CEO, Commitment to Community Service Recognized by American Public Power Association
Platte River Power Authority (Platte River), the wholesale electricity provider for Estes Park, Fort Collins, Longmont and Loveland, received awards from the American Public Power Association (APPA) for their chief executive officer’s contribution to the utility industry and their commitment to community service. Awards were presented during the public power industry organization’s national conference earlier this week.
“Adding value to our owner communities is at the core of Platte River and exemplifies the public power model,” says Eddie Gutiérrez, chief strategy officer for Platte River. “Our commitment to enhancing the well-being of our owner communities is credited, in part, to the leadership and example set by our CEO.”
Jason Frisbie, CEO and general manager for Platte River, was recognized with the James D. Donovan Individual Excellence Award. The award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the electric utility industry and to public power. Frisbie recently celebrated 40 years with Platte River, starting his career with a groundskeeping internship while attending Colorado State University. Following graduation, he accepted a full-time position at the Rawhide Energy Station and held numerous positions for the next 20 years, eventually becoming plant manager in 1999. He advanced to chief operating officer in 2011 and became Platte River’s sixth general manager in 2016.
“While I am honored to receive this award, it belongs to all Platte River employees whose hard work and dedication make Platte River what it is today,” Frisbie says. “Their commitment goes beyond providing reliable, environmentally responsible and financially sustainable energy to our four owner communities, and I am proud that their generosity is recognized by APPA with the community service award.” 
The Sue Kelly Community Service Award recognizes “good neighbor” activities that demonstrate the commitment of the utility and its employees to the community. Service is among Platte River’s seven values and has long been a mainstay in the organization’s culture. The award recognized Platte River’s longtime partnership with the United Way of Larimer County, highlighting the organization’s 2023-24 fundraising campaign where employees exceeded their fundraising goal in honor of the utility’s 50th year in operations. The utility’s sponsorship of the annual NoCo Time Trials solar and battery model car race for middle school students was also highlighted, recognizing Platte River’s commitment to furthering science, technology, engineering and math in the owner communities through competition and student scholarships.
“We stand in our commitment to our owner communities and are proud to receive these awards at a transformative time in our region,” Gutiérrez adds. “As we transition our energy portfolio, we are dedicated to not leaving anyone behind by maintaining reliability and equity.”
Platte River is currently working toward a noncarbon energy future in response to the community-driven Resource Diversification Policy adopted in 2018. More information about the goal and the utility’s progress is accessible at prpa.org/future.