Award Bequeathed to Farmington Electric Utility

Farmington Electric Utility Service, FEUS, has earned the Reliable Public Power Provider RP3 designation from the American Public Power Association for providing reliable and safe electric service. You're watching the Local NEWS Network brought to you by CMIT Solutions and Northern Edge Casino. I'm Hayley Opsal. FEUS was one of 109 utility services receiving a RP3 designation this year. It's considered an honor signifying a utility has demonstrated commitment to industry best practices.

At our level or better, only 10% of the utilities across the United States are recognized for what they do.

The RP3 designation, which lasts for three years, recognizes public power utilities that demonstrate efficiency in four key disciplines: reliability, workforce development, system improvement, and safety.

Safe from everything, you know. We have a lot of equipment. We work with energized lines. You know, we have people in the field, so there's driving hazards, traffic hazards. And then when you talk about the community, we have to make sure that the community's safe as well. That our equipment's in good working condition. That we're fencing off. That we're posting for hazardous conditions. We're aware of our surroundings. Physical and cybersecurity is really big right now. We've seen a lot of that in the industry. There was a big spike nationwide in sabotage events, and so it's of heightened awareness for us to make sure that our crews are safe and the community's safe. You know, we don't need any kind of break-ins or incidents into the facilities where that puts the public at risk.

Director Adair said he was honored by the recognition of his utility and all the hard work his staff of 183 perform each day to provide crucial service to the community. But how did the award come about?

Actually, I approached the director and asked him if we could go ahead and apply for this award. And he told me, "Really, with all the other work you have to do?" and I said, "Sure, let's try it out." And it turns out, I didn't do it, I didn't do but maybe 10% of the work. It was the whole team got together and we all put our heads together and got all the information that was required for the application. Turned it in, and APPA sent us back and said you've been awarded. And we went back for negotiation to get a few extra points, and we wound up getting the platinum level instead of the gold level. So that's like a second place level. So we're not perfect, but we're pretty darn good.

The American Public Power Association has offered the FP3 designation for 18 years. It's the voice of not-for-profit community owned utilities that provide power to over 49 million Americans in 2000 towns and cities across the nation. For more information on this and other stories, go to farmingtonlocal.news. Thank you for watching this edition on the Local NEWS Network. I'm Hayley Opsal.