The Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska awarded Tom Ourada, director of public works of Crete, Neb., with the Rudy Hultgren Dedicated Service Award March 25 at the 34th Annual NMPP Energy Meeting and Conference in North Platte, Neb.
The award is presented annually to an individual of a MEAN member community who has displayed commendable efforts in promoting the use of public power and its ideals. MEAN, the wholesale power supply organization of NMPP Energy, serves power supply to 65 participating communities and one joint action agency in Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska and Wyoming. The award is a memorial tribute to Rudy Hultgren, a utility consultant and well-known and respected citizen of Lyons, Colo., who played an active role in community service and leadership.
Ourada has been an active member of MEAN for many years, serving on various committees. He currently serves on the MEAN Board of Directors and Management Committee. He has been a strong advocate of local control and energy efficiency throughout his years of service.
Ourada also was the recipient of the Bob Arraj Innovative Service Award in 2005. The award is presented annually on behalf of the Nebraska Municipal Power Pool, the utility services organization of NMPP Energy.
Crete became a member of MEAN in 1984 and is a charter member of NMPP, which formed in 1975.
As the recipient of the award, Ourada received $350 to donate to a local community project.