A Powerful Pair: Norwood Officials Receive NE Public Power Awards

NORWOOD, MA - Norwood Selectman Bill Plasko recently was honored by the Northeast Public Power Association (NPPA) for more than 25 years of service as a commissioner as a Norwood Light Commissioner at the group's annual conference, held at the Westin Portland Harborview in Portland, Maine.

Jim Collins, the Norwood Light Department's former superintendent who spent his entire career of 48 years at the public power company, also received an award for his lifetime of service.

The awards came as a shock to both Plasko and Collins, according to Norwood's General Manager Tony Mazzucco.

"I have to admit that I lied when I asked them to attend the conference," he said with a laugh. "I told Bill that he had to be there to present the award to Jim. Then I told Jim it would mean a lot to Bill if he attended the ceremony. They had no idea they were the award recipients."

Plasko, who recieved the Commissioner Service Award, has served for more than 25 years as a Norwood Light Commissioner. He also has been a member of the Future Electric Supply Needs Committee for close to 30 years.

As a Light Commissioner, Plasko has approved the complete rebuild of Norwood’s first 115 kilovolt substation on Dean Street and the rebuilding of two miles of 115 kV overhead transmission lines in the past decade.

"Bill has always been thorough in his examination and questioning before
approving projects," said Mazzucco. "When Bill approves a project, he will always be able to defend his decision and reasoning with thorough understanding of the proposed project. Bill always respects the expertise of his mangers and enjoys their respect in return."

Another past achievement for Plasko was his role in the creation of the McDonald power substation. He shepherded the process through the siting, financing, permitting, bidding and construction phases.

Plasko was a strong advocate for the creation of Norwood Broadband. This allowed for the coupling of broadband and electrical service to provide low rates to residents compared to national companies.

Plasko was first elected to the Board of Selectmen in 1978 and served until 1982. He was reelected in 2000, according to the town website.

"Bill’s knowledge of Norwood bylaws and policies is legendary," Mazzucco said. "He is often called upon to explain various rules and regulations during public meetings.

"Bill Plasko has been a huge supporter of public power and truly deserves this award and recognition," Mazzucco continued.

Collins, a Norwood native, received the Distinguished Service Award. It is given to an individual or organization that has worked for or with a NEPPA utility.

Collins began his career at the Norwood Light Department while he was a cooperative student at Northeastern University majoring in electrical engineering. He was first hired as an assistant engineer in 1973. He was involved in many projects that improved Norwood's electircal capacity oveer the past several decades as well as the creation of Norwood Broadband.

"Jim’s dedication and hard work will be sorely missed by those of us that have had the privilege of working with him as well as by the many Norwood friends Jim made throughout the years," Mazzucco said.