Local Control

Like public schools and libraries, public power utilities are owned by the community and run as a division of local government. These utilities are governed by a local city council or an elected or appointed board. Community citizens have a direct voice in utility decisions and policymaking. Business is conducted in the open and citizens know where their power comes from and how and why decisions affecting their utility bills are made.

Public power utilities are owned and operated by the community they serve, so there are no stockholders to please or profits to make. Local needs are considered when decisions are made about rates, services, and the environment. And that way, public power revenues can be reinvested in community programs and projects that are for the common good. In the end, public power does exactly what its name suggests -- putting power in the hands of the public.