Vernon Public Utilities (VPU) is committed to providing safe and reliable electricity, with excellent customer service and competitive rates, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The following awards/recognition highlights the accomplishments of VPU's electric system and services. 

Awards 

• APPA Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3): Diamond Level (2025-28)

  • Diamond Level is the highest possible designation, it represents the top 5% of public power utilities across the United States.
  • VPU demonstrated high proficiency in four important disciplines: reliability, safety, workforce development and system improvement. 
  • VPU has earned four consecutive diamond level awards (2016, 2019, 2022, 2025) from the American Public Power Association (APPA).
  • VPU's press release for the 2025 RP3 Award.

• APPA Safety Award of Excellence (2024)

  • Award is based on low incident rates and robust safety programs.
  • VPU distinguished itself amongst over 200 participating utilities, reflecting a strong safety culture and adherence to OSHA standards.

• APPA Excellence in Reliability (2024)

  • VPU performance was compared nationwide, placing the utility among the top 25th percentile in the United States. 

Financial Ratings

• Standard and Poor's (S&P)

  • On April 2024, VPU's electric system received an upgraded rating to A- (from BBB+) with a “Stable Outlook” from Standard and Poor’s (S&P), a nationally recognized financial rating agency.

  • VPU's press release for the 2024 S&P ratings.   

• Moody's Ratings (Moody's)

  • On March 2025, Moody's updated the outlook for VPU's electric enterprise from "stable" to "positive" while concurrently affirming the enterprise's Baa1 revenue bond ratings.
  • Moody’s is a leading global provider of credit ratings, research, and analysis, including bonds issued by commercial and government entities. 

  • VPU's press release for the 2025 Moody's ratings.