FMEA Highlights the Benefits of Public Power During National Public Power Week
In honor of Public Power Week (Oct. 5 – 11, 2025), the Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) is highlighting the benefits public power utilities provide their communities and their residents.
“Not-for-profit public power utilities are an American tradition that works. They are locally owned, locally controlled and locally operated. Residents in public power communities can depend on affordable and reliable power. They also have control of their energy future because they have a say in the decisions made about their local electric utility,” said Amy Zubaly, FMEA Executive Director.
Florida public power utilities are:
Affordable
Florida public power utilities’ average monthly bills are generally lower than the average bills of other utility providers. FMEA’s Electric Bill Comparison for August 2025 shows the average bills of public power utilities across Florida are among the lowest in the state, coming in at an average of $35.49 lower than the average bills of other utilities per 1,000 kWh.
Reliable
Florida public power utilities continually invest in new distribution, transmission and generation infrastructure, as well as technologies to improve reliability and resiliency. These investments are especially critical following major weather events. During 2024 when three hurricanes hit the state, Florida public power utilities were able to restore power to 95 percent of customers in less than 24 hours (Debby), 48 hours (Helene) and 72 hours (Milton).
Job Creators
Florida public power utilities create high quality, local jobs for local residents. Florida public power communities employ more than 5,800 Floridians across the state.
Community Investors
Florida’s public power utilities provide revenue to the community to help pay for critical public safety services and quality-of-life amenities, such as parks. These investments help ensure a strong, thriving community for residents and visitors alike.
Economic Drivers
Florida public power utilities serve as an engine for economic development. Local flexibility and quality service offered by municipal utilities are a major advantage for the community in attracting and retaining commercial and industrial businesses.
Fuel Diverse
Florida public power utilities continue to maintain a diverse fuel mix with a goal of providing more affordable and reliable power to customers through a mix of fuels, while exploring new and emerging technologies.
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.
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.