The  Marquette Board of Light and Power (MBLP) is one of only 84 municipal electric utilities nationwide to earn the Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3) designation from the American Public Power Association (APPA) for providing customers with the highest degree of reliable and safe electric service.

“This is a tremendous honor for the utility and is a reflection of the utility employees’ hard work and dedication combined with continued system and technological improvements that enabled the utility to earn this honor,” said Board Chair Tom Humphrey. 

Superintendent of Distribution David Lynch who applied for the designation accepted the Gold Level award a recent national APPA conference.  Executive Director Kirby Juntila announced the utility’s receipt of the award at its recent Board meeting. Mr. Lynch outlined for the Board that 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.

“Executive Director Kirby Juntila’s commitment to reinvesting in our workforce through training and development was a key component in receiving the award,” Lynch said. He added the award reflects the utility’s proactive approach through strategic planning and thanked the Board for its continued financial support of projects and technology that further enhance system reliability.

“We are thrilled to join the ranks of RP3 designees across the country,” Juntila said. “This recognition is a testament to the quality work and service provided by our employees every day.” He added that of the nation’s more than 2,000 public power utilities, only two other municipal utilities in Michigan have earned the RP3 designation – the Lansing Board of Water & Light and the City of Marshall.

Along with the award, Lynch said the MBLP will receive a “report card” indicating criteria levels the utility met at the Gold Level. In 2010, the utility will be eligible to resubmit for the RP3 designation and will work toward the Diamond Level or achieving 100 percent of the criteria. Currently only three utilities in the nation have earned the Diamond Level.

The RP3 logo will be featured on all utility vehicles as part of the two year designation period, Lynch said