The last year has been one of significant progress for the Utilities Service Alliance (USA). As we enter this new year, I would like to reflect on where we have been and our plans for 2014.

During 2013, we concentrated on implementing fleet-like behaviors to prevent declining performance from occurring and helping stations where performance challenges exist. This was done through our behavior initiative where the core peer teams (CPTs) identified, assessed and reinforced the behaviors that result in excellent performance in our stations’ operations.

Another fleet-like behavior that is beginning to shine is the recognition that we are “all in this together” and that the members of the various teams can count on their brothers and sisters at the other fleet stations as sources of assistance when they have issues that need to be resolved.

Improved performance was seen in many USA teams. Overall, the following teams are consistently demonstrating fleet-like behaviors: Security, Training, Chemistry, Operations, Maintenance, Radiation Protection, Performance Improvement, Emergency Preparedness and Engineering.

However, performance challenges continue to exist in areas like OSHA recordable incident rate, equipment reliability and several other areas. USA Outage performance continues to be an area for focus of the fleet. Each refueling outage across the fleet experienced its own challenges that we will work together to address.

In 2014, we will continue to take the necessary steps to move towards Excellence. Our CPTs have set ambitious business plan goals that will drive improved engagement and performance. These actions will help ensure that we continue to move forward. With support from the USA board and site leadership team (SLT), we will continue to drive alignment across the fleet.

On January 1, 2014 STP Nuclear Operating Company became the 10th member of USA. We know that our mutual relationship will benefit everyone for years to come.

Our success is made possible by the engagement of our leadership and CPTs. I would like to ask everyone to step up and get engaged with USA. The more you are engaged, the more you will benefit.

Please join me and the entire USA team in our ongoing commitment to achieving excellence.

Thank you.

Carl E. Parry
President & CEO
Utilities Service Alliance