Columbia Power & Water Systems Recognized as a Reliable Public Power Provider
Earns highest national “Diamond” designation, while outperforming industry averages
COLUMBIA, Tenn. – Columbia Power & Water Systems has earned the Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3)® Diamond designation from the American Public Power Association for providing reliable and safe electric service.
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. CPWS joins more than 220 public power utilities nationwide that hold the RP3 designation. However, only 76 have earned the top-level Diamond designation.
“Utilities that have earned an RP3 designation demonstrate public power’s emphasis on achieving leading practices and providing a high level of service to communities,” said Teresa Beck, chairman of the Columbia Board of Public Utilities. “It is an honor to be recognized for this prestigious award and it certainly demonstrates CPWS’ commitment to excellence.”
Coinciding with the RP3 designation, CPWS also received national recognition for achieving exceptional electric reliability in 2016.
“Public power has a strong track record of reliability and clearly CPWS ranks among the very best and outperformed electric industry national averages,” added Wes Kelley, executive director for CPWS. “We are proud to receive these recognitions from APPA, as they are a testament to the hard work CPWS employees put forth each day to ensure the lights stay on for all our customers.”
Governed by the Board of Public Utilities, CPWS provides electric power to approximately 27,000 homes and businesses and clean water to more than 21,000 customers within the city of Columbia and much of Maury County, Tennessee. CPWS also offers PowerNet television, high-speed data, and telephone services to Columbia’s businesses and residents.