NEPPA Awards Presented at Annual Conference

This award recognizes companies that are associate or corporate members of our association and provide exceptional levels of support or assistance to our organization and our members. Starkweather & Shepley Insurance is a full-service insurance brokerage firm that provides us not just with insurance policies but with excellent customer service and has always been accessible for any consultations. Whether during construction of the new training center or scrutinizing the needs of the association on a yearly basis, they are always providing excellent service, sound advice and finding us ways to save money on what could be very expensive insurance. In addition, they are supportive in their sponsorships and active at conferences and events. Barry Rosen received the award at the conference. 

Tom Robak was presented with a NEPPA Service Award, which is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to NEPPA. Tom has worked as a regional coordinator for the NEPPA mutual aid program. He retired this past June after 44 years of working for Chicopee Electric Light.

NEPPA Executive Director Larry Brownell presented the Century Award to NEPPA members celebrating 100 years of service as a public power system. This year, the Village of Johnson Water & Light Department, Paxton Light Department and South Hadley Electric Light Department all received the Century Award.

NEPPA’s Distinguished Service Award recognizes individuals who have provided outstanding service to their public power systems and their communities. This year it was awarded to John Hiscock, general manager of South Norwalk Electric and Water.

Hiscock has been active with the Connecticut Water Works Association, American Water Works Association and the New England Water Works Association, earning lifetime membership in AWWA. He has been an active board member and volunteer for NEPPA for many years, culminating with this, his 10th year on the NEPPA Board.

The Commissioner Service Award is presented annually to commissioners and directors of public power utilities who have served their systems with distinction for at least 10 years. NEPPA recognized seven individuals for their outstanding service to their utilities with Commissioner Service Awards.

This year’s Francis "Skip" Willey Individual Achievement Award was awarded to Dave Schofield of Georgetown Municipal Light. This award is given to an employee of a NEPPA system who demonstrates a professional commitment to public power through personal development and participation in NEPPA’s educational programs and other association activities. Dave has been a champion of our educational efforts. He has participated in our PUMP program. He is currently on the Rodeo and E&O Conference committees. As a veteran, he is a strong proponent of developing back-to-work programs for returning veterans. His hiring as the general manager of Georgetown was no surprise to all of us who have witnessed his dedication and impact on the industry.

This award is for a specific accomplishment advancing the interests of public power and is not usually given out every year. Dick’s work on the NEPPA membership committee has continually brought in new associate members to NEPPA and helped us craft the format we use now at the annual meeting. This new format allows our associate members to introduce themselves and give a small speech, which has been received very well. In the past few years we’ve had increased attendance and because of the positive responses that have been received has given them a new perspective on NEPPA and the benefits we offer. Dick also worked with his local representative, Alice Picsch, on behalf of the MEAM membership, working with ENE and MMWEC together, to draft and submit legislation for the Mass MLPs to allow us to receive RGGI funds. While the legislation has not passed, his work on getting his representatives involved and his attention to the process of getting it started and following through were a great help.

Our second award recipient has served NEPPA tirelessly, as a board member, second and first vice president. Barbara is retiring after the conference, but during her tenure at Burlington she oversaw an ARRA Smart Grid grant and implementation. The Governor of Vermont described her as an "outstanding public servant. Her work in the legislature, in the administration, and as CEO of the Burlington Electric Department has always been in the service of Vermonters." Her political experience and savviness have been a great asset to Burlington consumers and NEPPA members.

The person of the year award is given for sustained, outstanding service and contributions to NEPPA and to public power. Unfortunately, award recipient John Bachhuber could not be there, so his sons, Sam and AJ, received the award on his behalf.