New website helps customers understand the advantages of locally owned electric utilities

ORLANDO, Fla., July 18, 2013 – When people flip a light switch or open the refrigerator, they’re not thinking about where their electricity comes from. They might be surprised to learn that the type of electric utility that serves them makes a difference.

Thirty-four cities in Florida are served by locally owned electric utilities. Visitors to a new website (www.homepoweradvantage.com) can see if they are served by one of these consumer-owned utilities and learn more about the Home Power Advantage.

“Municipal electric utilities have a long and successful track record,” said Nick Guarriello, general manager of the Florida Municipal Power Agency (FMPA). “However, we must continually tell our story to the next generation of customers.”

“It’s important for customers to understand the tangible and intangible benefits of a hometown utility,” said Barry Moline, executive director of the Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA). “Some benefits are easy to measure, like keeping the lights on and returning a higher percent of revenues to the community. And some benefits are harder to measure but no less important, like personal service and local accountability that come from a locally owned and operated utility.”

The Home Power Advantage website was created by FMEA and FMPA so that electric customers can learn more about where their power comes from and why it matters.

#    #    #

Florida Municipal Power Agency (FMPA) is a wholesale power company owned by 31 municipal electric utilities. FMPA provides economies of scale in power generation and related services to support community-owned electric utilities. The members of FMPA serve approximately two million Floridians.

The Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) represents the unified interests of 34 public power communities across Florida. FMEA provides its members with government relations, communications and education services. The association is at the forefront of energy industry trends, and advances public power utilities toward enhancing services and continually innovating in all aspects of utility operations.