THE HERITAGE OF THE PAST IS THE SEED THAT BRINGS FORTH
THE HARVEST OF THE FUTURE.
- National Archives Building, Washington, D.C.

Electricity is such an integral aspect of modern civilization that many people cannot imagine life without it. No service is more taken for granted. At the same time, ironically, everything which stands behind a simple electric switch - the technology, the research, the financing, and the day-to-day routines assuring safety and reliability, not to mention the historical role of the electric utility industry in building the modern world - is scarcely recognized. It takes a major outage, such as when a hurricane or flood disrupts service, or a camping trip away from all power outlets, to truly appreciate this silent servant of humanity.

In little more than a century, electricity has radically altered the way we live. The story of electricity is filled with the wonder of fundamental scientific discovery. It is also a story of the vision of industry builders. Last but not least, it is the story of dedicated generations of people who worked - often under the harshest conditions nature can impose - to ensure that power is available when someone flicks a switch.

People, Power, Progress offers a brief overview of the role played by Northeast Utilities and its predecessor companies in the growth of our region technologically, economically, and culturally. We hope it adequately recognizes the vast history which led to Northeast Utilities and the contributions made by thousands of employees to creating a system essential to the life of our region - a system which has helped in large measure to provide our customers the highest quality of life in the world. Of that, we can be proud.

YOU STUDY THE PAST CHIEFLY BECAUSE OF ITS BEARING
ON THE LIVING PRESENT AND ITS PROMISE FOR THE FUTURE.
- Lt. Gen. James G. Harbord, U. S. Army (Ret.)

A PEOPLE WHICH TAKES NO PRIDE IN THE NOBLE ACHIEVEMENTS
OF REMOTE ANCESTORS WILL NEVER ACHIEVE ANYTHING WORTHY
TO BE REMEMBERED WITH PRIDE BY REMOTE DESCENDANTS.
- Thomas Babington Macauley, historian