Florida publicly-owned utilities mark National Public Power Week

The Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) is using National Public Power Week to raise awareness of the services its members provide across the state.

The weeklong observance, an initiative of the American Public Power Association, runs through Oct. 10. It celebrates the role community-owned utilities play in the places they serve.

FMEA officials say many Floridians overlook the electric and other utility workers who keep the state running.

“Public power is a longstanding American tradition built on one simple principle: serving the community,” said Amy Zubaly, FMEA Executive Director.

“For nearly 150 years, public power utilities have provided electricity to local customers on a not-for-profit basis. The model puts customers first, with affordable rates, reliable service, and a commitment to meeting the needs of the communities they serve.”

FMEA says publicly owned utilities cost customers less. According to the association, the average monthly bill for a customer of a Florida public power utility is about $20 lower than for customers of other utilities.

The association also says public power is generally more reliable because municipal utilities invest millions of dollars in distribution, transmission and generation infrastructure.

“These investments are especially critical following major weather events. Following hurricanes, Florida public power utilities, on average, restore power one to two days faster than other utilities serving customers in the same Florida counties,” an FMEA news release said.

Because local governments or related utility entities own and maintain that infrastructure, FMEA says public power utilities are more directly accountable, and therefore more responsive, to their customers.

“Florida’s public power utilities are dedicated to delivering the highest level of service and value to their customers. Their focus is on the specific needs of the customers and community, including high reliability and low rates, as well as other local priorities,” the release said.

Nationwide, about 2,000 communities in 49 states are served by public power utilities, which provide electricity to roughly 55 million Americans. Florida has 33 public power utilities serving about 4 million residential and commercial customers, or roughly 14% of the state’s power customers, according to FMEA.