April 22, 2026

WPPI Energy member utilities nationally recognized for safety and reliability

Member Utilities

Sixteen WPPI Energy member utilities recently received national recognition for their commitment to providing safe and reliable electricity to their community.

American Public Power Association announced the winners of its Safety Award of Excellence and Reliable Public Power designations during the Engineering & Operations Conference, where 16 WPPI members utilities received the safety award. Three of the awardees were also designated as RP3 utilities.

APPA has presented safety awards for more than 68 years. Utility entrants are categorized by their number of worker hours and ranked based on their incident-free performance, utility safety culture and the overall state of utility safety programs. WPPI member utilities were among the 240 safety award recipients nationwide in 2026.

Congratulations to these WPPI members for receiving the safety award:

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

“These utilities are committed to keeping their lineworkers safe and systems functioning at their best,” said Chris Chartier, assistant vice president of distribution services at WPPI. “This award emphasizes that the most important goal utilities have is making sure the lights stay on and everyone gets home safely at the end of the day.”

In addition to safety awards, three WPPI members renewed their designation from APPA as reliable public power providers. Recipients of the RP3 recognition, which lasts three years, demonstrate proficiency in four key disciplines: reliability, safety, workforce development and system improvement. RP3 award criteria prioritize sound business practices and a commitment to the safe delivery of electricity. APPA has been presenting RP3 honors for 21 years. Nationally, 118 utilities held the designation in 2026.

Congratulations to this year’s RP3 designees:

• Evansville Water & Light
• Kaukauna Utilities
• Menasha Utilities

There are also eight WPPI member utilities that currently hold the three-year designation:

• Cedarburg Light & Water
• Plymouth Utilities
• City Utilities of Richland Center
• River Falls Municipal Utilities
• Stoughton Utilities
• Sun Prairie Utilities
• Two Rivers Utilities
• Waupun Utilities

“RP3 designated utilities are focused on safety and long-term financial stability while maintaining competitive rates and this designation highlights that,” Chartier said. “WPPI member utilities not only value safety, but they go above and beyond to maintain reliable energy in their communities.”