NMPP Energy presented three Project of the Year Awards at its 35th Annual Meeting and Conference in Norfolk, Neb., March 30.
The awards are presented annually to NMPP Energy communities to recognize projects or programs that create a more cohesive community, whether it was a project created for the entire community or one that makes it easier for city staff and employees to serve their customers. One award is given to one community in each of the three categories, based on population: 1,500-under, 1,501-5,000 and more than 5,000. Communities presented awards were:
1,500-under population
Village of Pender, Neb. for their electric infrastructure upgraded and new electric operations building. The Village embarked in 2007 on upgrading its entire electric system through a voltage conversion project to improve system reliability and efficiency as well as to allow for future community growth. The project continues with hopes of having more than two-thirds of the community complete in 2010. The utility reports that in just one year, the project reduced electric line loss from 14 percent to 7 percent. Estimates project that over a 30-year period, the reduction in line loss would save the Village more than $173,000 in power costs. Along with the electric system improvements, a new 7,800 square-foot electric operations building was constructed in late 2007. The facility allows the utilities departments to keep all equipment indoors and at one site as opposed to renting storage off site.
1,501-5,000 population
City of Superior, Neb., for its Gas Systems Improvements project that included the first two phases of a long-term master plan to replace the city’s gas distribution system. The master plan, which includes all of the city’s utilities, was created over the last three years. The first two phases included replacing more than 16 miles of gas mains, replacing downtown service lines and adding gas valves in the downtown and residential areas. The new system incorporates excess flow valves and meets or exceeds all current standards. Costs for the first two phases will be more than $2.2 million. When ultimately complete, the utility anticipates the updated system to last more than 100 years. It is expected the new system will reduce line leaks and breaks, reduce operating expenses and save customers the costs of caring for an aging gas system.
5,001-above population
City of Fort Morgan, Colo., (5,001-above population) for its Downtown Infrastructure Construction Project. The $3.2 million project, which included complete reconstruction of the city’s downtown Main Street, began in late May 2009 and was completed in late August 2009.The underground portion of the project included replacing existing undersized and outdated utilities with new underground electrical conduits, irrigation system, water mains, water service upgrades and installation of storm pipes and inlets to increase storm drainage capacity. The construction portion of the project was completely funded by the City and a 50 percent matching grant for engineering and design services from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs.
The communities were awarded $200 that will go toward their local utility or a local project.