It is not a competitive program between cities, but a program of individual recognition. Municipal electric systems that participate in CUP will identify the strengths and weaknesses of their electric utility operations. They will become more competitive and will be better prepared to operate in the rapidly changing utility environment that has been brought about by the passage in 1992 of the National Energy Policy Act. Customer service programs will be greatly enhanced, as will the utility's ability to compete with other neighboring utilities in economic development opportunities. This program is open to all OMPA member systems who desire to participate.
Participation is totally voluntary.
Successful participation will be recognized in two ways. For a member utility to be recognized as a Competitive Utility, the utility must meet or exceed the minimum standards for all the Core Programs, as specified in the manual. Applications submitted to OMPA will be evaluated by a peer review committee. Upon successful review, the peer review committee will recommend that formal recognition be awarded by the OMPA Board of Directors. It is recommended that the utility establish a committee typically involving an elected official, municipal staff, and possibly outside persons from the Chamber of Commerce or local civic clubs.