Each year, the NMPP Energy organizations honor outstanding municipal projects and individuals with awards at NMPP Energy's Annual Conference in March. It’s an opportunity to recognize a few of the many positive projects and dedicated people within the NMPP Energy community.
We need your help highlighting projects that benefit communities and individuals who dedicate themselves for the benefit of others. Consider nominating a municipal/community project or an individual for one of the awards presented at the conference March 18-19 in Lincoln. The categories of awards are:
Community Projects of the Year
This award is for NMPP Energy communities and recognizes projects or programs that create a more
cohesive community, whether it’s a project created for the whole community or one that makes it easier for city staff to serve customers.
Bob Arraj Innovative Service Award
This award is for NMPP Energy communities and recognizes an individual who demonstrates dedicated
service and/or uses innovative technological changes in the utility industry.
Rudy Hultgren Dedicated Service Award
This award is for MEAN members and recognizes an individual who displays commendable efforts in
promoting public power and its ideals.
Downloadable application nomination forms for the three awards above are available on the Annual Conference webpage. Application deadline is Feb. 20, 2026. Contact Amber Degner (adegner@nmppenergy.org) with any questions.
ACE Projects of the Year Awards
This award provides ACE member communities an opportunity to showcase community enhancement projects made possible in part by funds through ACE’s revenue return program. Participating contest projects will be announced and voted on through ACE’s Facebook page with the awards being presented at the NMPP Energy Annual Conference. Nomination forms for ACE’s Projects of the Year awards will be sent to ACE member representatives in January. For any questions about this award, contact Mandy Heermann at mheermann@nmppenergy.org.