BTES Recognized for Excellence in Safety, Reliability, and Financial Reporting

At BTES, we’re always striving to improve and serve our community with the best possible service, and it’s exciting to share that our efforts have been recognized in three major ways – and at the highest level possible! From the American Public Power Association (APPA), we’ve earned the Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3)® diamond-level designation and the Safety Award of Excellence, also at the diamond level. Additionally, from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), we've been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting.

RP3®: A Commitment to Excellence
We’re incredibly proud that BTES has once again been awarded the RP3® diamond-level designation by APPA. This top-level recognition honors public power utilities that go above and beyond in four key areas: reliability, safety, workforce development, and system improvement. The RP3 designation isn’t just about ticking boxes – it reflects our dedication to maintaining top-notch service and safety for the customers we serve.

The APPA’s review panel noted that the RP3 program helps utilities demonstrate their commitment to best practices. But for us, this is not a “set it and forget it” achievement. As Clayton Dowell, our CEO, shared: “This is the culmination of a lot of work from a lot of people who really care about powering our community. But this designation is not a final destination. We are committed to continuing to look for ways to improve our operations and service to our customers.”

Safety: Award of Excellence
In addition to our RP3 designation, we’ve also earned the Safety Award of Excellence, which recognizes our commitment to creating a safe working environment for our team. This award is no small feat – more than 200 utilities participated in the annual safety awards, and we were honored with the highest level possible at the diamond level for our outstanding safety practices.

A safe workplace is a top priority for BTES, and it’s something that requires constant attention. Clayton Dowell again noted, “This award is a testament to the safety culture we have built and the hard work that goes into ensuring that our team members have a safe work environment.”

It’s not just about avoiding injuries – it’s about fostering a culture of safety that protects our workforce and the community we serve. As Jon Beasley, Chair of APPA’s Safety Committee, said, “Harnessing electricity to keep our communities powered is vital work that can be dangerous, even deadly, if the proper attention isn’t paid to tried-and-true safety practices.”

Financial Reporting: Certificate of Achievement

For the 28th year in a row, BTES received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for our annual comprehensive financial report. The report was judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive "spirit of full disclosure" to clearly communicate its financial story.

Supervisor of Accounting Heather Jenkins explained, "The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment."

A Heartfelt Thank You
These awards are a direct result of the hard work and dedication of BTES’ employees. Whether it’s delivering reliable services or ensuring a safe working environment, our employees are at the heart of what we do. We’re honored to serve our community and remain focused on continually improving every aspect of what we provide.