(July 12, 2011) — For the third time in six years, Memphis Light, Gas and Water has earned the American Public Power Association's (APPA) Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3 ®) recognition for providing consumers with the highest degree of reliable and safe electric service. A utility can qualify for the award once every two years.

This year, 82 of the nation’s more than 2,000 public power utilities earned recognition. The 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.

"The RP3 award is independent confirmation that we at MLGW are working to improve our customers’ quality of service," stated Jerry Collins Jr., President and CEO. "I am proud of our employees’ commitment to providing safe, reliable, and cost effective electric services to our customers. This award is a testament to this commitment."

Paul Allen, vice president, engineering at Nashville Electric Service and chair of APPA’s RP3 Review Panel, presented the designees with their awards on March 21, during the association’s annual Engineering & Operations Technical Conference, held in Nashville.

“These RP3 designated utilities should be proud,” said Allen, “They stand out as utilities that are continuing to strive for excellence for their customers and their communities.”

MLGW received a platinum designation in 2007 and 2009, the second highest award; diamond is the highest. This is the sixth year that the RP3 designation has been offered. More information, including a full list of designees, is available at www.APPAnet.org.

MLGW is the largest three-service public power utility in the nation, serving more than 429,000 customers in Memphis and Shelby County.