City of Wall Lake earns NMPP Energy's Project of the Year Award

NMPP Energy awarded the City of Wall Lake, Iowa, with a Project of the Year Award for its Electric Line Rebuild Project at its Annual Conference in Lincoln, Neb., March 22.

The award is presented annually to honor a project or program in an NMPP Energy member community that creates a more cohesive community, whether it is a project created for the entire

community or one that makes it easier for city staff and employees to serve their customers. The City of Wall Lake participates in two NMPP Energy organizations: the Nebraska Municipal Power Pool (utility-related services) and the Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska (wholesale electricity supply).

Wall Lake’s Electric Line Rebuild was completed in 2022 after a seven-year process. The project included upgrading the city’s electric distribution system from 2,400 volts to 7,200 volts and converted all overhead lines to underground. The project was a collaborative effort with Wall Lake’s electric department staff and a third-party contractor working on the project. This collaboration saved the City money while allowing local electric department staff to take ownership of the project and gain valuable experience.

Along with recognition at NMPP Energy’s Annual Conference, the City received $200, which will be donated to a community project or program of its choice.

The Voice of Choice

“ACE has returned more than $74,000 to the City of Neligh through its revenue return program. We’ve always used our ACE funds for community improvement projects such as a county-wide alert system, playground equipment and other park improvements.”
Dale Wilkinson
Neligh, Neb.
Two girls on playground swings
"On top of providing revenue back to our City ACE also offers local groups the opportunity to participate in community clean-up events, which benefits our community and provides funds for local groups."
Tricia Allen
City Clerk, Blue Hill, Neb.
Child playing
"The distribution of ACE funds back to the Gordon community have assisted with a skate park, needed repairs at the community swimming pool and equipment for our police department."
Glen Spaugh
City Manager, Gordon, Neb.
Kids on bikes giving thumbs up
“Our community has used funds from ACE’s revenue return program for many projects, including assisting with umpire fees for the summer ball program, general park improvements, signage for Mill Race Park and Blue Bird Trail, and upgrading the camper sites at Mill Race Park.”
Shelly Wieneke
Deputy Clerk, Atkinson, Neb.
baseball scoreboard