Seven 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%.
Congratulations to these 2025 RP3 designees:
Diamond Level
- City of New Bern, N.C.
- Fayetteville Public Works Commission (N.C.)
Platinum Level
- City of Concord, N.C.
- City of Lexington, N.C.
- Danville Utilities (Va.)
- Town of Front Royal (Va.)
Gold Level
- Town of Clayton, N.C.
“The RP3 designation demonstrates that a public power utility follows industry best practices in utility management and operations,” said Andy Fusco, ElectriCities Chief Strategy Officer. “It allows our members to benchmark their electric utility with the highest national standards, and it’s indicative of the value the utility delivers to its community.”
The seven ElectriCities member utilities are among the 52 utilities nationwide that earned the designation in 2025. In North Carolina, 23 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 for the award.
“Congratulations to all our RP3-designated members,” Andy said. “Their efforts reflect their commitment to providing value to their employees, customers, and communities, enabling them to deliver on public power’s purpose defined in our strategic plan.”
A full list of the ElectriCities member utilities with RP3 designation is available on the Awards and Accolades page on the ElectriCities website. To see the national list of designees, visit www.PublicPower.org.