Norwich Public Utilities recognized for excellence in reliable and safe electric service

NORWICH – Norwich Public Utilities (NPU) was among 118 of the nation’s more than 2,000 public power utilities that earned the Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3)® designation from the American Public Power Association (APPA) for providing reliable and safe electric service.

“This is a very special award for the men and women of NPU who work tirelessly on behalf of our customers, every day, year after year,” said John Bilda, General Manager of NPU. “While we are honored to be recognized by a national organization of our peers, we are committed to finding ways to continually improve our performance.”

The RP3 designation, which lasts for three years, recognizes public power utilities that demonstrate proficiency in four key disciplines: reliability, safety, workforce development and system improvement. Criteria include sound business practices and a utility-wide commitment to safe and reliable delivery of electricity. This year, 118 utilities earned the designation and, in total, 254 of the more than 2,000 public power utilities nation-wide hold the RP3 designation.

NPU was recognized with the highest Diamond Level recognition; the other categories are platinum and gold. The utility was also recognized with the RP3 designation in 2012 and 2015.

“This designation is about more than just reliability. It’s about operational excellence,” said Neil James, Manager of Distribution Operations at Santee Cooper, South Carolina and chair of the Association’s RP3 Review Panel. “These utilities and their communities should be proud to represent the best of the best in the areas of reliability, safety, workforce development, and system improvement.”

This is the thirteenth year that RP3 recognition has been offered. A full list of designees is available at www.PublicPower.org.