OneSource Picks Up Awards for Utility Service

March 1, 2008
OneSource Distributors, Oceanside, Calif., received accolades recently for its service to a major utility and for its actions during the California wildfires

OneSource Distributors, Oceanside, Calif., received accolades recently for its service to a major utility and for its actions during the California wildfires last fall.

The company received the Supply Chain Leader Award from Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) for its performance as a PG&E supplier.

“OneSource successfully partnered with PG&E to launch a Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) pilot for electrical contractors,” said Steve Coleman, director of sourcing for PG&E. “OneSource has reduced inventory, enhanced customer service and increased order-fill rates.”

PG&E's Supply Chain Leader Award recognizes proactive PG&E account management, consistently high levels of customer service and “above and beyond” support during emergencies. In addition, it recognizes suppliers that provide breakthrough technology or productivity that benefits PG&E and reduces the company's total cost of ownership.

More recently, OneSource has come through for PG&E during emergencies. During the windstorms that hit Central California in January, OneSource provided emergency services, opening up its warehouse 24 hours/day and making sure the utility received the parts it needed as numerous poles went down.

OneSource also received a Mark of Excellence Award from San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) for its performance during San Diego's 2007 fires. It was presented at a special 2007 firestorm supplier recognition event SDG&E held in December.

“As one of our major suppliers, OneSource Distributors was instrumental in helping us respond to and recover from the devastating 2007 firestorms. Their ‘whatever it takes’ attitude and ability to execute in an emergency were critical to the restoration of service to our customers,” said Michael R. Niggli, chief operating officer of SDG&E.

According to Michael Clark, general manager and vice president of the utility division at OneSource Distributors, the fires posed great challenges. “We had trucks coming in and out 24 hours a day. The first couple of days were chaotic, but we quickly got into our rhythm. Four employees worked double shifts (24 hours a day) for 12 days straight and really put in extra effort. We had cots set up here so they could take breaks and sleep. In addition, 16 other people worked single shifts,” he said.

OneSource made its facilities available as command centers for crews working to restore service to SDG&E customers. “Our people felt a lot of compassion for those that were displaced in the community. Our primary goal was to take care of our customer, but it also gave us a better understanding of what our community was going through. Many of our people were displaced, too,” said Clark.

OneSource has built its utility division within the past five years. “Utilities are our largest, fastest-growing segment and also the most demanding,” said OneSource Distributors President Robert Zamarripa.

Got an Item for Bulletin Board?

It's easy to have your company included in the pages of Electrical Wholesaling's Bulletin Board. It's as simple as submitting a description and photographs.

Some of the subjects covered in Bulletin Board include:

  • Charitable Events/Donations

  • Product Promotions

  • Contests

  • Distributor Support/Training

  • Ground Breakings

  • Industry Awards/Recognitions

Send pertinent information to Doug Chandler, Executive Editor, 9800 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS 66212. Or you may e-mail information to [email protected]. All electronic photos should be in “jpg,” “tif” or “eps” format at no less than 300 dots per inch. Questions? Call (913) 967-1951.