CEO/GENERAL MANAGER BRITT DYE
Britt began his career at Fayetteville Public Utilities on June 14, 1977 as a Groundman. He worked his way up through the ranks over the years, holding the positions of Apprentice Lineman, Journeyman Lineman, Director of Substation and Metering, and Director of Engineering and Operations. Britt has served as CEO/General Manager since 2006.
Here are a collection of thoughts from Fayetteville Public Utilities' CEO/General Manager Britt Dye. Check back for regular updates on the happenings at FPU.
SLOW DOWN, MOVE OVER, SAVE LIVES
At Fayetteville Public Utilities, ensuring the safety of the public and our crews is critical. Utilities are important, but they can also be dangerous. Providing our employees with the training, equipment and resources needed to safely perform their jobs is among our highest priorities, but despite our best efforts, one of the greatest threats to our safety is something we cannot control. You can help with this critical issue and protect our workers by moving over when driving past roadside utility crews.
In Tennessee, it is not just a recommendation but a state law to move over when passing utility crews working on the side of the road. In 2011, utility companies from across the state worked to have their crews included in Tennessee’s existing Move Over law. This law is in place to protect the lives of those who maintain and repair our utility infrastructure. Beyond being a legal requirement, it is also a matter of common courtesy.
Unfortunately, roadside utility crews continue to be at risk of injury or death due to passing vehicles. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 30 workers, on average, are killed each year in the United States from being struck by passing vehicles while working on or near roadways
In Tennessee, it is not just a recommendation but a state law to move over when passing utility crews working on the side of the road. In 2011, utility companies from across the state worked to have their crews included in Tennessee’s existing Move Over law. This law is in place to protect the lives of those who maintain and repair our utility infrastructure. Beyond being a legal requirement, it is also a matter of common courtesy.
Unfortunately, roadside utility crews continue to be at risk of injury or death due to passing vehicles. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 30 workers, on average, are killed each year in the United States from being struck by passing vehicles while working on or near roadways
These numbers represent husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, sons and daughters whose lives have been tragically cut short. In addition, many more utility workers are injured every year in similar incidents. Aside from the lifelong physical and mental impacts, the families and loved ones of those injured can also suffer.
We all have a responsibility to ensure the safety of those who work to provide essential services, such as electricity, water, wastewater, natural gas, phone and internet. Moving over when passing a roadside utility crew is a simple yet powerful way to show our appreciation for their hard work and dedication.
The next time you see utility crews working on the side of the road, please remember to move over if it is safe to do so. Slow down, pay attention and give them the space they need to work safely. Let’s work together to protect utility workers and ensure crews return home safely to their families at the end of the day.
We all have a responsibility to ensure the safety of those who work to provide essential services, such as electricity, water, wastewater, natural gas, phone and internet. Moving over when passing a roadside utility crew is a simple yet powerful way to show our appreciation for their hard work and dedication.
The next time you see utility crews working on the side of the road, please remember to move over if it is safe to do so. Slow down, pay attention and give them the space they need to work safely. Let’s work together to protect utility workers and ensure crews return home safely to their families at the end of the day.
Update Posted 6/01/2024
UTILITY CAREERS OFFER A SENSE OF PURPOSE ROOTED IN SERVICE
We have all asked young children what they want to be when they grow up, and they typically name many extraordinary careers. However, they don’t often mention careers in the utility industry. At Fayetteville Public Utilities (FPU), we hope to change that.
FPU provides critical services to our community, and we offer diverse career paths that cater to a wide range of interests. Whether your professional skills include engineering, accounting or communications, there’s a role for you in the utility industry.
FPU’s skilled utility workers build, maintain and repair infrastructure, ensuring the delivery of safe and reliable electric, water, wastewater, natural gas, and telecom services to our customers’ homes and businesses. Our engineers design and optimize systems, while professionals in accounting and administration ensure the smooth operation of the business. Communication specialists build connections between the utility and the customers we serve.
FPU employees have a deep sense of passion for what they do and share a commitment to serving this community.
FPU provides critical services to our community, and we offer diverse career paths that cater to a wide range of interests. Whether your professional skills include engineering, accounting or communications, there’s a role for you in the utility industry.
FPU’s skilled utility workers build, maintain and repair infrastructure, ensuring the delivery of safe and reliable electric, water, wastewater, natural gas, and telecom services to our customers’ homes and businesses. Our engineers design and optimize systems, while professionals in accounting and administration ensure the smooth operation of the business. Communication specialists build connections between the utility and the customers we serve.
FPU employees have a deep sense of passion for what they do and share a commitment to serving this community.
We take pride in our contributions to the well-being of our friends and neighbors. The work we do matters, and it impacts everyone in our community.
Employees of FPU love to share what they do, and they welcome opportunities to visit classrooms, attend job fairs and speak at career days to help inspire the next generation to explore utility careers. The hope is when we ask a young child what they want to be when they grow up, a career at FPU will be included in their list of goals for the future.
As the industry advances, the need for skilled professionals in emerging fields will grow. If you are seeking a career that promises job stability and a sense of purpose rooted in service, a utility profession offers vast possibilities. Whether you are drawn to the technical intricacies of utility distribution or the community-focused aspects of outreach, FPU provides a fulfilling environment for individuals passionate about making a difference in the lives of others.
To learn about current job opportunities at FPU, visit our website or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X or LinkedIn.
Employees of FPU love to share what they do, and they welcome opportunities to visit classrooms, attend job fairs and speak at career days to help inspire the next generation to explore utility careers. The hope is when we ask a young child what they want to be when they grow up, a career at FPU will be included in their list of goals for the future.
As the industry advances, the need for skilled professionals in emerging fields will grow. If you are seeking a career that promises job stability and a sense of purpose rooted in service, a utility profession offers vast possibilities. Whether you are drawn to the technical intricacies of utility distribution or the community-focused aspects of outreach, FPU provides a fulfilling environment for individuals passionate about making a difference in the lives of others.
To learn about current job opportunities at FPU, visit our website or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X or LinkedIn.
Update Posted 04/01/2024
SUPPLYING OUR COMMUNITY WITH RELIABLE UTILITIES
Our team at Fayetteville Public Utilities (FPU) works hard to avoid utility disruptions, but, despite our best efforts, they do occur from time to time. Mother Nature is the most common cause of utility outages.
Wind, lightning, trees, animals and extreme temperatures can all result in trouble when it comes to utilities. At FPU, we can’t control the weather or wildlife, but we can maintain vegetation and make improvements to our infrastructure.
Over the past year, we have expanded our tree trimming program to help keep vegetation away from utility lines. The addition of new equipment has allowed our crews to make substantial progress in routine maintenance. Their efforts have drastically lowered the number of electric and internet outages caused by overgrown and fallen trees.
Our electric department takes the responsibility of keeping the lights on very seriously. We know that power interruptions, even momentary ones, can create issues for your family, and that is why we are continuously looking for ways to improve our system by upgrading equipment and expanding our infrastructure. The electric grid is a complicated system that needs constant attention and maintenance, and our electric crews work diligently to ensure the continuation of safe and reliable service for future generations.
Our water and wastewater crews continue to make improvements to our existing infrastructure by replacing older equipment. They are also performing upgrades that will increase our capacity to accommodate future growth and development and ensure the flow of safe, quality drinking water for years to come.
Wind, lightning, trees, animals and extreme temperatures can all result in trouble when it comes to utilities. At FPU, we can’t control the weather or wildlife, but we can maintain vegetation and make improvements to our infrastructure.
Over the past year, we have expanded our tree trimming program to help keep vegetation away from utility lines. The addition of new equipment has allowed our crews to make substantial progress in routine maintenance. Their efforts have drastically lowered the number of electric and internet outages caused by overgrown and fallen trees.
Our electric department takes the responsibility of keeping the lights on very seriously. We know that power interruptions, even momentary ones, can create issues for your family, and that is why we are continuously looking for ways to improve our system by upgrading equipment and expanding our infrastructure. The electric grid is a complicated system that needs constant attention and maintenance, and our electric crews work diligently to ensure the continuation of safe and reliable service for future generations.
Our water and wastewater crews continue to make improvements to our existing infrastructure by replacing older equipment. They are also performing upgrades that will increase our capacity to accommodate future growth and development and ensure the flow of safe, quality drinking water for years to come.
Our natural gas department monitors, inspects and maintains FPU’s natural gas facilities, equipment and pipelines. FPU demonstrates our commitment to safety and our willingness to go above and beyond by conducting pipeline inspections on a four-year rotation instead of the required five-year rotation. These actions help ensure that our natural gas system runs smoothly without failures.
This past year, our telecommunications department received a grant to expand broadband to certain areas in our county not served by any internet provider. Our technicians and contractors have earnestly worked to bring reliable, high-speed internet to these rural customers, and FPU will continue to seek ways to fund additional broadband projects in our county.
Our employees are dedicated to the work they do each and every day. I am honored to work alongside people who take such great pride in what they do. Our crews, dispatchers, engineers and support staff work tirelessly to make sure your lights come on with the flip of a switch and your water flows with the turn of a handle.
As we set goals for the new year, as always, our focus is on our customers. We strive to provide you with the critical services you and your family will need now as well as in the future. As you go about your daily routines, rest assured that FPU is providing the constant attention and maintenance required to supply our community with reliable utilities.
This past year, our telecommunications department received a grant to expand broadband to certain areas in our county not served by any internet provider. Our technicians and contractors have earnestly worked to bring reliable, high-speed internet to these rural customers, and FPU will continue to seek ways to fund additional broadband projects in our county.
Our employees are dedicated to the work they do each and every day. I am honored to work alongside people who take such great pride in what they do. Our crews, dispatchers, engineers and support staff work tirelessly to make sure your lights come on with the flip of a switch and your water flows with the turn of a handle.
As we set goals for the new year, as always, our focus is on our customers. We strive to provide you with the critical services you and your family will need now as well as in the future. As you go about your daily routines, rest assured that FPU is providing the constant attention and maintenance required to supply our community with reliable utilities.
Update Posted 02/01/2024