Doug Brown to retire from CWLP

Doug Brown, chief utility engineer for City Water Light & Power, will retire from the city effective March 31. He has worked for CWLP for 31 years, the past 11 at the helm of the municipal utility.

Brown has led the city-owned utility through numerous projects and strategic initiatives over the years, including the addition of Dallman 4, Integrated Resource Planning and overseeing a number of major contract negotiations resulting in significant savings for utility ratepayers.

“To be a part of City Water, Light and Power in serving the residents, businesses and organizations of Springfield with the highest quality of services – not only reliably but also affordably, has truly been an honor,” Brown said “Throughout my career, I have witnessed firsthand the incredible dedication and professionalism that defines CWLP. It is our employees that make a real difference every day and I could not be more proud of them as I retire.”

However, Brown’s retirement will be short lived, as he is slated to join the Illinois Municipal Electric Agency as president and CEO on April 1. Brown will succeed Kevin Gaden, who is retiring after 14 years. IMEA is a nonprofit joint action agency that provides wholesale power and energy services to municipally owned utilities throughout the state of Illinois.

“Doug has put in a tremendous effort to position CWLP for the future by raising the bar in delivering Springfield the best in electric and water services – and keeping rates among the lowest in the state of Illinois,” said Mayor Misty Buscher. “While I wish he didn’t have to go, I know it’s an opportunity he doesn’t want to miss, and he’ll certainly be of great service to municipal utilities throughout the state in his new position at IMEA.” 

Buscher said she will work with Brown on a transition plan for his replacement.