Jackson Energy Authority Honored to Earn Highest Level National Recognition for Reliable Electric Operations for an Unprecedented 6 th Consecutive Time
Jackson Energy Authority Honored to Earn Highest Level National Recognition for
Reliable Electric Operations for an Unprecedented 6 th Consecutive Time
Washington, DC/Jackson, TN/May 9, 2017 – Jackson Energy Authority today again made history as it
became the ONLY public power provider in the nation to receive the American Public Power Association’s
Reliable Public Power Provider (RP 3 ) Diamond designee for the 6 th consecutive time. David Lynch, Assistant
Director of Utility Operations at Marquette Board of Light and Power, Michigan and chair of the Association’s
RP 3 Review Panel, presented the designations during the Association’s annual Engineering & Operations
Technical Conference in San Antonio, Texas.
The RP 3 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. Jackson Energy
Authority joins more than 220 public power utilities nationwide that hold the RP 3 designation.
“Utilities that have earned an RP 3 designation demonstrate public power’s emphasis on achieving leading
practices and providing a high level of service to communities,” said Lynch. “We are proud to welcome all
utilities earning this recognition for the first time and to those renewing their designations.”
Jim Ferrell, President/CEO of the Jackson Energy Authority stated, “JEA’s unparalleled sixth reception of the
APPA Diamond RP3 designation is a credit to the service dedication and expertise of JEA personnel. Service to
community and the economic growth of our community are the primary objectives of all we do at JEA. This
award is an appreciated recognition of our efforts and of Jackson, TN as a desired place for industrial and
business investment.”
Monte Cooper, Sr. Vice President of Electric at JEA noted the importance of the 6-time Diamond RP3
designation. “JEA is honored to have earned an RP3 Diamond designation once again this year, as it is the
highest, most difficult level of recognition to earn. But, more importantly, we’re proud to be the only public
power provider in the nation to have maintained this level of designation for a record-breaking 6th consecutive
time. It is confirmation of our history of excellent service and a testament to the dedication of our employees who
work hard every year to provide the highest level of service to our community.”
Robert Mullins, JEA Senior Manager of Operations stated, “The collective and company-wide work that this
award represents is what makes this recognition so special. To be recognized by your peers with an award like
this makes me proud of JEA and all of the employees that did such a great job to make it possible.”
The American Public Power Association developed the RP3 Award in 2006 to recognize public utility systems
for their reliable power delivery, safe work practices and system innovation. RP3 recognizes Reliable Public
Power Providers.
According to the APPA, RP3 Awards are by no means automatic. Utilities must meet at least 80-89 percent of the
criteria to win RP3 recognition at the Gold level. If a utility meets 90-97 percent of the criteria it earns Platinum
RP3 designation. Utilities that meet 98-100 percent of the criteria qualify for Diamond RP3 recognition. Utilities
that wish to maintain their RP3 status must re-apply every three years. The intent of the re-application process is
to ensure RP3 utilities are consistently striving to improve the quality of their system based on the four criteria
covered in the application.
This Diamond recognition in 2017 made the Jackson Energy Authority the only system in RP3 history to receive
the highest level designation in every year it has been presented.
Jackson Energy Authority – Diamond RP3 – 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2017.
The American Public Power Association is the voice of not-for- profit, community-owned utilities that power 49
million people in 2,000 towns and cities nationwide. The Association advocates and advises on electricity policy,
technology, trends, training, and operations.
For additional information:
Steve Bowers, Jackson Energy Authority Communications Manager, 731-422- 7459 / sbowers@jaxenergy.com
Tobias Sellier, APPA, 202-467- 2927 Michael Hyland, APPA, 202-467- 2986
For more information about RP3 designees levels (Diamond, Platinum, Gold) visit: www.publicpower.org
