Rochester Public Utilities Earns Diamond Level RP3 Recognition for Second Straight Year

ROCHESTER, MN—Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) is one of 85 of the nation’s more than 2,000 public power utilities to earn Reliable Public Power ProviderTM (RP3) recognition from the American Public Power Association for providing consumers with the highest degree of reliable and safe electric service. RPU was one of three other utilities to achieve the diamond rating which is the highest level in the RP3 recognition. This is the second time RPU has achieved this rating. Utilities recertify for this recognition every two years. Terry Huval, director of utilities for Lafayette, La., Utilities System, and chair of the APPA Board of Directors, presented the designees on April 23, during the association’s annual Engineering & Operations Technical Conference, held in Indianapolis, Ind.

Pictured left to right- APPA RP3 Chair Paul Allen., Wally Schlink RPU, Kathy Wilson RPU, Electric Service and APPA Board Chair Terry Huval

“RP3 designees exemplify the highest standards of utility operations,” said Paul Allen, vice president, engineering at Nashville, Tenn., Electric Service and chair of APPA’s RP3 Review Panel, “These utilities are leading the way in providing reliable and safe electric service to their communities.”

The RP3 recognizes public power utilities that demonstrate proficiency in four key disciplines: reliability, safety, training and system improvement. Criteria within each category are based on sound business practices and represent a utility-wide commitment to safe and reliable delivery of electricity.

“We’re thrilled to join the ranks of RP3 designees around the country,” said Larry Koshire, General Manager of RPU. “This recognition is a testament to the quality work our employees do everyday.”

This is the third year that the RP3 award has been offered. A total of 130 utilities have received the RP3 designation to date. APPA is the national organization representing more than 2,000 not-for-profit, community- and state- owned electric utilities. It is located in Washington, D.C

About Rochester Public Utilities

As the municipal utility of Rochester, Minn., for more than 110 years, RPU provides high-quality and reliable electricity to over 45,000 customers. Water customers number more than 34,000. RPU continually investigates innovative technologies to help customers realize the best value from the services they receive. Current initiatives include fuel cell research, wind power, and photovoltaic offerings.

###