Cabarrus Today

The City of Concord Electric Systems Department has been awarded the Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3) designation by the American Public Power Association (APPA) for its reliable and safe electric service. This distinction reflects the utility's long-standing service to the community and dedication to customer focus, according to a recent announcement.

Concord Electric Systems has been operating for over 120 years, emphasizing its role as a community-owned, not-for-profit public power utility. Mayor Bill Dusch highlighted the achievement at the April 8 City Council meeting, stating, "The RP3 designation is an incredible testament to the hard work of the men and women of the Concord Electric Systems Department and their commitment to providing families and businesses with exceptional service."

Dusch further praised the utility's efforts, noting, "When the power goes out, we know they’ll be there to get it back on quickly and safely, and they’re not just maintaining the status quo but continuously innovating and improving our electric system to meet our community’s needs now and into the future."

Concord Electric Systems joins an exclusive group of 52 utilities nationwide to receive the RP3 designation in 2025, out of more than 2,000 public power utilities across the country. In all, 251 utilities have achieved this status.

Jeremy Ash, Chair of APPA’s RP3 Review Panel and General Manager at Kansas City Board of Public Utilities, Kansas, commented on the significance of the designation: “Receiving an RP3 designation is a great honor signifying a utility has demonstrated commitment to industry best practices. And ultimately, the culture developed from this pursuit of excellence and continued improvement through the RP3 program results in measurable value delivered to the local community.”

Concord Electric Systems has been recognized with a Platinum Level RP3 designation, which is valid for three years. This level acknowledges their competence in four main areas: reliability, safety, workforce development, and system improvement—an assessment based on sound business practices and a consistent commitment to safe and reliable electric service delivery.

More details about the RP3 program can be found at www.PublicPower.org/RP3.