Customer Service Classes Coming in February

Available spots in our upcoming customer service training classes are going fast!

That’s because whether a customer service rep is taking their first phone call from a soon-to-be resident or their 31st phone call to explain why bills are higher in hot Julys and chilly Januarys, it’s crucial that they’re equipped with the skills they need to deliver exceptional service.

A few opportunities are coming up to help CSRs do that and more:

Customer Service 101: Delivering Exceptional Customer Service
Feb. 15 in Kinston
Feb. 22 in Statesville

Customer Service 102: Preparing for Success
Feb. 15 in Kinston
Feb. 22 in Statesville

Customer Service 201: Critical Thinking on Your Feet
Feb. 16 in Kinston
Feb. 23 in Statesville

Each class is a half-day. Dale Odom, Supervisor of Retail Energy Services at ElectriCities, leads the classes, bringing expertise he’s gained from nearly 30 years in public power customer service.

“Along with the techniques, tools, and tips attendees learn in class, one of the big benefits of this training is learning along with other CSRs,” Dale says. “Exchanging ideas, sharing what has worked and what hasn’t, and building off each other’s experience goes a long way to increasing your confidence in all types of customer interactions.”

NC Public Power is a Family Calling

Congratulations and welcome to one of the newest members of our public power workforce, Joshua Nunn. He’s an APPA DEED scholarship recipient, recent graduate of the Nash Community College lineworker program, and as of this week, an apprentice lineworker for Rocky Mount Energy Resources.

Josh learned about linework from his stepfather, Bobby Peters, a journey lineworker for Wake Forest Power.

Read more about Josh, the DEED program, and what ElectriCities Supervisor of Safety Training & Mutual Aid Coordinator Kenny Roberts says about Josh’s story in this article from APPA.

On or Before Jan. 31…

The 31^st of January appears to be a popular deadline this year for award and grant submissions—at least among the topics we’ve shared with you so far this year.

If you’re like some of us and a little surprised that Jan. 31 happens to be Tuesday of NEXT WEEK, here’s a recap and a nudge so you can get any of these you’re interested in over the finish line:

APPA Safety Awards of Excellence
APPA’s safety awards recognize utilities whose employees achieve a safe operational record over the course of the previous calendar year—utilities like these five ElectriCities members recognized for outstanding safety practices in 2022.

To be considered for an award, submit the online entry form by Jan. 31.

APPA Individual Awards
APPA’s individual leadership awards recognize utility leadership and contributions to public policy and advocacy in eight categories.

Find details and nomination forms at www.PublicPower.org/Awards. And be sure to submit by Jan. 31.

APPA Utility Services Awards
APPA’s utility awards recognize outstanding business, operations, and service by public power utilities in two categories. Details and nomination forms—due Jan. 31—are at www.PublicPower.org/Awards.

N.C. School Solar Grants
NC GreenPower’s annual Solar+ Schools grant program provides grants to install fully funded 20-killowatt educational solar PV systems at K-12 schools in North Carolina.

All K-12 schools in the state are eligible to apply. Don’t wait: The grant application window closes on, you guessed it, Jan. 31. Please spread the word and encourage schools in your community to apply!

For more information, visit the Solar+ Schools grant program page on the NC GreenPower website.

It’s Data Privacy Week!

Visit the National Cybersecurity Alliance website to find out what Data Privacy Week is all about. And stay safe out there!