NMPP Energy awarded Gene Hansen, retired superintendent of electric production for the City of Wayne, with the Bob Arraj Service Award at the NMPP Energy Annual Conference March 20.
The award is presented annually to an official or employee who has excelled in service in the utility industry.
The award is a memorial tribute to Bob Arraj, former city administrator and utilities superintendent of Kimball. Arraj’s years of knowledge, insight and expertise in the energy field allowed communities to benefit from numerous energy and service projects.
Hansen retired in 2019 after serving the City of Wayne for 52 years in several positions, including 31 years as the superintendent of electric production.
He continues to serve on a part-time basis to help train new employees for the City.
Throughout his tenure, Hansen’s many accomplishments resulted in the long-standing success of Wayne’s electric system.
He was instrumental in the City’s seven-megawatt power plant expansion in 1996.
The project was the result of Hansen’s anticipation for future electric capacity for the City of Wayne.
A few other of Hansen’s accomplishments included:
- Implementing an electric load management system, energy efficiency and rebate programs;
- Development of wholesale power contracts and electric rate studies;
- Overseeing utility safety programs and maintaining many other City facilities.
Hansen’s dedication, insight and decades of service have been a tremendous asset to the City of Wayne.
As the recipient of the award, Hansen received $350 which will be designated to go to a local project or program of his choosing.
