New Braunfels Utilities Earns National Diamond Safety Award of Excellence
Recognition reflects NBU’s strong safety culture and commitment to protecting employees
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Charlcee Cervantez
Senior Communications Specialist
830.312.7915 | communications@nbutexas.com
NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas (March 30, 2026) – New Braunfels Utilities (NBU) has earned the Diamond Safety Award of Excellence from the American Public Power Association (APPA) for safe operating practices in 2025. The Diamond designation represents the highest level of recognition in APPA’s annual Safety Awards program and reflects NBU’s ongoing commitment to protecting employees while delivering reliable electric, water and wastewater services to the New Braunfels community.
More than 240 utilities entered the annual Safety Awards for 2025. Entrants are grouped based on worker hours of annual exposure and ranked according to the most incident-free records, along with the overall strength of their safety programs and culture.
“At NBU, our culture is founded on a speak-up, lead and care for all mindset. Our actions show we care for each other and our community,” said Billy Shearer, Safety Manager for New Braunfels Utilities. “This recognition reflects the daily commitment of our employees who look out for one another and prioritize safe work practices while serving our customers and community.”
The award evaluates utilities based on incident-free records, as well as the strength of their safety programs and workplace culture. The incidence rate is determined by the number of work-related reportable injuries or illnesses and the total number of worker-hours during 2025, as defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
“Safety is foundational to how we operate as an organization,” said David Hubbard, Chief Administrative Officer for New Braunfels Utilities. “Our teams have taken ownership of this program, and that’s what makes it work. They’re working on critical infrastructure every day, and it takes focus, training, and accountability to do it well.
# # #
About New Braunfels Utilities:
New Braunfels Utilities (NBU) is a not-for-profit, community-owned provider of electric, water and wastewater services. NBU strives to be a trusted community partner with a mission of providing resilient essential services to over 60,000 customers. Utility revenues are continually invested back into the very systems that provide electricity and water to our customers’ homes and businesses. Additionally, New Braunfels Utilities makes an annual transfer to the City of New Braunfels, which in turn helps to pay for services such as fire, police and city parks. NBU is governed by a Board of Trustees comprised of the mayor and four appointed residents. Visit nbutexas.com to learn more about our services and follow NBU on Facebook at facebook.com/newbraunfelsutilities, on X at @nbutexas or on Instagram at @nbutexas.