Celebrating 130 years of public power:
Customer Focused, Community Powered
RALEIGH (OCT. 3 2019) — More than seventy communities across North Carolina benefit from the value of public power. These municipal-owned utilities provide safe, reliable electric service and outstanding customer service to more than 1.2 million people in North Carolina.
“As hometown utilities, public power communities always have the best interest of their local residents at heart,” said Roy Jones, CEO of ElectriCities, a non-profit organization that works with public power communities across North Carolina and beyond. “During Hurricane Dorian, it was a true inspiration to see public power communities rally around each other and lend a hand to help their neighbors in need. That type of dedication and support is a hallmark of public power communities.”
Gov. Cooper Commends Public Power Providers
Cities and towns across the nation are celebrating Public Power Week from October 6-12 with special events aimed at recognizing utility workers and promoting the value of public power.
NC Gov. Roy Cooper issued a formal proclamation to celebrate public power, noting that “North Carolina’s public power utilities are valuable community assets that contribute to the well-being of the community. and provide economic development opportunities.”
This year’s theme — Customer Focused, Community Powered — reflects public power’s commitment to meet the needs of the local communities it serves.
Reliability: A Public Power Tradition
Reports show that public power providers consistently outperform investor-owned utilities in terms of reliability. Public power communities experience fewer power outages and get the power restored more quickly than others.
Reliability is a major reason why more than eight out of ten public power customers said they would choose public power if given a choice, according to a statewide survey of 2,500 customers conducted this year.
North Carolina has 25 communities — more than any other state —recognized by the American Public Power Association (APPA) as Reliable Public Power Providers. This special designation is awarded to utilities that provide outstanding reliability, safety, workforce development, and system improvement.
A Rich History of Public Power in North Carolina
Public power has a rich tradition in North Carolina that dates back to 1889, when the City of Statesville first began using electric lights instead of gas street lamps to illuminate the tiny downtown area. Today, North Carolina ranks among the top 10 providers of public power in the nation.
Nationally, there are more than 2,000 public power providers who serve 49 million people.
About ElectriCities of North Carolina
ElectriCities of North Carolina, Inc., is the membership organization that provides power supply and related critical services to over 90 community-owned electric systems in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia—collectively known as public power. ElectriCities manages the power supply for two power agencies in North Carolina and provides technical services to assist members in operating their electric distribution systems. ElectriCities also helps these locally owned and operated public power providers thrive today and in the future by delivering innovative services, including legislative, technical, communications, and economic development expertise.
Visit www.electricities.com to learn more about the benefits of public power and how ElectriCities helps communities keep the lights on through access to safe, reliable, and affordable energy.
Media contact
Elizabeth Kadick
Vice President, Communications, ElectriCities
919-760-6285
ekadick@electricities.org