News Release - July 17, 2008

For more information:
Mick Shutt, 360-992-3238

Clark Public Utilities receives coveted 2008 J. D. Power and Associates distinction for electric utilities
 
July 17, 2008
 
In a report issued today by J.D. Power and Associates, Clark Public Utilities ranked highest in customer satisfaction for residential electric service among midsize electricity providers in the Western United States. 

Midsize utilities in the report serve between 125,000 and 499,999 residential customers.

It is the first time the utility has been included in the study. Clark Public Utilities also scored fifth highest in the nation for residential customer satisfaction regardless of utility size or region.

The study, designed and independently financed by J.D. Power and Associates, is a standardized measure of satisfaction available for the electric residential utility industry. Based on about 35,500 online responses from residential electric utility customers throughout the U.S., the study compared 120 electric utility brands, collectively serving some 92 million households.

Clark Public Utilities' overall highest ranking in the west midsize segment is based on its strength in power quality and reliability, price, billing and payment, corporate citizenship, communications, and customer service, the study found.

"This is a tremendous achievement and we have our customers and our employees to thank for this honor," said utility Commission President Byron Hanke. "Our employees work hard to deliver safe, reliable and affordable electricity to the communities we serve, so it means a lot to know that customers have expressed their satisfaction in us."

Hanke attributed the utility's unmatched success in the study to the strong performance and dedication of utility employees, as well as close ties the utility has had with the community for 70 years.

He said the the utility has maintained a consistent record of reliability and is investing in improvements to its distribution system. In addition, he said the utility has stepped up its conservation efforts to help customers understand how they use energy and how they can save.

The rankings from the J.D. Power and Associates study are based on a compilation of factors, including power quality and reliability, price, billing and payment, corporate citizenship, communications and customer service.  The West region covers Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

Clark Public Utilities is a customer-owned public utility district that provides electric service to more than 181,000 customers throughout Clark County.  The utility also provides water service to more than 30,000 homes and businesses in the Hazel Dell, Salmon Creek, Lakeshore, Hockinson, Brush Prairie, La Center, Meadow Glade, Amboy and Yacolt areas.
 
About J.D. Power and Associates
Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., J.D. Power and Associates is a global marketing information services company operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, performance improvement, training and customer satisfaction.  The firm's quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually.  For more information on energy utilities, car reviews and ratings, car insurance, health insurance, cell phone ratings, and more, please visit JDPower.com. J.D. Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.