Powering Strong Communities
Public power utilities are owned and operated by the communities they serve. As a result, they offer unique value that goes beyond simply delivering electricity. Unlike private or investor-owned utilities, municipal electric utilities are focused on reliability, affordability, and serving the needs of their residential and business customers. With a commitment to reinvesting in the community and providing responsive, locally controlled service, public power utilities play a vital role in ensuring that electricity is not only a resource, but also a foundation for community growth and sustainability.
The VALUE of Public Power
Here are just a few of the benefits public power provides:
AFFORDABILITY: Public power utilities are not-for-profit entities owned by their communities. They provide electricity to customers at the lowest rates. Homes powered by public power utilities paid 9% less than homes powered by private utilities in 2022.
RELIABILITY: Local crews ensure fast response times and shorter outages. Investments in infrastructure and technology enhance reliability and provide customers with better service. Customers of public power utilities lose power less often. Customers of a public power utility experienced an average of 1.5 fewer hours without power than customers of other utility types in 2022, outside of major adverse events, and nearly 3 fewer hours without power during major events.
LOCALLY OWNED: Every citizen is an owner, providing a direct say in utility governance. The utility offers personalized customer service and actively participates in community events.
LOCALLY CONTROLLED: Like public schools and libraries, public power utilities are governed by a local city council or an elected or appointed board. These municipal utilities offer transparent decision-making, open public meetings and rapid responses in emergencies.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORT: Municipal utilities support local economic growth through infrastructure investments, energy efficiency incentives and local job creation. Local flexibility and quality service offered by municipal utilities are a major advantage for the community in attracting and retaining commercial and industrial customers.
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP: Municipal utilities are committed to environmental care, integrating renewable resources like hydropower, wind and solar into their energy mix and complying with environmental regulations.