Joseph Kowalik, general manager of the Marblehead Municipal Light Department (MMLD), has been honored by the regional trade organization, the Northeast Public Power Association (NEPPA).
Kowalik received NEPPA’s Distinguished Service Award at the NEPPA Annual Conference, held Aug. 17-20, in Burlington, Vt. The award recognizes individuals or organizations who have gone above and beyond in providing service to a NEPPA member utility. Contenders for the awards are nominated by their peers.
Kowalik served as an MMLD Light Board commissioner for three years before he became general manager in 2018. He has guided the light department to become a model of reliability, sustainability, and customer-focused service.
Under his leadership, the utility has implemented cutting-edge initiatives, including substation capacity upgrades and advanced metering infrastructure upgrades. MMLD did this while increasing the town’s carbon-free wholesale power and introducing new energy efficiency programs that have improved reliability, controlled costs, and reduced environmental impacts for Marblehead’s residents and businesses.
His strategic vision has ensured the utility remains financially sound while continuing to maintain some of the lowest rates in the region, a testament to his ability to balance operational excellence with community needs.
Kowalik’s dedication is also evident in his hands-on approach to community service. He has cultivated a culture of transparency and trust at the light department, regularly engaging with individual customers, as well as through public forums and educational outreach.
Kowalik was recognized for his service outside of Marblehead as well. He has been a steadfast advocate for public power across the Northeast, actively engaging with NEPPA to advance the industry’s collective goals.
“He is a regular participant in NEPPA’s Annual Conference and training programs, where his contributions to policy discussions have helped shape regional strategies for integrating renewable energy and navigating regulatory challenges,” said NEPPA Executive Director, Michael Hyland. “Joe’s career is marked by a deep commitment to the principles of community-owned utilities.”
Kowalik was elected in 2024 to a three-year term on the board of the Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company (MMWEC), MMLD’s joint action agency. He has fostered strong partnerships with MMWEC and other stakeholders to secure clean energy resources, such as solar and wind projects, that align with Marblehead’s sustainability goals.
