Prestigious honor ranks Essential, plus subsidiaries Aqua and Peoples Natural Gas, first among thousands of North America’s fleets, driven by company’s peak performance and innovation

Essential Utilities Inc. has topped the list of the Best 100 Fleets in the Americas. The distinguished award was announced by the National Fleet Management Association (NAFA). Essential earned the number one spot in the commercial category, besting thousands of other companies.

“I am enormously proud of our employees who keep 2,300 vehicles and 1,100 pieces of equipment on the road every day,” said Charlie Stevenson, vice president, fleet for Essential Utilities. “This recognition is a testament to our team’s development through various certifications and continuous improvement initiatives, demonstrating their commitment to lifelong learning in fleet operations.”

The 100 Best Fleets contest recognizes peak-performing fleet operations, celebrating innovation within the commercial fleet industry. The contest, now in its 25^th year, aims to foster pride in the industry, build recognition, and increase productivity and effectiveness. It also serves to encourage more people to choose a career in fleet operations.

“The 100 Best Fleets contest plays such an integral role in the NAFA community,” says Mike Camnetar, CAFM, NAFA Board President. “These awards showcase the outstanding achievements and leadership within our industry. We commend these fleets and individuals for their dedication to excellence and innovation, and we look forward to seeing what they accomplish in 2024.”

Companies are evaluated for organizational accountability, operational management and efficiency, sustainability and professional development.

Essential has previously been honored as a top 100 fleet, though this is its first time receiving top marks in the competition. Aqua Fleet Manager Kevin Grafstrom accepted the award for Best Commercial Fleet on behalf of Essential at NAFA’s 2024 Institute & Expo in San Antonio, TX. For more information on the Best 100 Fleets list, visit www.NAFA.org/.

About Essential Utilities

Essential Utilities, Inc. (NYSE:WTRG) delivers safe, reliable services that improve quality of life for individuals, families and entire communities. With a focus on water, wastewater and natural gas, Essential is committed to sustainable growth, operational excellence, a superior customer experience and premier employer status. We are advocates for the communities we serve, donating more than $4 million from the Essential Foundation each year, and are dedicated stewards of natural lands, protecting more than 7,600 acres of forests and other habitats throughout our footprint.

Operating as the Aqua and Peoples brands, Essential serves approximately 5.5 million people across 9 states. Essential is one of the most significant publicly traded water, wastewater service and natural gas providers in the U.S. Learn more at www.essential.co.

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