Ten ElectriCities of North Carolina member utilities have earned the Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3) designation from the American Public Power Association for providing reliable and safe electric service.
The RP3 designation lasts for three years and recognizes public power utilities that demonstrate proficiency in four key disciplines:
- Reliability
- Safety
- Workforce development
- System improvement
Receiving it demonstrates to community leaders, governing board members, suppliers, and service providers a utility’s commitment to its employees, customers, and community, according to APPA.
RP3 designations are awarded in three levels based on the number of points a utility earns in each of the four disciplines. Diamond is for 98-100 points, Platinum is for 90-<98 points, and Gold is for 80-<90 points.
Congratulations to these 2024 RP3 designees:
Diamond Level
- Town of Granite Falls, N.C.
- High Point Electric Utility (N.C.)
Platinum Level
- Greenville Utilities Commission (N.C.)
- City of Kinston, N.C.
- Town of Smithfield, N.C.
- Wake Forest Power (N.C.)
Gold Level
- City of Gastonia, N.C.
- City of Shelby, N.C.
- Orangeburg Department of Public Utilities (S.C.)
- Greenwood Commissioners of Public Works (S.C.)
“Earning RP3 designation is a significant achievement,” said Andy Fusco, ElectriCities Chief Strategy Officer. “The rigorous application process not only measures a utility’s current state, it also ensures that the utility has the sound business practices in place to continue safely delivering reliable electricity to its customers for years to come.”
The 10 ElectriCities member utilities are part of 91 utilities nationwide that earned the designation in 2024. In North Carolina, 23 public power communities hold RP3 designations—more than in any other state, and 28 ElectriCities members across the Carolinas and Virginia are RP3 designees.
“Congratulations to all our RP3-designated members,” Andy said. “Their efforts reflect their commitment to their customers and communities and will help them successfully work through the strategic plan for public power in our region.”
A full list of the ElectriCities member utilities with RP3 designation is available on the Awards and Accolades page on the ElectriCities website. A national list of designees is available at www.PublicPower.org.