FMEA Highlights the Benefits of Public Power During 2026 National Public Power Week

In recognition of Public Power Week (Oct. 4 – 10, 2026), the Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) is highlighting the benefits public power utilities provide their communities and their residents.

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

Florida public power utilities are:

Affordable

Florida public power utilities provide affordable power to their customers. The average Florida public power monthly electric bill is about $20 less than the average Florida investor-owned utility monthly bill. FMEA issues monthly Electric Bill Comparison reports that provide information on residential, commercial and industrial electric bills broken down by individual public power utilities and investor-owned utilities.

Reliable

Florida public power utilities invest millions every year on new distribution, transmission and generation infrastructure, as well as technologies to improve reliability and resiliency. 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.

Locally Governed, Locally Accountable

The rates and services of Florida public power utilities are governed by their local city council or by an elected or appointed board. That means they are held accountable directly to the communities they serve. This is the most responsive and accessible form of regulation.

Customer and Community Focused

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.

There are 2,000 public power communities across the country, serving 55 million Americans across 49 states and five territories. Florida has 33 public power utilities that serve more than 4 million residential and business customers, which is approximately 14 percent of the state’s customers.

Public Power Week is recognized during the first full week of October every year to celebrate our customers and community, while helping them understand the importance of public power and how they can better engage with their community-owned utility and benefit from its offerings.

For more information on FMEA and Florida’s public power communities, please visit www.flpublicpower.com.