Norwich Public Utilities Recognized as a Reliable Public Power Provider

Norwich, CT: Norwich Public Utilities (NPU) has once again been recognized by the American Public Power Association with its Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3) in recognition of its commitment to providing dependable and safe electric service to the community.

The RP3 designation highlights NPU’s excellence across four critical disciplines: reliability, safety, workforce development, and system improvement.

“Receiving the RP3 designation reflects the NPU commitment to providing our customers with safe and reliable service, day after day, month after month, and year after year,” said Chris LaRose, General Manager of NPU. “While we are very proud of this national recognition, we are not satisfied. We know that we must always meet the very high standard our customers have come to expect from our team.”

For nineteen years, the American Public Power Association has given the RP3 designation, recognizing the exemplary service of public power utilities across the nation. Representing nearly 2,000 towns and cities, APPA advocates for not-for-profit, community-owned utilities, shaping electricity policy, technology, and operations for the benefit of 49 million Americans.

As a result of NPU’s hard work, NPU achieved the coveted diamond level scoring a 99%.  Only 112 utilities have reached the diamond designation, placing NPU in the top 5% of Public Power Utilities nationwide. The RP3 designation is for three years and NPU has received this recognition in 2012, 2015, 2018, and 2021.

In order to receive this designation, NPU completed a rigorous application over the course of several months.  Applications are reviewed by an 18-member panel of national utility experts, who review applications to identify public power utilities that exhibit operational excellence and demonstrate leading practices in four key areas:

• Reliability – The panel looks for evidence that a utility is going beyond just keeping the lights on by reviewing storm response plans and mutual aid agreements, data analysis programs, and cyber and physical security.
• Safety – The panel looks for a culture of safety within a utility starting with top management. This is confirmed by an adherence to safety policies and standards that are included in all aspects of utility operations.
• Workforce Development – The panel looks for how a utility builds and maintains its workforce. They look for best practices in recruitment, succession planning, and individual development plans for employees that incorporate professional development and networking opportunities.
• System Improvement – The panel looks for evidence that utilities are maintaining the integrity of their systems through long term planning. This includes system betterment programs that incorporate research and development.