News Release – Grand Haven Board of Power & Light (GHBLP) has earned a Diamond-level Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3)® designation from the American Public Power Association for providing reliable and safe electric service. In alignment with the strategic plan set forward by the Board five years ago, the utility’s concerted investment in distribution technology and safety best practices helped earn this industry-leading designation.
“Our customer-owners have continually identified reliability as the most important component to their relationship with the BLP,” said David Walters, GHBLP general manager. “We’re really proud of the hard work and innovation our team has invested into modernizing our electricity distribution and metering infrastructure.”
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.
“I think over the last year or so, we’ve seen the vital importance of running a reliable and safe utility,” says Aaron Haderle, Chair of APPA’s RP3 Review Panel and Manager of Transmission and Distribution Operations at Kissimmee Utility Authority, Florida. “The utilities receiving the RP3 designation have proven that they are committed to running a top-notch public power utility by implementing industry best practices.”
GHBLP’s designation comes on the heels of its announcement of design plans for the redevelopment of its Harbor Island site after the retirement of J.B. Sims coal power plant. The utility plans to continue investing in community reliability and rate stability by developing an Operations and Technology Center at the site, including combined heat & power generation and workspace for distribution and metering operations. The site also includes space for the deployment of additional reliability measures in the future potentially including advanced energy storage or other enhanced reliability technology.
About GHBLP
Founded in 1896, Grand Haven Board of Light and Power is a public, community-owned utility, providing electricity for approximately 14,800 customers in Grand Haven and the surrounding area.
About APPA
The American Public Power Association has offered the RP3 designation for 16 years. APPA is the voice of not-for-profit, community-owned utilities that power 49 million people in 2,000 towns and cities nationwide. APPA advocates and advises on electricity policy, technology, trends, training, and operations.
