader Among Us for 2017!

Calvin is truly deserving of this recognition because he is sincere believer in putting safety first – no matter where you are, or what you’re doing. He is an individual who pays close attention to detail in whatever project he’s working on or specific job he's involved in. This attention to detail rings true in the quality of his job planning, his positive attitude toward the job-at-hand and his unwavering commitment the safety of his co-workers. Calvin has never been one to take a short cut, he recognizes the importance of job planning and identifying hazards. With each job, he follows the proper procedures to ensure effective safety barriers are in place to complete the work safely – so he, his co-workers and members of the public can make it home safely to their loved ones at the end of the day. Calvin will freely share the knowledge he has acquired over his 20+ years at Newfoundland Power with any of his co-workers - you don’t even have to ask! He takes an active role in Safety Meetings and always adds value to safety-based discussions. Calvin has been the unofficial minute taker for Stephenville Safety Meetings for many years.

Calvin’s positive attitude is reflected in all of his work habits, especially when it comes to the Company’s Safety Program – he is just the fellow you want on your team.

Way to go Calvin!!!

Think Safe. Live Safe.

January 2017// ISSUE 83

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Employee News and Notes

NEW HIRES

Welcome to Amy Barrett, Engineering Coop Student, Planning & Standards, Kenmount Road

Welcome to Brett Belbin, Engineering Coop Student, Electrical Engineering, Kenmount Road

Welcome to Jason Chong, CAD Student Work Term, Planning & Standards, Kenmount Road

Welcome to Barry Furlong, Electrical Maintenanceperson, Port aux Basques

Welcome to Haley Manning, Geomatics/Surveying Technology Coop Student, Technology Department, Duffy Place.

Welcome to Jordan Pearce, Safety Technology Coop Student, Safety Department, Kenmount Road.

Welcome to Jacob Rodgers, Electrical Engineer, Planning & Standards, Kenmount Road

Welcome to Kerri Steele, Engineering Coop Student, Carbonear

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BIRTHDAYS

METER SHOP BIRTHDAYS

Two employees of the Meter Shop on Duffy Place celebrated their birthdays recently. Ryan Payne and Joe Lewis, Meter Technicians, celebrated with their co-workers in the Meter Shop.

Happy Birthday, Ryan and Joe!

MELISSA TURNS 30 Congratulations and Happy Birthday to Melissa Boland, Electrical Engineer, who celebrated her birthday with her friends at Duffy Place on December 19.

HAPPY 50TH MICHELLE Michelle Young, Executive Secretary, celebrated turning 50 on December 20, with her co-workers on Kenmount Road’s third floor.

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LLOYD TURNS 35 Happy Birthday to Lloyd Fudge, Engineering Technologist, who celebrated turning 35 with co-workers on January 10.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, WHITNEY! Happy Birthday to Whitney Noel, Departmental Assistant, Finance and Treasury. Whitney celebrated turning 30 by sharing cake with her co-workers.

INFORMATION SERVICES BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS Happy Birthday to Doug Smith, Team Lead Client Services (pictured cutting the cake), Chris Seary, Infrastructure Specialist and Mike Gregory, SCADA Engineer, on their birthday’s in December.

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Employee News and Notes

CONGRATULATIONS NEW JOURNEYPERSON PLT’s In December, eight of our 26 PLT Apprentices passed their Red Seal Journeyperson exam. Congratulations to:

Brandon Burry David Drover Dwayne Hart Mitchell Mason Paul Perhem Mark Perry Shane Ryan Roger Sears

What an accomplishment!

HAPPY RETIREMENT MAUREEN On December 21, Maureen Meyers, retired with over 39 years of service. Friends, family and co-workers gathered in the Safety and Environment Department to say good bye to Maureen. We wish Maureen (and her husband Bob who retired in November) a happy and healthy retirement.

Dwayne Hart, Powerline Technician in Port aux Basques, with Mick Ellsworth, Manager Area Operations & Maintenance. Mick is congratulating Dwayne on scoring 95% in his exam.

Maureen, her husband Bob, son Chris, daughter Lauren, Daughter in Law Julie, son Justin and grandson Peter joined Maureen as she cut her cake.

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HAPPY RETIREMENT BOB Bob Pike, Director, St. John's Region, had his official last day with the Company on February 3, after over 40 years of service. Co-workers gathered in the lineperson training room on January 27, to pass along their best wishes. Bob began his career at Newfoundland Power in the Safety Department and spent time in almost every department throughout the years. For a long time he was "the face" of Newfoundland Power, when he took on the role of Corporate Spokesperson. He's definitely made his mark on this Company. There's no doubt about that. We all wish him well in the next stage. Whether you'll find him on the slopes, on his motorcycle, cruising in his car, or on the water, there's no doubt he, and his wife Cathy, will definitely make the most of every minute.

Employee News and Notes EMPLOYEE TOWN HALL MEETINGS From January 30 to February 1, members of our Executive team began our 2017 Employee Town Hall presentations. They started on the West Coast with Port Aux Basque, Stephenville and Corner Brook employees, and they will resume in Central Newfoundland and St. John’s the second week in February.

The new Town Hall style presentation will take the place of our former annual Business Plan presentation. The Town Hall will address hot topics for both customers and employees, such as the provincial economy and Muskrat Falls, and what it means for the Company. The presentations are casual, and will be discussion based with lots of opportunity to ask questions and share opinions.

Gary Smith, President and CEO, chatting with the employees in Stephenville on January 31.

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IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM TOM LEGROW It’s not until it happens to you that you start to appreciate how important some things are. That’s a new perspective that our friend Tom Legrow has on the necessity of becoming an Organ Donor. For 13 years, Tom successfully managed a known heart condition, but in 2015 his health rapidly changed and in order to stay alive, he learned he needed a heart transplant. Tom recalls all the details…his long stay in an Ontario hospital, and the wait that seemingly lasted forever. But, the day came with a phone call. Tom was to receive a new heart. A gift. Now nearly 6 months after his surgery, Tom is making it his priority to spread the word about organ donation. He’s been touched deeply not only by his own experience, but by the many friendships he has made with other Newfoundlanders who have been through similar experiences. “So many people just don’t know how easy it is to sign up. And how much being a donor can change someone’s life forever,” says Tom. The Canadian Transplant Society tells us: • Every year too many people die while waiting for an organ

donation. • Over 1,600 Canadians are added to organ wait lists yearly. • A 90% majority of Canadians support organ and tissue donation but less than 20% have made plans to

donate. • One donor can benefit more than 75 people and save up to 8 lives.

In Newfoundland, it’s easy to sign up. Tom encourages everyone to make the most generous donation of their lives, one that costs them nothing. You can sign up to become an organ donor by:

1. Adding it to your driver’s license (no fees required). o You can do this anytime you visit or contact the Motor Vehicle Registration Division on your area.

2. You can indicate your “Intent to Donate” organs and tissues by completing your Medical Care Plan

(MCP) application or renewal form. The word “ORGAN DONOR” will appear on your MCP card.

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In the Field 3-PHASE FEEDER RELOCATE IN CLARENVILLE On Tuesday, January 10, three crews from Clarenville teamed up with a crew from Burin to complete a 3-phase feeder relocate in a Clarenville subdivision. The relocate was necessary to allow a local business to construct new residential housing units in the area. The work resulted in a power interruption to surrounding customers who were notified by hand delivered notices in advance of the work being completed. Great work for everyone involved!

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Customer Service CUSTOMER COMMENTS

VIRTUAL AGENT Preparations have been made to pilot a new virtual agent technology in the Company’s regional offices. The pilot will enable customers to directly video/audio link to a Customer Service Representative in the Contact Centre in St. John’s when the regional office is fully tasked. The customer will be able to sign contracts, show IDs, and will be able to complete all regular customer service functions with this virtual agent. The virtual agent pilot launched in Corner Brook in early January.

HEBRON

This beautiful image of the Hebron rig was shared with us in December. The project reached a major milestone, with its Gravity Based Structure in Bull Arm being 100% connected to its Topside Integration Pier. The unit was successfully transported to a deep water site outside the Harbour until it is ready to be transported to its final position.

A customer recently contacted us to discuss their account and they had some very kind words for our crews in the Port Union area. The customer was very happy with the service

they are being provided and had a BIG thank you for the crews….keep up the hard work!

Gary Smith tested out the new technology when he was visiting our Corner Brook office late in January.

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RSP REFUND PROGRESS We’ve made a lot of progress on getting the RSP refund to eligible customers. Refunds for the majority of current customers will begin on February 15. A total of 267,436 customers are eligible for the refund, almost 70% will receive their refund in this cheque run. On January 12, 2017, we announced the February 15 refund date publicly. Not surprisingly, we were flooded with calls, emails, visits to our website, etc. The chart below shows some interesting statistics gathered from January 12-27, 2017.

4%

19%

3%

52%

22%

RSP Refund Statistics

Agent Calls IVR Calls RSP Emails Website FAQ's Website RSP Self-Service

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Safety

FIRE FIGHTER/FIRST RESPONDER ELECTRICAL SAFETY SEMINAR On Monday, January 30, the Torbay Fire Department received the Fire Fighter/First Responder Electrical Safety Seminar from Newfoundland Power’s Jake Rideout. Twenty-eight Fire Fighters were on hand to receive the presentation. A lot of great discussions were had on this important topic.

POLE TOP RESCUE TRAINING Safety is part of the everyday life here at Newfoundland Power. Hats off to the Burin Line Crews as they recently took part in Pole Top Rescue training.

CONFINED SPACE TRAINING The St. John's Region started off the New Year by completing some safety training. A number of PLT's and technologists participated in Confined Space training. This training will allow them to enter any one of the many manholes and vaults that are used in the St. John's Region. The training company, Puglisevich, set up the training at Duffy place in St. John’s.

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Health and Wellness

RETHINK THAT DRINK!

In 2016, the Company implemented a Drug and Alcohol Policy and provided employees with education about prevention of problematic substance use. During the employee education and awareness sessions, many were interested in learning more about low-risk drinking behaviors and what was considered acceptable for recreational use. “Rethink that Drink” is a national campaign created to help raise awareness of alcohol related harm and promote a culture of moderation. It is about knowing more about alcohol, so when you choose to drink, you can make an informed decision about when, where, why and how. Alcohol is a legal drug and the most popular drug of choice for Newfoundlanders. We have easy access to alcohol and it has both social and cultural significance. Alcohol is used for celebration, relaxation and socialization. It is incorporated into our daily lives and personal events. We have it with dinner, at birthdays, holidays, family, and religious events. It is part of our social fabric and has been for generations. Too often, however, irresponsible use and lack of knowledge about alcohol, and its negative health effects, can cause harm. When alcohol is consumed in excess, too often, and at inappropriate times, it can lead to high risk behavior, injury, and chronic illness. Understanding what a standard drink is, what your daily and weekly limits are and when zero is the limit, will help to prevent the harmful effects of alcohol.

Check out this video on Understanding Canada’s Low Risk Drink ing Guidelines for more details. On average it takes approximately 1 ½ hours to process one standard drink - but there are many other factors that impact the level and duration of impairment, including: gender; age; health status; use of medications; body weight; how much you have eaten; and, how fast you are drinking.

Play

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You may have heard the ad campaigns … Drinking coffee, sleeping, or having a shower doesn’t make you more sober. This is true. What is needed is TIME! However, how much time you need before the effects of alcohol are no longer a concern may surprise you.

Let’s look at the math on sobering up!

Every time you consider drinking - do the math! Limit your alcohol intake based on your personal situation and what you have planned for the next day. When using alcohol, do so responsibly, know your personal limits, plan ahead and please do not drink and drive.

If you or someone you know is concerned about problematic substance use, please reach out for help. For support through Newfoundland Power please contact Marie Wall, EAP Coordinator at 737-5640 or Cathy Dormody, Occupational Health Nurse at 737-5238.

Resources: Canada's Low-Risk Drinking Guidelines http://www.rethinkyourdrinking.ca/ Eastern Heath Rethink the Drink Campaign http://www.easternhealth.ca/WebInWeb.aspx?d=1&id=2230&p=379

IMPROVE YOUR RELATIONSHIP IN 60 SECONDS OR LESS

Your relationship is one of the most important things in your life. The Marriage Minute newsletter teaches practical skills to improve the friendship in your relationship and help you manage conflict in a positive way.

Sample: BOTH POINTS OF VIEW ARE VALID Couples get into trouble when they believe there is only one truth. They argue for their own position. This belief pushes them apart. In the Love Lab, Dr. John Gottman discovered something profound: in every disagreement there are always two points of view, and they are both valid. Once you accept that idea, it’s no longer necessary to argue for your own position. Instead, you can empathize with your partner's feelings and really understand their side of the story (even if you don’t agree). When you do that, it’s much easier to find a solution that works for both of you.

If you and your partner are interested in working with a personal therapist to improve your marriage, contact Marie Wall with help to set-up services.

At a summer BBQ you drank 6 beer (standard size / 5% alcohol). You finished your last beer at 1 am.

6 beer X 90 min = 540 min → 540 min / 60 minute = 9 hours

Keep in mind your blood alcohol level is highest up to 1½ hours after drinking. So even though you stopped drinking at 1 am, you start counting at 2:30 am. This means it is 11:30 am the next morning before you can

consider driving. This is for a healthy person with no other factors involved.

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The Power of Life Project

WEST COAST CANCER CENTRES RECEIVE MUCH NEEDED EQUIPMENT

On January 30 and 31, the Cancer Centre’s in Port Aux Basques and Corner Brook were presented with much-needed equipment donated by The Power of Life Project. A new Triple Chemotherapy Pump, valued at $10,000, was presented to the staff at the Cancer Centre in Port Aux Basques. The Cancer Centre at Western Memorial Regional Hospital in Corner Brook received a new Blanket Warmer and Sleeper Chair, valued at $8,000, which will help make Cancer patients stay a little more comfortable.

The announcement of these donations on Facebook by the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation received an incredible response with over 200 shares, nearly 1,000 likes and almost 100 comments. Employees should be extremely proud of all the work they are doing in communities across the province and supporting Cancer Care right here!

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Partners for Life GIVE LIFE

Thank you to all of our generous donors who participated 2016. Newfoundland Power was Newfoundland and Labrador’s top corporate donor, with 222 units. We were also the top for new recruits for the second year in a row, adding 11 to our team in 2016. Our 2017 donor goal is 250 donations. This year we are encouraging our donors to set up their appointments using the new Canadian Blood Services mobile app – this will help make booking your appointments as easy and efficient as possible. What can you do?

Download the new app! The benefits for you:

- You can book an appointment - A reminder will be placed in your

calendar. - You will get a reminder email (no

calls). - It tracks your donations. - It will let you know when and how

your donation is being utilized.

iPhone Android

Life Member Registration Form : Partner ID: NEWF003548 - Newfoundland Power

Please consider becoming a donor – you’re family and friends can join too!

Our first St. John’s Partners for Life Clinic for 2017 is on Feb. 15th/ 16th. If you work from one of our Area Offices- you can donate as well! There are mobile clinics in: Springdale/Grand Falls; Gander/Lewisporte; Clarenville/Port Union; Burin/Grand Bank; and, Carbonear.

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Trailblazers

TRAILBLAZER ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING The Trailblazer Annual General Meeting will take place in St. John’s on Friday, June 2. Further details will be announced shortly.

RETIREE EMERGENCY TRUST FUND The Newfoundland Power Retiree Emergency Trust Fund (RETF) is a fund designed to assist retirees, and their spouses/surviving spouses who suddenly find themselves faced with unexpected medical expenses that are not covered by our private insurance plan or any other government assisted programs. The Fund was established in 2010 and is overseen by a four member Committee who administer the Fund. Recently, two Committee members stepped down from the RETF and they have been replaced by two new members. The Trailblazers Executive would like to thank the outgoing members, Bruce Oldford and Patricia Frye, for their service and guidance over the last six years and would like to welcome the two incoming members, Eugene Doyle and Melvin Northcott. The Trailblazer Executive would also like to acknowledge the two continuing Committee members, Nellie Moss and Guy Hollett. If anyone would like to learn more about or join the RETF please refer to the information on the Trailblazer Web Site (www.nptrailblazers.com).

CORNER BROOK TRAILBLAZERS Corner Brook Trailblazers enjoyed a Christmas Breakfast on December 5.

L>R: Martin and Nina Tiller, Debbie and Larry Clarke, Carl Neilson, Wayne Benoit, George and Shirley Crocker, Betty Collins, Jean Tulk, Art and Rosalind Bennett, and Gloria Vincent (Peter Vincent is missing from the photo because he was the camera man).

Corner Brook Trailblazers help with the construction of the float for the Christmas Parade held on December 3. Theme of the float this year was “Sparkle & Shine, It’s Christmastime”.

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ST. JOHN’S TRAILBLAZERS St. John’s Trailblazers held a Christmas Social on December 15. Approximately 70 Trailblazers and their guests enjoyed a light lunch. Thanks to the organizers of the event.

BURIN TRAILBLAZERS Trailblazer Austin Antle and his wife Nora have been busy performing their music. They recently appeared with Eddie Sheer of the NTV New on a program broadcast from the Marystown Retirement Centre where they taught Eddie how to play the ugly stick. The Antle’s have also recently performed at The Gathering Place in St. John’s. Austin and Nora both agree that it is a great feeling giving of their talents to organizations that are helping others.

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HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES CONTINUED FROM DECEMBER

Even Santa (aka Larry Wall) needs to get his blood work done…then he heads off to entertain Duffy Place employees at the annual Christmas breakfast.

IS celebrated Christmas with Christmas hats, sweaters and Santa.

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PORT UNION EMPLOYEE’S ASSOCIATION CHRISTMAS DINNER

Port Union Employee Association held their Annual Christmas Dinner at the Frank Power Chalet, Port Union on December 10. There was an excellent turnout of retires, employees and their spouses. All enjoyed a hot roast beef dinner/desserts prepared by Linda Abbott. A good time was had by all who attended.

L>R: Bob Keough, Larry Ryan, Justin Cooper, Gord Mahaney, Gilda Lodge, Dion Kendall and Richard Noseworthy.

L>R: Bill Mackey, Pat Maloney, Brenda Peters, Mansfield Piercey, Gary Chard, Russell Lodge, Alf Street and Hilary Johnson