The Salem Electric Department is once again in the national spotlight for keeping your lights on even when the unexpected happens. The recognition for exceptional electrical reliability for the 2022 calendar year 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.
“Receiving this honor for the way we assist the citizens and businesses in the City of Salem is always very gratifying,” says A.K. Briele, Salem Electric Department Director. “Despite some tough circumstances due to the weather and other factors beyond our control, our staff members continue to get the job done and I am thrilled to accept this recognition on their behalf.”
The City of Salem is one of 16 municipalities in the Commonwealth that operates its own electric department and Salem is one of just four in Virginia to receive this award. The other three are Harrisonburg, Martinsville and Front Royal.
“It’s encouraging to see year after year that public power’s track record for providing highly reliable service is backed up by data,” says 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.”
Salem’s System Average Interruption Duration Index figure places the utility company in the top 25 percent in the nation. Traditionally, Salem’s interruption time has averaged just over 10 minutes for non-emergency events. For comparison, the national average is nearly 14 times greater at 139 minutes.
Here is a link to the list of all 2022 HONOREES nationwide.