Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3) – We Are Diamond
“Earning the Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3) designation is something for both our organization and community to be proud of. The prestigious Diamond designation illustrates that our service meets the highest professional standards which is something we work hard to emulate each and every day. I am very proud of this organization and its commitment to the communities in which we serve.”
– Roger Kline, NWCPUD General Manager
In 2021, NWCPUD met 98.5 percent of the required criteria to receive diamond level designation for operational excellence, including a verified, utility-wide commitment to safe and reliable delivery of electricity to our customer-owners. This also means we are being recognized for the successful execution of sound business practices more consistently and reliably than the competition, resulting in lower operational risk and lower operating costs. This highest level of diamond distinction in the RP3 classification tier, which lasts for three years, recognizes community-owned, not-for-profit, public power utilities that also demonstrate leading practices in four key areas:
-
Reliability
The reliability of an electric system goes beyond keeping the lights on. It also involves important steps like collecting and analyzing reliability data, having a mutual aid agreement, and committing to cyber and physical security.
-
Safety
Industry leaders aim to create a culture of safety at each utility, ensuring safe standards for employees and customers. Commitment to safety must begin with top management, adherence to a thorough safety manual, and should be included in all aspects of operations from generation to line work.
-
Workforce Development
Dedicated employees are the key to a great utility. Offering professional development and networking opportunities helps show employees that they are valued, while succession planning and recruitment efforts ensure continuity in a changing workforce.
-
System Improvement
Utilities maintain the integrity of their systems and promote long-term planning by keeping an eye on the future through research and development and a commitment to system betterment programs, which can help utilities provide reliable services in the future.
RP3 distinction between utilities is not a generalized, “rubberstamp program” but involves a significant amount of focus, data collection, and collaboration on behalf of national utility experts, the APPA and your local NWCPUD to determine this level of operational excellence:
The Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3) program is a national designation of operational excellence granted by the American Public Power Association (APPA). Your Northern Wasco County People’s Utility District is currently one of over 240 of the nation’s more than 2,000 public power utilities that have earned an RP3 designation recognizing them for providing communities with the highest degree of reliable and safe electric service. RP3 designations are awarded at three levels — Gold for utilities meeting 80 to 89 percent of the requirements, Platinum for 90 to 97 percent, and Diamond for meeting 98 to 100 percent of the requirements in all four areas.
Click here for more RP3 designation information at APPA’s website
