GREEN BAY — At the 45th WPPI Energy Annual Meeting and anniversary celebration Sept. 17, Oconomowoc Utilities, its Senior Utility Engineer Lucas Caine and Utility Accounting Manager John Schuh were recognized for their dedication to customers and the community. The joint action agency also recognized the utility for its 125-year milestone.
“These honors highlight the remarkable dedication of Oconomowoc’s locally owned utility and its staff to providing safe, reliable, affordable power and excellent service to those they serve,” said Mike Peters, president and CEO of WPPI Energy. “From our perspective, the Oconomowoc Utilities team also demonstrates how working together with likeminded utilities helps all of our members thrive.”
WPPI presented Caine with its Shining Star award, which celebrates individuals who consistently go above and beyond the call of duty, demonstrating a commitment to excellence that inspires their peers and drives the organization forward. It is given to utility employees and managers who exemplify exceptional growth, leadership and unwavering dedication to strategic initiatives.
Oconomowoc Utility Manager Kevin Kaari said Caine has been outstanding in his work to help meet the needs of more than 20,000 customers.
“Lucas embodies the spirit of this award,” Kaari said. “His leadership and dedication have made a measurable impact on our operations. I’m thrilled to see him and John celebrated for their past and continued work to keep our utility successful.”
Schuh was honored as a new graduate of WPPI’s Joint Action Leadership initiative. Through a two-year course of sessions encompassing power supply, utility and customer services, and focused involvement in board events, participants gain leadership perspectives and expertise in the joint action business model built by WPPI member utilities to help their communities thrive. Schuh was one of just nine graduates this year.
Oconomowoc Utilities also received WPPI’s Utility Leadership Award, which recognizes a member-owner of WPPI that helps advance strategic initiatives, provides benefits to its fellow members and supports public power. The award is presented to only one utility per year.
According to a news release, “an early adopter of new business technologies that have become essential for the utility industry, Oconomowoc Utilities has led the way and shared its expertise to help other WPPI member utilities following in its path. Oconomowoc Utilities’ dedicated staff and forward-thinking efforts also helped facilitate and accommodate exponential growth within the city.”
“Oconomowoc Utilities is meeting its expanding city’s needs as the area sees major redevelopment projects,” Kaari said. “We’re proud to serve the city as it grows and, through that hard work, ensure our community continues to thrive.”