News Release – 7/16/09

Clark Public Utilities receives coveted J.D. Power and Associates distinction for electric utilities for second consecutive year

July 16, 2009

In a study 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. It’s the second consecutive year Clark has received this prestigious recognition.

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

Clark Public Utilities also scored third 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 more than 79,500 online responses from residential electric utility customers throughout the U.S., the study compared 121 electric utility brands, collectively serving some 92 million households.

“It’s truly amazing to receive this coveted award from J.D. Power and Associates two years in a row,” said Carol Curtis, president of the utility’s board of commissioners. “This is a reflection of the dedication and hard work by all of the utility’s 396 employees since it reflects all aspects of the service we provide. It’s particularly meaningful because it clearly shows our customers are pleased with the service we provide.”

She said the utility continues to invest in the facilities needed to provide the most reliable service possible, along with technology to improve operational efficiency.

“Since its formation more than 70 years ago, Clark Public Utilities has focused on providing our customer-owners with outstanding service at the lowest possible cost.” Curtis said. “We remain committed to that goal.”

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. Clark Public Utilities’ overall highest ranking in the west midsize segment is based on its strength in all of these categories, the study found.

The West region covers Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

Clark Public Utilities is a customer-owned public utility district that provides electric service to more than 182,000 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.

J.D. Power and Associates press release

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