PWC Receives National Award for Community Service

Fayetteville PWC received an American Public Power Association Sue Kelly Community Service Award on June 22, 2021, during APPA’s National Conference in Orlando, Florida. The award recognizes “good neighbor” activities that demonstrate our commitment to the community.

PWC partnered with the City’s downtown district to bring Prismatica – an interactive, public art installation – to light up downtown after the city reopened following the COVID-19 shutdowns. “Prismatica-Powered by PWC” celebrated and highlighted the value of public power for a month and increased foot traffic by 30 percent, lifting both the economic outlook of businesses and the spirit of Fayetteville’s community.

“PWC exemplifies the power of togetherness – the power of collaboration with their actions. They not only supply our growing region with quality/reliable infrastructure, but they believe in being good neighbors; and dedicating their resources to support the community,” said Bianca Shoneman, President and CEO of Cool Spring Downtown District, Inc. 

Annually, PWC employees have a strong commitment to the United Way of Cumberland County. In over 20 years, PWC employees have given more than $2 million in support of United Way. With donations projected to be down in 2020 because of the pandemic, employees stepped up and increased support by 9 percent with a record-breaking $156,000 campaign.

“PWC’s efforts and commitment to improving lives are evident in their work and through interaction with their staff,” says Amy Navejas, President of United Way of Cumberland County.  “Their efforts stand out as they go above and beyond to encourage workplace support of those in need not only through generous financial support totaling over $2.2 million, but through volunteerism and dedication to numerous community events.” 

Throughout the years, PWC has remained service-driven and continues to implement various programs that greatly benefit our community. Other initiatives recognized by the APPA Award include:

• Increasing awareness of bidding opportunities to keep more dollars in the local economy through its Building Business Rally (BBR) initiatives.
• Establishing a local Lineworker program with Fayetteville Technical Community College, addressing concerns of  an aging workforce, and need for line workers. PWC provides resources to the program including donating/setting the poles for the class pole yard.
• Increasing renewable energy production, engaging customer participation in affordable renewable energy and lowering demand costs/customer rates by building NC’s first Public Power Community Solar Project. The project provides Fayetteville’s transient military community, including renters, the ability to participate in solar energy without long-term rooftop solar investment.

 

The American Public Power Association is the voice of not-for-profit, community-owned utilities that power 2,000 towns and cities nationwide. We represent public power before the federal government to protect the interests of the more than 49 million people that public power utilities serve, and the 93,000 people they employ. Our association advocates and advises on electricity policy, technology, trends, training, and operations. Our members strengthen their communities by providing superior service, engaging citizens, and instilling pride in community-owned power.