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Greer CPW’s electric department was recently one of 129 public power utilities recognized with the American Public Power Association’s (APPA) Safety Award of Excellence for safe operating practices in 2020.  This is the 10th APPA safety award for Greer CPW.

“Employee safety is our top priority and it’s the core of our messaging before starting work each day.  To log thousands of hours without a major incident or injury is evidence our crews take pride in their work but believe in the ‘everyone goes home’ mission,” said Tony Farr, Greer CPW Electric Department Manager.

The department logged 25,096 hours and received 1st place in the category with other similar sized utilities.  2020 was a particularly demanding year on the electric department as a windstorm knocked down 20 power poles in October and the system continues to expand.  Currently, Greer CPW has more than 21,300 electric customers serving power primarily in Greer’s city limits and some incorporated areas nearby.

“We are grateful for modern technology and the equipment to keep lineman safe.  Kudos to the men who’ve remained laser focused on safety for another year,” said Jeff Howell, Greer CPW Chairman.

Entrants were placed in categories according to their number of worker-hours and ranked based on the most incident-free records during 2020.  The incidence rate, used to judge entries, is based on the number of work-related reportable injuries or illnesses and the number of worker-hours during 2020, as defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

The recognition comes near National Lineman Appreciation Day which is celebrated every April 18th and recognizes the men and women in the electric industry.