Eleven ElectriCities of North Carolina member utilities have earned the Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3) designation from the American Public Power Association for providing the highest degree of 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
An 18-member panel of national utility experts reviews applications and awards RP3 designations in three levels based on a utility’s score in each of the four disciplines. Utilities receive Diamond-level designation for a score of 98-100%, Platinum for 90-97%, and Gold for 80-89%.
Co
ngratulations to these 2026 RP3 designees:
Diamond Level
- Rocky Mount Energy Resources (N.C.)
- Statesville Public Power (N.C.)
- Town of Tarboro, N.C.
- Wilson Energy (N.C.)
Platinum Level
- City of Monroe, N.C.
- City of Morganton, N.C.
- New River Light & Power (N.C.)
Gold Level
- City of Newton, N.C.
- Town of Cornelius, N.C.
- Town of Huntersville, N.C.
- Town of Pineville, N.C.
“Achieving the RP3 designation reflects a public power utility’s commitment to strong operations, reliable service, and continuous improvement,” said Andy Fusco, ElectriCities Chief Strategy Officer. “It gives our members a way to benchmark their performance against the highest national standards and to demonstrate the critical value their electric utility provides their community.”
The 11 ElectriCities member utilities are among the 118 utilities nationwide that earned the designation in 2026. In North Carolina, 24 public power communities hold RP3 designations—more than in any other state, and 29 ElectriCities members across the Carolinas and Virginia are RP3 designees. Designees retain their award level for three years before being required to re-apply.
“Congratulations to all our RP3-designated members, including Statesville Public Power for achieving a perfect score this year and Rocky Mount Energy Resources for being our member with the longest streak of Diamond designations,” Andy said. “We celebrate the commitment these utilities show every day to providing value to their employees, customers, and communities.”
A list of the ElectriCities member utilities with RP3 designation is available on our Awards and Accolades page. To see the national list of designees, visit www.PublicPower.org.