The Kansas City, Kansas, Board of Public Utilities was recognized in 2018 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 (RP3) Platinum award from the American Public Power Association (APPA), according to a BPU spokesman.
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.
“This recognition highlights BPU’s continued commitment to safety and reliability, and the quality of electric service we provide to our community,” BPU General Manager Don L. Gray said in a news release. “BPU’s selection as a Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3) is a result of our employee’s ongoing commitment and dedication, and distinguishes BPU as one of the top public utilities in the nation.”
Neil James, manager of distribution operations at Santee Cooper, South Carolina, and chair of the Association’s RP3 Review Panel, presented the designations on April 30 during the association’s annual Engineering and Operations Technical Conference held in Raleigh, North Carolina.
“This designation is about more than just reliability. It’s about operational excellence,” James said. “These utilities and their communities should be proud to represent the best of the best in the areas of reliability, safety, workforce development and system improvement.”