Columbus Light and Water received an American Public Power Association Sue Kelly Community Service Award during the APPA national conference.
The award recognizes “good neighbor” activities that demonstrate the commitment of the utility and its employees to the community, according to an APPA press release.
Along with providing service to its 13,000 customers, CLW is also heavily involved in the Columbus community. Employees volunteer their time to various community initiatives, including the Adopt-a-School Program, which promotes STEM education.
The utility created the ACTNow Program, which provides internet access, digital devices and skills training for underserved populations in the community. The program has resulted in more than 850 hours of community service spent training 240 people, many of whom are elderly residents.
In an effort to help customers struggling with finances, CLW’s Share One Program allows customers to donate funds to other residents via their monthly bill.
CLW’s Share One Program is intended to help customers encountering financial hardship. Customers are allowed to donate funds to other residents via their monthly bill. The utility also partnered with Tennessee Valley Authority in 2023 to give $10,000 to Helping Hands, a program that assists customers with utility deposits and past-due bills.
“Our employees have shown remarkable dedication and commitment to our community through countless hours of service,” CLW General Manager Angela Verdell said in the press release. “Receiving this award from the American Public Power Association highlights their hard work and we are excited to continue supporting our employees’ role in building a vibrant and inclusive community.”
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