What is PPEC?

PPEC refers to the Power Plant and Environmental Chemistry Committee. Currently the PPEC is an independent elected member group that is administered by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and governed by member-created bylaws overseen by a member-elected executive committee. Please note that as an independent organization PPEC members are not required to be a member of EPRI. The PPEC committee has been in existence since 1936. It started as the Chemistry Subcommittee of Edison Electric Institute (EEI). EEI ceased support of the committee at the end of 1995, so the individuals involved operated independently for 1.5 years and then formed an ASME Subcommittee in September 1997. Due to changing focuses in ASME, the PPEC moved to EPRI in 2015.

The PPEC is a group of up to 125 members (numbers vary annually) that consist of chemists, chemical engineers, engineers, environmental engineers, metallurgists, and similarly educated or trained individuals. They include plant and corporate individuals, consultants who own their own businesses or work for major utility support companies and several chemical/water treatment suppliers that are not in a sales role. This is a non-profit group with annual fees used solely to fund committee operations.

The committee meets twice per year, targeting a spring and fall season timeframe, typically for 2 days for each meeting. The average attendance is typically between 50-60, there are typically 14-18 member and guest presentations, and 1 or 2 panel discussions at each meeting. Committee bylaws require active participation of all members, as such most committee members will provide presentations within their term. This is unique in our field. There are no presentations given by vendors for sales purposes, instead they will be given by your peers on topics for your education and experience. The meetings are an excellent opportunity to provide relevant content for power industry chemistry professionals and provide opportunities for networking.

The PPEC executive committee seeks out members to host meetings. Meetings are held in various locations around the USA with effort made to vary the meeting location to accommodate all members. Registration fees for meeting attendance (circa 2025) is targeted at $550 but may need to be adjusted depending on local expenses. Meeting fees are collected to cover costs associated with the meeting including food and beverage, conference room setup and audio/visual needs. This does not include travel costs (airfare, hotel, and partial meal costs). Breakfast, lunch, breaks and one host evening reception are commonly included.

PPEC operates a ListServer through the University of Kentucky, called PowerChem, for the exclusive use of the PPEC. Members may submit questions that are sent out and available to the entire membership. Members may answer the questions via email or through the PowerChem portal and responses are also sent out to the entire membership. The questions and answers are kept in the PowerChem archives and are searchable. The archives go back to 1998. Members are expected to be active in asking and answering PowerChem questions. Remember PPEC is all about collaboration.

We believe this to be one of the most valuable groups in power plant chemistry. There is a wealth of knowledge in the committee membership and each member brings a willingness to share with their peers. To join the committee, you must be nominated by a member in good standing, attend two committee meetings in a two-year period as a nominee, and then be voted on by the committee membership for full-time membership.

Initial membership is for a term of two years and will automatically renew to rolling four-year terms after that, provided you are in ‘good standing’. ‘Good standing’ means you are paying annual dues and maintaining a points balance. Members get 10 points for attending each meeting, 20 points for giving a presentation and 2 points for asking or answering a PowerChem question. A minimum of 60 points in a four-year term or 30 points in a two-year term are required to maintain ‘good standing’ status. The executive committee evaluates member participation and members not maintaining ‘good standing’ are evaluated for dismissal to ensure the committee and membership remains active, vibrant, relevant, and sustainable. The annual membership dues are meant to cover administrative costs of the committee and are typically $300 per year (circa 2025).

For any questions or interest in joining the PPEC please contact any member for further information, and they can get you in contact with a member of the executive committee. General inquiries can be emailed to the PPEC Secretary (mbecker@epri.com).