For More Information Contact:
Lance Robertson, 984-4716
Eugene Water & Electric Board

April 30, 2007

Utility recognized for high electric service reliability

The American Public Power Association (APPA) has recognized the Eugene Water & Electric Board for providing its customers with the highest level of electric service reliability.

EWEB was one of only 48 of the nation’s 2,014 public utilities to earn  status as a “Reliable Public Power Provider.” The certification program was inaugurated last year to recognize public utilities that meet high standards for safe and reliable power.

“This recognition makes it clear that EWEB ranks as one of the top utilities in the nation when it comes to providing its customers with reliable and safe power,” said Dave Koski, EWEB’s distribution reliability manager.

The RP3 program has three levels of attainment: “Gold,” “Platinum” and “Diamond,” with Diamond being the highest.  To earn a RP3 designation, utilities must submit to an APPA review committee verification of their practices and accomplishments in four areas: reliability (such as a low outage rate and quick restoration time average), safety, training and system improvements. EWEB was awarded the “Platinum” level. To achieve the “Platinum” level, a utility must receive at least 90 out of a maximum 100 points in the four benchmark areas. A utility receives the “Diamond” level with a perfect score of 100.

EWEB has increased its reinvestment in system upgrades and maintenance following a 4.6 percent overall rate increase approved by commissioners in 2004 to address the utility’s aging electric distribution network of poles, wires, substations and other facilities. Koski said the award is a reflection of commissioners’ commitment to maintaining and improving the electric system, as well as recognition of the work by the utility’s electric line crews and others who maintain the system and respond quickly to outages.

“The RP3 designation represents a concerted effort on the utility’s behalf to exemplify the highest standards of utility operations,” added Paul Allen, vice president of engineering at the Nashville (Tenn.) Electric Service and the chair of the review panel. “The utility and the community should be very proud of this achievement.”

The APPA is a national organization representing not-for-profit, municipal, community and state owned electric utilities.