April 04, 2025

WPPI Energy member utilities recognized for safety, reliability excellence

Member Utilities

Four member utilities of WPPI Energy recently earned a Reliable Public Power Provider designation. In total, 52 public power utilities nationwide received the distinction from American Public Power Association. APPA also granted 16 member utilities with the Safety Award of Excellence, with three overlapping in their accomplishments.

 

RP3 Designation

APPA first gave out RP3 awards 20 years ago. Recipients of the reliable public power designation, which lasts three years, earn the recognition by demonstrating proficiency in reliability, safety, workforce development and system improvement. The utility must show a utility-wide commitment to the safe delivery of electricity to each home and business within their service area.

Congratulations to the locally owned municipal utilities that received the RP3 designation this year:

  • Cedarburg Light & Water Utility
  • Plymouth Utilities
  • Stoughton Utilities
  • Waupun Utilities

“These utilities are committed to keeping their lineworkers safe and systems functioning at their best,” said Chris Chartier, WPPI Energy assistant vice president of distribution services. “RP3 designated utilities prove they are focused on safety and long-term financial stability while maintaining competitive rates. This award emphasizes that the number one goal for our utilities is making sure the lights stay on and everyone gets home safely at the end of the day.”

Chartier serves on APPA’s RP3 committee. His expertise has helped many WPPI Energy members achieve RP3 status since he first served on the committee from 2006 to 2014.

These designated utilities join other members of WPPI that received the RP3 award in 2023 and 2024: Kaukauna Utilities, Menasha Utilities, River Falls Municipal Utilities, Waunakee Utilities, Sun Prairie Utilities, City Utilities of Richland Center and Two Rivers Utilities.

Safety Award of Excellence

Sixteen members of WPPI Energy received the award for outstanding safety practices. APPA named 202 recipients of the prestigious award nationwide. Categories ranked entrants by their number of worker-hours, based on incident-free performance and the overall state of their safety programs and culture in 2024.

Congratulations to the 16 utilities that received this award:

  • Columbus Utilities
  • Evansville Water & Light
  • Florence Utilities
  • Hartford Utilities
  • Kaukauna Utilities
  • Menasha Utilities
  • New London Utilities
  • Oconto Falls Municipal Utility
  • Plymouth Utilities
  • Richland Center, City Utilities of
  • River Falls Municipal Utilities
  • Stoughton Utilities
  • Sturgeon Bay Utilities
  • Sun Prairie Utilities
  • Waunakee Utilities
  • Waupun Utilities