Cleveland Public Power recognized for reliable electric operations

On March 25, 2013, Cleveland Public Power (CPP) was recognized for its commitment to the highest degree of reliable and safe electric service by the American Public Power Association (APPA). CPP was honored with the Reliable Public Power Provider (RP₃®) designation which recognizes public power utilities that demonstrate proficiency in four key disciplines: reliability, safety, workforce development and system improvement.

Brent McKinney, chair of APPA’s RP3 Review Panel and manager, electric transmission and distribution at City Utilities of Springfield, Mo., (far left) are pictured with CPP’s RP3 Team co-captain Marcia Hines, Commissioner Ivan Henderson, co-captain Valerie Banks and Mike Hyland, APPA senior vice president, engineering services (far right).

“Receiving the RP₃ platinum designation means a lot to us,” said Ivan Henderson, Commissioner of Cleveland Public Power. “This is the first time that we have applied for RP₃ designation and to come just a few points shy of 100 percent is awesome. It’s an honor to be recognized on a national level for the work we are doing here in Cleveland. It is a testament to the dedication of our employees to their community,” he said.  The RP₃ designation comes in three levels – gold, platinum and diamond.

Cleveland Mayor Frank G. Jackson said of the recognition, “This recognition confirms what we in the City of Cleveland have known – we have a safe, reliable and competitive utility in Cleveland Public Power. They are working diligently to provide the best service available.”

Commissioner Henderson also said the recognition confirms the work that CPP has done over the last several years to position itself as a leader in the electric utility industry. “I am proud to say that as a team we succeeded.”

CPP’s reliability record was affirmed late last year as the utility lead electric service restoration following hurricane Sandy and helped restore customers outside of the city. CPP’s safety record had been confirmed locally and regionally over the last four years when the utility received The City of Cleveland’s “Most Improved Division in Employee Safety” for both 2010 and 2011 as well as a Safety Commendation from American Municipal Power in 2012.

The RP₃ program designates four specific areas to measure a utility’s adequacy in providing system proficiency. Reliability represents 30 percent of the total points required; safety and work development each represent 25 percent and system improvement makes up the remaining 20 percent. Criteria within each designated area are based upon sound business practices and a utility-wide commitment to a safe and reliable delivery of service.

The APPA Lineworkers Rodeo rocks into Cleveland, OH in 3 Days!

In just 3 days Cleveland Public Power will co-host the 12th Annual Lineworkers Rodeo at Marquette Field, 1146 Marquette St. just south of the Lake Erie Shores. This day long competition will feature Public Power Lineworkers from all over the United States, and Guam exhibiting their skill and knowledge in simulated real life situations.

This free event is open to the public and will take place at Marquette Field, 1146 Marquette Avenue between St. Clair and South Marginal Road, beginning at 7:30 a.m. and continuing until 3 p.m.

“This is a great opportunity to showcase the skill and knowledge of our lineworkers,” said CPP Commissioner Ivan Henderson. “The Rodeo gives our residents an opportunity to see first-hand what it takes to bring power into their homes, and it affords our guys the opportunity to participate in some good natured competition that helps improve their skills.”

“While the events look like fun they simulate real life scenarios that linemen are exposed to everyday,” said Steven Holland, co-chair of the Rodeo Committee. “The anxiety of the events being judged on time and safety while in competition with your industry peers provides an environment of learning from the best of the best.”

Cleveland Public Power lineworkers (l-r) Jeff Bremer, Jim Maly, Shemill Johnson and Davey Morales are geared up and ready to compete in the 12th Annual APPA Lineworkers Rodeo Saturday, April 14th. (Photo by Shelley M. Shockley)

In addition to hosting the Rodeo, CPP will have one team and eight apprentices competing. The utility will raffle off a quilt at the event with all proceeds to benefit Youth Opportunities Unlimited (Y.O.U.), a local non-profit working to empower Cleveland youth between the ages of 14-19.

This family-friendly event also features a Kids’ Zone with inflatables, face painting, coloring areas and games.

For more information on the Lineworkers Rodeo, please visit http://www.publicpower.org/rodeo/ or http://www.cpp.org/rodeo.html.