Springfield Utility Board Recognized Nationally for Safety and Electric Reliability
Springfield Utility Board (SUB) has received national recognition for excellence in two critical areas of electric service—reliability and employee safety. The American Public Power Association (APPA) recently honored SUB with a pair of prestigious awards that reflect the utility’s commitment to keeping the power on and its employees safe.
Recognition for exceptional electric reliability in 2024 is based on data collected through APPA’s eReliability Tracker service. The tool allows utilities to track power outage and restoration data, which is then compared annually to national statistics from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
“We are proud to receive this recognition,” said Sanjeev King, Director of Electrical Engineering and Operations at SUB. “The greatest asset SUB’s electric division has is a dedicated, experienced workforce, and I’m impressed every day at their commitment to serving Springfield.”
“Year after year, data consistently demonstrate public power utilities provide highly reliable service,” said Paul Zummo, APPA Director of Research and Development. “The utilities recognized here are truly elite when it comes to keeping the lights on.”
In addition to reliability, SUB earned a 2024 APPA Safety Award of Excellence, which recognizes utilities with the lowest incidence rates of work-related injuries and a strong safety culture. More than 200 utilities across the country entered the annual awards, with SUB earning the top “diamond” designation.
“Safety isn’t a box we check, it’s a mindset that’s embedded in everything we do. Our employees work in high-risk conditions every day to serve our customers and community, and this award reflects their discipline and vigilance to the work and each other.”
– Nicole Dalke, Human Resources Manager, Springfield Utility Board
Jon Beasley, Chair of APPA’s Safety Committee, added, “This award honors utilities that hold fast to safety practices and – in doing so – puts the safety of their personnel and their customers above all else.”
APPA represents more than 2,000 not-for-profit, community-owned electric utilities across the country and has conducted the Safety Awards annually for more than 66 years.
“These awards reflect what matters most to us: serving our community with care and excellence,” said SUB General Manager Jeff Nelson. “We are proud to be recognized nationally for doing the work our customers count on every day—safely and reliably.”
About Springfield Utility Board
Founded in 1950, Springfield Utility Board is a community-owned utility dedicated to providing safe, reliable, cost-effective water and electric services to the residents and businesses of Springfield. SUB is a not-for-profit entity, chartered under the City of Springfield and guided by a five-member, independently elected Board of Directors. As a public utility, SUB is focused on providing excellent customer service and quality work at competitive rates.
