City of Washington Electric Utilities Receives State and National Recognition For 100 Years Of Service (Jan. 21, 2005)

Washington Electric Utilities, Washington’s hometown electric utility, has received the Century Award from the American Public Power Association in recognition of its 100-year anniversary in 2005. Established in 1987, the Century Award is given each year to public power utilities that have served their consumers and community continuously for 100 years.

“We’re delighted to receive this prestigious honor,” said Keith Hardt, director of Washington Electric Utilities. “For a century Washington has provided dependable electricity and service at a reasonable price, and we look forward to serving the people of Washington and surrounding areas for the next 100 years.”

The city also has been recognized with a resolution by the ElectriCities of North Carolina Board of Directors. The resolution “expresses its sincere desire that Washington will continue to be a leader in providing an important and beneficial service to its citizens and will continue its dedication toward the promotion of Public Power in the great state of North Carolina.”

Both honors were presented to the city at the January 10 Washington City Council meeting by Richard Hicks, Farmville Town Manager and Secretary to the ElectriCities Board of Directors.

The city will be observing the centennial throughout 2005 with special activities and promotions for customers. Activities in the planning stages include:

• Use of a special centennial logo on specialty items to be distributed to customers and used in advertising, promotions and sponsorships in 2005,
• Creation of an exhibit with historic photos and items,
• Customer appreciation and public education activities,
• Promotion of Washington in conjunction with August’s ElectriCities Annual Meeting in Greenville,
• Public Power Celebration for customers in October.