GRAND HAVEN, MICH., October 29, 2024 – At the 2024 American Public Power Association (APPA) Customer Connections Conference, the Grand Haven Board of Light and Power (BLP) received a three-year designation as a Smart Energy Provider in addition to earning the 2024 Customer Satisfaction Award.
The Smart Energy Provider designation recognizes the utility’s proficiency and commitment to energy efficiency and renewable energy while acknowledging the utility’s efforts to provide its residents with safe, reliable, low-cost, and sustainable electric service. The Smart Energy Provider award is valid through November 30, 2027, and honors the BLP for demonstrating exemplary practices in four areas:
- Smart Energy Program Structure
- Energy Efficiency and Distributed Energy Resources Programs
- Environmental and Sustainability Initiatives
- Customer Experience through Green Energy Programs
“Over the past 12 years, the BLP has consistently exceeded its sustainability goals resulting in a cumulative savings of over 30,000,000 kilowatt-hours per year while increasing our renewable energy portfolio to 24% of our annual energy needs,” said Robert Shelley, General Manager of the Grand Haven Board of Light and Power. “By helping our customers optimize and reduce their energy consumption, they’re also saving millions of dollars each year. This designation recognizes our focus on making affordable and sustainable power possible for our community well into the future.”
Additionally, the BLP received the 2024 Customer Satisfaction Award for its positive performance, based on feedback from customers, in eight areas, including:
- Overall customer satisfaction
- Positive customer service & field personnel interactions with customers
- Communications
- Innovative programs and services
The BLP scored significantly higher than state and national standards across each area according to feedback from the public in a recently conducted survey, earning a Silver Award for the category.
“We’re grateful for the positive feedback from the community we work so diligently to serve,” said Mike Westbrook, Chairman of the Grand Haven Board of Light and Power. “This award is a testament to our collaborative efforts across our entire team to provide the dependable service our neighbors need and trust. We received national recognition for exceeding standards on reliability, safety, and customer satisfaction and now as a Smart Energy Provider. For such a small community, we have a lot to be proud of with our locally controlled and locally owned BLP.”
The BLP serves over 15,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers in the City of Grand Haven, City of Ferrysburg, Grand Haven, Spring Lake, and Robinson Townships.
Picture left to right are Paul Cederquist (Utility Compliance Specialist), Austin Gagnon (Operations & Technical Services Engineer), Erik Booth (Operations & Power Supply Manager), and Kim Dutmers (Communications & Graphic Design Assistant).
October 30 2024 Tribune Article BLP Earns Pair of National Awards
American Public Power Association Smart Energy Provider Designees
American Public Power Association Silver Customer Satisfaction Survey Winner
