Tim Lammers is first recipient of new award honoring contributions to energy efficiency

Lammers accepted the award at an NWPPA Conference

September 16, 2015 – Tim Lammers, a 17-year employee of Columbia River People’s Utility District (PUD), is the first recipient of the Jim Brands Award from the Northwest Public Power Association (NWPPA). The award recognizes a commitment to public power and remarkable work in the area of energy efficiency.

Lammers has served PUD customers since 1998, and spent more than 20 years in customer service and energy efficiency prior to joining the PUD. He has received several accolades for his contributions over the years, including being selected as the 2008 Energy Manager of the Year from the Association of Professional Energy Managers and receiving the 2011 Chairman’s Award of Excellence from the South Columbia County Chamber of Commerce. He was also recognized as the PUD’s employee of the year in 2004.

Within Columbia County, Lammers has participated in a variety of civic organizations including the St. Helens School Board, the South Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, the Daybreakers Kiwanis Club, and the Ford Family Foundation’s Leadership Institute.

PUD Customer Services Manager Rick Lugar, Communication Specialist Libby Calnon, and Energy Specialist Cathy Cartmill developed the nomination, with help from members of the energy efficiency community and the South Columbia County Chamber of Commerce.

“Tim has helped the PUD develop and improve upon a full suite of energy efficiency and renewable energy programs. He has also served on a variety of steering committees for regional efficiency initiatives to help ensure that programs were developed in a way that would be successful for smaller, more rural utilities,” Lugar’s nomination letter said.

The Jim Brands Award is the first NWPPA award honoring an individual for their contributions to energy efficiency. It was named in memory of former NWPPA employee Jim Brands, who passed away last year at the age of 61.

“This award is a tremendous honor for me,” said Lammers. “Jim was not only an industry colleague, he was a friend and someone I respected tremendously.”