Elk River Municipal Utilities (ERMU) has been awarded the Diamond Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3)® designation from the American Public Power Association (APPA), the highest level of recognition for public power utilities committed to reliability, safety, workforce development, and system improvement.

The RP3 designation is awarded based on a rigorous evaluation of utility programs, procedures, and outcomes. Criteria include reliability metrics, safety protocols, employee training, long term planning, and investment in infrastructure and system resilience. ERMU is among approximately 5% of public power utilities nationwide to earn the Diamond level, representing the top tier of performance and continuous improvement in the industry.

“We are incredibly proud to earn this distinguished designation,” said General Manager Mark Hanson. “Our staff is committed to providing safe, reliable, and affordable service to our community, every home, every business, every day. We see it as leading the way to a stronger community, so it’s nice to see the hard work recognized on the national level.”

ERMU received its first RP3 designation in 2012 and has held the platinum level since 2020. The Diamond designation is awarded to utilities that reach between 98%-100% in scoring criteria. The designation lasts for three years.