Fifty-two of the nation’s more than 2,000 public power utilities earned the Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3®) designation from the American Public Power Association for providing reliable and safe electric service.

The RP3 designation, which lasts for three years, recognizes public power utilities that demonstrate proficiency in four key disciplines: reliability, safety, workforce development, and system improvement. Criteria include sound business practices and a utility-wide commitment to safe and reliable delivery of electricity. This year, 52 utilities earned the designation, and a total of 251 public power utilities nationwide hold the RP3 designation. 

“Receiving an RP3 designation is a great honor signifying a utility has demonstrated commitment to industry best practices,” said Jeremy Ash, Chair of APPA’s RP3 Review Panel and General Manager at Kansas City Board of Public Utilities, Kansas. "And ultimately, the culture developed from this pursuit of excellence and continued improvement through the RP3 program results in measurable value delivered to the local community.” 
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This is the 20th year that RP3 recognition has been offered.
Congratulations to the Iowa designees:

Diamond Level
Muscatine Power & Water, IA (2023)

Platinum Level
Cedar Falls Utilities, IA (2023)
Spencer Municipal Utilities, IA (2023)

Gold Level
Algona Municipal Utilities, IA (2023)
Waverly Utilities, IA (2024)

Lineman Appreciation Day is observed on April 18 every year. This day honors the hard work that women and men put in to keep the power on.
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Our linemen are the first responders in our community, working around the clock in difficult and dangerous conditions to keep power flowing through our homes and the community. Lineworkers work all hours of the day and night, sacrificing time away from their families to go above and beyond in restoring power and ensuring our members’ needs are met.

Here are some ideas for Lineman Appreciation Day:

Practical Gestures:

• "Thank You" Banner: Hang a banner on the warehouse dock or office to show appreciation. 
• Breakfast or Lunch: Treat linemen to a warm breakfast or lunch, perhaps with biscuits
  or other treats. 
• Refreshments: Offer lemonade or other drinks to crews returning from work. 
• Gift Baskets: Create gift baskets with lineman-themed items like tools, snacks, or apparel. 
• Personalized Gifts: Consider personalized gifts like mugs, pens, or hats with lineman themes. 
• Lineman-Themed Items: Offer items like spool tables, wooden cable reels, or lineman shirts. 

Expressions of Gratitude:

• Social Media Shout-Outs: Use social media to thank linemen and share their stories. 
• Community Appreciation: Encourage community members to say thank you to linemen. 
• Thank You Cards: Ask local schools or organizations to make cards for Lineworker Appreciation Day. 
• Honk and Wave: Simple gestures like honking and waving to linemen as they pass by
  can show appreciation. 
• Invite Local Press: Invite local media to cover the event and highlight the work of linemen.
• Create a Web Page: Develop a web page with a form