POWER ENGINEERS SUPPORTING TRUTH
Pinciples/Programs

STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES  

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  SUMMARY OF OUR POSITION

We are concerned about the state of the electric power industry, the direction in which it is being pushed, the resultant impact on the cost of electricity to the average consumer and on the reliability of supply to local areas and large regions. Our concerns are heightened by statements by government and industry officials that show an obvious and total lack of understanding of how our power systems work; by the domination of lawyers and economists over electric power policies; by the politicization and commercialization of the investigations of the August 14, 2003 blackout, by the poor investigation of the contributions of industry restructuring and deregulation to the root causes of the blackout; by the failure of our professional associations to speak clearly and vigorously about the need for technical direction in the development of our power systems; by the failure to look at viable technical options that might solve our future needs at reduced costs with improved reliability.

Therefore, we formed a new organization of experienced electric power system engineers and executives, “Power Engineers Supporting Truth” (PEST).  Our intent is to provide expert and unbiased information.  Most important, we hope to identify the best ways to make the bulk power systems in the United States both more reliable and economic.  We will make our reviews and recommendations available to the general public, as well as to interested industry groups, government officials, and the media.

BACKGROUND

It is clear to us that many are deeply concerned about the status of our national electric power policy, and the lack of expert and unbiased engineering input in its determination.  This concern was accentuated by the recent blackout.  Experienced engineers have been greatly disturbed by the obvious lack of technical knowledge among government officials, many industry representatives, and the comments of the many “so called” experts whose only purpose appears to be the promotion of their own political, institutional and commercial agendas.  Our concerns were heightened by the media’s lack of critical judgment in its widespread acceptance of so much that was categorically untrue. 

These concerns are not limited to those of us who have contributed most of our lives to the development of electric power systems; it includes many from younger generations.  According to polls, more than 50% believe that, compared to the policies and procedures which existed prior to restructuring, recent government and industry policies are harming the American public.  Many of these engineers are unable to vocalize their concerns for fear of career or compensation repercussions.  While we recognize that many of the system and commercial changes cannot be undone, we are convinced that a thorough review is desirable to decide what can be improved, and what needs to be done for the future.

PROPOSAL

A.                          We propose the formation of a new organization, “Power Engineers Supporting Truth” (PEST), to provide expert and independent review and comments on policy and technical matters concerning electric power supply.  The focus will be on coordinating our institutional procedures with the technologies involved, something badly lacking in the recent past.  An important subsidiary goal will be to promote the appointment of highly qualified engineers to high level government positions and task forces.  Reviews performed by the organization will be made by nationally recognized  individuals who have demonstrated “hands-on” technical experience.

B.            The selection of reviewers in PEST will be governed by three principles:

1. A primary commitment to honesty and integrity.

2. The highest professionalism and technical competence, including knowledge of the latest technical developments.

3. Completely independent and unbiased thinking.

      C.            Members of PEST will write articles for both the trade and secular press, provide testimony to legislative bodies, speak at conferences, conduct interviews, appear in TV and radio, etc. – all to promote the fundamental goals of the organization.

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To participate in Pest activities contact:

 Jack Casazza
www.pest-o3.org
(703) 569-2543