For the fifth time, Memphis Light, Gas and Water has earned the American Public Power Association's (APPA) Reliable Public Power Provider (RP₃ ®) recognition for providing customers with the highest degree of reliable and safe electric service. However, 2015 marks the first time ever that MLGW earned the highest honor given, the Diamond award. MLGW joins 26 other utilities nationwide who received the Diamond award in 2015.

The RP₃ designation recognizes public power utilities that demonstrate proficiency in four areas: reliability, safety, workforce development 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. MLGW will have the RP₃ designation for three years.

“Utilities that have earned APPA’s RP₃ designation are implementing best practices for the industry, and are a testament to public power’s commitment to serving their community,” said Kenneth Stone, Energy Services and Accounting Manager at Braintree Electric Light Department of Braintree, Mass., and executive committee member of APPA’s RP₃ Review Panel.

“We’re honored to receive the RP₃ designation,” said Jerry Collins, Jr., President and CEO, MLGW. “MLGW employees put in a lot of hard work to serve our community. RP₃ represents a much appreciated recognition of this hard work.”

This is the tenth year that RP₃ recognition has been offered. APPA is the national organization representing more than 2,000 not-for-profit, community- and state- owned electric utilities. It is located in Arlington, VA.