Wake Forest Power recognized for reliable electric service

Wake Forest Power (WFP) has received national recognition for achieving exceptional electric reliability in 2024. 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 electric utilities track power outage and restoration data through its subscription-based eReliability Tracker service. Once per year, APPA’s Reliability Team compares this data to national statistics tracked by the U.S. Energy Information Administration for all types of electric utilities.

“Year after year, data consistently demonstrate public power utilities provide highly reliable service.” said APPA Director of Research and Development Paul Zummo. “The utilities recognized here are truly elite when it comes to keeping the lights on. Their communities should be proud of the hard work and dedication of their local power providers as they earn this truly deserved 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 2024, WFP’s average outage time was only 39 minutes, compared to 168 minutes for other electric providers in our region, and 96 minutes for utilities of a similar size. This means that measured over approximately 9,100 electric meters, a WFP customer’s total outage time was roughly two hours shorter than the local average and nearly an hour shorter than similar-sized utilities.

“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 over 9,100 residential and commercial customers. Through its Reliability Improvement Program, WFP operates and maintains two electric substations and more than 110 miles of overhead electric distribution lines. Due to these efforts, WFP customers enjoy dependable electric service 99.9% of the time. For more information about Wake Forest Power, visit www.wakeforestnc.gov/wake-forest-power.