(KANSAS CITY, Kan.) —The Kansas City Board of Public Utilities (BPU) has earned a Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3)® designation from the American Public Power Association for providing reliable and safe electric service.
BPU was recognized as one of the country’s most reliable and safe electric utilities. BPU is one of a select few of the more than 2,000 public utility companies in the nation to receive the Reliable Public Power Provider Platinum Award from the American Public Power Association (APPA).
The RP3 designation, which lasts for three years, recognizes public power utilities that demonstrate proficiency in four key areas: reliability, safety, training and system improvement. The measurements are based on sound business practices and a utility-wide commitment to safe and reliable delivery of electricity. BPU joins more than 270 public power utilities nationwide that hold this designation. There are more than 2,000 public power utilities nationwide.
“This recognition highlights BPU’s continued commitment to safety and reliability, and the quality of electric service we provide to our community,” said BPU General Manager Bill Johnson. “BPU’s selection as a Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3) is a result of our employee’s on-going commitment and dedication, and distinguishes BPU as one of the top public utilities in the nation.”
“I think over the last year or so, we’ve seen the vital importance of running a reliable and safe utility,” says Aaron Haderle, Chair of APPA’s RP3 Review Panel and Manager of Transmission and Distribution Operations at Kissimmee Utility Authority, Florida.
“The utilities receiving the RP3 designation have proven that they are committed to running a top-notch public power utility by implementing industry best practices,” he said.
About APPA
The American Public Power Association is the voice of not-for-profit, community-owned utilities that power 49 million people in 2,000 towns and cities nationwide. APPA advocates and advises on electricity policy, technology, trends, training and operations.
About BPU
BPU’s water department was originally created in 1909, and its electric utility was operational in 1912. The purpose of the utility, then and to this day, is to provide the highest quality electric and water services at the lowest possible cost. Today the publicly owned utility serves approximately 65,000 electric and 53,000 water customers, primarily in Wyandotte County, Kansas. The mission of the utility and its employees is “to focus on the needs of our customers, to improve the quality of life in our community while promoting safe, reliable and sustainable utilities.” BPU’s Web site is www.bpu.com.