The City of Gastonia’s Electric Division has received four Public Power Awards of Excellence from ElectriCities of North Carolina. The awards recognize the Gastonia utility’s continued emphasis on innovation, modernization, high-quality service, workforce development, and value to its customers.
“These awards demonstrate our continued commitment to be the best public power service provider in the business,” said Public Utilities Director Joe Albright. “We are proud to be recognized by our energy partners and to continue providing the most reliable and cost-effective electric service to our customers. When our customers need us, we are here.”
Gastonia received the Continuous Improvement Award, which focuses on cost reduction and increased operating efficiencies. By implementing a computer-based data collection tool for the installation and maintenance of rental/street lights in real-time, the City has increased the accuracy of its electronic mapping systems and data is available immediately.
The City of Gastonia’s investment in its electric distribution system was recognized with the Grid Modernization Award. The City’s Electric Division continues to install new trip-saver protective devices on the electric grid to reduce the number and frequency of power outages that its customers can experience.
ElectriCities’ Workforce Planning and Development Award honors communities that work to develop, attract, and retain electric employees. Again this year, Gastonia was recognized for its partnership with Cleveland Community College, as well as training, and a rewards program for existing Electric employees.
Gastonia also received the Value of Public Power Award for successfully communicating the value of public power. Specific efforts include a session about the Electric Division at the City’s annual Municipal Citizens Academy, demonstrations and community engagement at Cotton Ginning Days in Dallas, and social media posts about the advantages of a citizen-owned electric power system.
The City of Gastonia has owned and operated its own municipal electrical system since 1900. The City supplies an average of 56 million KWH per month to its 26,700 residential, commercial, and industrial customers through 10 substations throughout the City.
ElectriCities is an organization of 70 communities in North Carolina that have municipally owned electric systems, serving more than 1.2 million people.
