While public power utilities are "not-for-profit" organizations, they make major economic contributions to their communities. Low electric rates also hold down consumer costs, stimulating the local economy. Strong, stable employers mean strong, stable jobs for local citizens. So is its ability as a local government arm to provide streamlined "one-stop shop" customer services that encourage existing business customers to maintain and expand their operations, and attract new businesses. Public power's low electric rates are a magnet for community economic development. These organizations are consortia of public power systems that own or purchase power supplies, or take part in other activities in which they can obtain economies of scale through their partnership. Public power systems also work in partnership with each other through more than 60 joint action agencies. They have become leaders in supplying an array of infrastructure services that are related to the provision of electricity and other essential public needs, such as telecommunications services. They are often called upon to find innovative solutions to community needs, working with other city and community institutions. Hometown electric utilities are an integral part of their communities, with skilled managerial and engineering staffs. Through the public decision-making process, they create policies and services that are responsive to and can anticipate citizen needs. Public power systems work in partnership with their citizens and communities. The rate differential is due primarily to public power's not-for-profit status, and efficient management and operations. Private power company residential customers pay average electricity rates that are about 18 percent more than those paid by public power customers Private power company commercial customers pay average electricity rates that are about 9 percent more than those paid by public power customers There are only small differences in average rates paid by industrial customers of public and private power companies. According to information reported to the U.S. Public power has a proven track record of providing customers with lower-cost electric rates than private power companies on a national average. They also allow commercial and industrial customers to grow and thrive, contributing to the overall prosperity of communities and the nation. Lower prices help residential customers better manage household budgets. Public power systems' measure of success is how much money they can keep within their communities through low rates and contributions to the city budget, not how much can be taken out to send to distant stockholders who are not part of the community.Įlectricity prices drive local economies. Unlike private power companies, public power utilities do not have to serve stockholders as well as customers. Public power's first and only purpose is to provide excellent, efficient service to its citizens. "Customers First" is Public Power's Mission Community ownership and governance provide wide latitude to make local decisions that best suit local needs and values, as well as changing market conditions.Ĭitizens have a direct voice in utility decisions and policies about electric rates and services, generating fuels, clean air and water, and other issues that affect them through public meetings, the ballot box, and open policy board meetings. Most public power systems - especially the smaller ones - are governed by a city council, while others are governed by an independently elected or appointed board. Public power systems provide a public service - electricity - at a reasonable price. Public power systems are rooted in the American tradition of local people providing for their basic community needs. A number of states also operate public power systems. Public power systems are operated primarily by municipalities, as well as by counties, public utility districts, or other public bodies. However, all public power systems have in common their purpose: to provide adequate, reliable, not-for-profit electricity at a reasonable price with proper protection of the environment. Public power provides for the electric power needs of about 40 million Americans or almost 15 percent of electricity consumers.Įvery public power system is different due to its community's population, geography and climate, natural resources, economic and social resources and challenges, and local government structure and goals. They have created public power systems - not-for-profit electric utilities that are owned by the communities and governed democratically. More than 2,000 communities across the country have chosen to provide for their own electricity services. Public Power: An American Tradition that Works
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