SALEM, Va. (WFXR) — The City of Salem has announced that the Salem Electric Department has received national recognition for exceptional electrical reliability for the 2022 year.
The recognition comes from the American Public Power Association (APPA), a trade group that helps electric utilities track power outage and restoration data. Once per year, APPA’s Reliability Team compares its data to national statistics tracked by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).
“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 divisions in the Commonwealth that operates its own electric department and is one of just four in Virginia to receive the award this year including Harrisonburg Electric Commission, Martinsville Electric Department and Town of Front Royal.
Salem Electric Department ranked in the top 25 percent nationally, with an average interruption time of 10 minutes during non-emergency events. The national average is 139 minutes.
To see a full list of the 2022 honorees nationwide, click here.
