6.1. ERMUSR 10-11-2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

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from generation to line work, and all utility services in between. Benchmarking of safety statistics by tracking industry-accepted OSHA incident rates, along with focusing on frontline workers, is crucial to the delivery of safe and reliable electricity. In the RP3 program, each utility must prove that it uses an accepted safety manual, provides benchmarking information through APPA's Annual Safety Awards, and follows safe work practices, to name a few critical items. To attain the full 25% rating in this section, please see the detailed Safety section (pg. 24) and Scoring Criteria Summary (pg. 47) in this manual. Work Force Development Training employees, whether through traditional avenues such as workshops and college courses or through in-house programs, demonstrates that a utility values its work force. However, education alone is not sufficient, especially in the world of public power. This section covers a broader scope of work force development. Utilities benefit from providing opportunities for staff to network with other utility representatives throughout the nation and encourage them to get involved in the national perspective of utility relations. Utility staff knowledge increases through membership in state, regional, and nationally focused committees, as well as attendance in conferences and training. RP3 applicants must demonstrate that their utility staff attend applicable industry conferences and workshops, are provided education and career development opportunities, are active either directly or indirectly on industry committees, and the utility has addressed work force and succession planning challenges. System Improvement Stewardship of utility assets is essential to ensuring long term system reliability and performance. Keeping an electric utility well maintained and up-to-date by mandating an improvement program that includes both an eye on the Future through reseazch and development (R&D) and a commitment to system betterment programs can help utilities provide reliable services in the future. Important items in this section include demonstrating that your utility participates in a national, regional, or local R&D program, involvement in energy efficiency or conservation programs, descriptions of system planning and betterment projects to maintain your system's integrity and efficiency. Becoming a Reliable Public Power Provider By completing the checklists contained in this packet and providing the requested documentation and application fee, participating utilities may be recognized as a Gold, Platinum or Diamond Reliable Public Power Provider. The diamond designation is awarded to the utility if it successfully meets 100% of the defined criteria. The platinum designation is awarded if the utility meets 90% of the criteria. The gold designation is awarded if the utility meets 80% of the RP3 Program criteria. An RP3 designation is valid for a two year period; therefore, utilities must re-apply every other year. The intent of the re-application process is to ensure RP3 utilities are consistently striving to improve their reliability and safety practices.