Wake Forest Power recognized for reliable electric service

Wake Forest Power (WFP) has received national recognition for achieving exceptional electric reliability in 2023. The recognition comes from the American Public Power Association (APPA), a trade group that represents more than 2,000 not-for-profit, community-owned electric utilities.

APPA helps members track outage and restoration data through its subscription-based eReliability Tracker service, then compares the data to national statistics tracked by the U.S. Energy Information Administration for all types of electric utilities.

“It’s encouraging to see year after year that public power’s track record for providing highly reliable service is backed up by data,” said APPA Director of Research and Development Paul Zummo. “These utilities are the best of the best when it comes to keeping the lights on. And these communities should be proud of their local power providers and appreciate the hard work that goes into earning this recognition.”

Nationwide, the average public power customer has their lights out for less than half the amount of time that customers of other types of utilities do.

Locally, WFP conducts annual reviews of its system to identify areas that may need improvement and performs ongoing maintenance to prevent service interruptions.

According to the numbers for 2023, WFP’s average outage time was only 42 minutes, compared to 96 minutes for other electric providers in our area. This means that measured over approximately 8,500 electric meters, a WFP customer’s total outage time was 54 minutes shorter than the local average.

“We are proud to receive this recognition,” said Electric Utility Director Chris Terrell. “It is a testament to the hard work of all our employees to ensure that the lights stay on for all our customers.”

According to Terrell, WFP’s success can be traced to several factors, including its year-round tree-trimming efforts, the widespread installation of underground power lines, and the collaboration of engineers, linemen, and supervisors in the development of best practices that help reduce outage incidents, but when they occur ensure faster restorations.

A division of the Town of Wake Forest, Wake Forest Power works year-round to provide uninterrupted electric service to nearly 8,500 residential and commercial customers.

Through its Reliability Improvement Program, Wake Forest Power operates and maintains two electric substations and more than 95 miles of overhead electric distribution lines. Due to these efforts, Wake Forest Power customers enjoy dependable electric service 99.9% of the time.

For more information about Wake Forest Power, visit www.wakeforestnc.gov/wake-forest-power.