Tacoma Power was recently recognized by the American Public Power Association (APPA) for its reliable, safe electric service.
APPA gave 29 of the country’s public power utilities an “RP3” designation, meaning “Reliable Public Power Provider.” The designation is a reflection of a utility’s high proficiency in reliability, safety, workforce development and system improvement.
Only 219 of the more than 2,000 public power utilities across the country hold the RP3 designation, which lasts for three years.
Criteria within each of the four RP3 areas are based upon sound business practices and recognized industry-leading practices. Entries were judged by 18 APPA panel members.
Key elements of Tacoma Power’s success include:
- Collecting and analyzing reliability data
- Having a mutual aid agreement with other utilities
- Running a strong vegetation management program to prevent power outages
- Holding annual refresher trainings for bucket truck rescue, ladder safety, pole-top rescue and CPR
- Conducting disaster drills
- Running successful power conservation programs
- Analyzing long-term infrastructure needs
“I’m proud of our team,” said Tacoma Power Superintendent Chris Robinson. “We are dedicated to providing our customers with safe and reliable power, and being honored with this RP3 designation is one more way to show it.”