UTILITY INDUSTRY SETS HIGH BAR WITH RP3 PROGRAM

Electrical District No. 3 (ED3) has earned a Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3)® Diamond Level designation from the American Public Power Association (APPA) for providing reliable and safe electric service. This prestigious three-year accreditation recognizes public power utilities that demonstrate sound business practices and a utility-wide commitment to safe and reliable delivery of electricity. ED3 joins an elite group of more than 245 public power utilities across the nation that meet the RP3 program's rigorous standards.

“Receiving an RP3 designation is a great honor signifying a utility has demonstrated commitment to industry best practices,” said Troy Adams, Chair of APPA’s RP3 Review Panel and General Manager at Manitowoc Public Utilities, Wisconsin. "And ultimately, the culture developed from this pursuit of excellence and continued improvement through the RP3 program results in measurable value delivered to the local community.” 

The American Public Power Association recognizes four leading practices as indicators of a Reliable Public Power Provider: Reliability, Safety, Workforce Development and System Development. To earn the RP3 credential, utilities must provide extensive documentation and evidence that their policies, procedures, and metrics meet high standards set forth by the program. An application guide spells out stringent criteria in each of the four disciplines:

Reliability - Utilities must demonstrate practices for collecting and analyzing reliability data, maintaining mutual aid agreements, emergency planning for disasters and cyber/physical security preparedness.

Safety - Creating a culture of safety from the top down is paramount. Safety protocols must cover all operations, from power generation to line work. Measurables like safety metrics, frontline worker protections, and rigorous safety training are evaluated. Comprehensive safety manuals utilized utility-wide are required.

Workforce Development - Training programs for staff, such as webinars, workshops, college courses and in-house initiatives are assessed. Utilities must show how they provide networking opportunities with other public power peers and promote employee involvement in state/regional/national committees.

System Improvement - Long-term planning through asset management and system improvement initiatives are reviewed. Research and development programs aimed at maintaining distribution system and financial health must be in place.

With a rigorous review process that utilities must undergo every three years for RP3 re-credentialing, the program ensures a committed effort to constant learning and continuous improvement in line with industry best practices. ED3 sees the RP3 program as an opportunity to objectively review operations and pinpoint areas for improvement.

The RP3 Review Panel, comprising 18 members, meticulously evaluates utility applications. Six panelists are officers from APPA's Safety, Transmission & Distribution, and System Planning committees. The other 12 are appointed by APPA's Board chair, including a joint action agency/state association representative, two each from small/medium/large utilities, and members focused on reliability, safety, system improvement and human resources.

Panel members serve two-year terms, with a maximum of three consecutive terms. Vacancies are filled through an open nomination process. The panel convenes in October and December annually to score and vote on RP3 applications, with an executive committee handling interim items.

With its diverse, experienced membership and rigorous review process that utilities must undergo every three years for re-credentialing, the RP3 program ensures a committed effort to constant learning and continuous improvement in line with industry best practices.

ED3 employees expressed pride in attaining this distinguished designation, which validates their procedures and commitment to providing top-tier electricity delivery. ED3 has pledged to uphold and enhance the workplace culture that contributed to obtaining the RP3 certification.

The RP3 accreditation affirms ED3’s daily mission of operating an efficient, safe electric utility that serves the Maricopa and Stanfield community. Aiming to build upon this achievement, ED3 is reinforcing its role as a premier public power provider through operational excellence and continuous improvement.