We’re Proud to be Platinum!

RP3. Reliable Public Power Provider.We are always looking for ways to improve and applying for a RP3 designation from the American Public Power Association (APPA) is a recommended way to gauge our work compared to other community-owned utilities. RP3 stands for Reliable Public Power Provider and the RP3 program allows utilities like Central Lincoln to receive a “peer review” of practices in four areas:

Reliability, Safety, Workforce Development and System Improvement.

Left: Mike Hyland, American Public Power Association Senior Vice President of Engineering Services, Center: Randy Grove, Central Lincoln’s Director of Engineering and Operations, Right: Neil James, Manager of Distribution Operations at ‎Santee Cooper, South Carolina and chair of the Association’s RP3 Review Panel

An RP3 designation highlights efficient, safe and reliable operation. The application process is extensive, and includes documentation and follow-up information requests in each of the four areas highlighted. An 18-member panel of national experts scores each utility’s application and if warranted, awards an RP3  designation based on how well program criteria are met: Gold is 80-89%, Platinum is 90-97% and Diamond is 98-100%.

We are pleased to report we were awarded Platinum RP3 status on our first try—with a score of 92.2! But clearly we still have areas in which we can improve.

The RP3 judging panel recommended we participate in a national reliability benchmarking survey or service, perform more frequent reviews of our emergency action plan, conduct emergency drills more often, and increase our distribution system analysis and planning. We can apply again in three years, and are hoping to earn Diamond status then.