Newton, N.C., Electric Department Recognized For Safety Efforts

by Paul Ciampoli
APPA News Director
July 11, 2022

The Newton Electric Department in Newton, N.C., was recently honored with the North Carolina Association of Municipal Electric Systems Safety Award for 2021.

The award recognizes the staff of the Newton Electric Department for providing affordable, reliable electric service to Newton’s nearly 5,000 electric customers without sustaining any lost-time injuries in 2021. The award was presented at the association’s recent annual meeting.

Newton Electric Division Manager Doug Wesson has developed his team’s safety programs over the course of his career, and Electric Division Supervisor Jeff Cochrane has assumed a growing role in continuous improvement of safety programs in recent years.

The City of Newton is a public power community with an electric system that dates to 1896 and today serves 4,710 customers.

The Newton Electric Department staff includes one manager, one supervisor, six lineman, two tree trimmers, one generator technician, and one meter technician. The team has more than 100 years of combined experience in electric distribution.

Newton Electric Department staff were recognized for their accomplishments at the Newton City Council meeting on June 21.