What is public power?

Public Power is the term used to describe not-for-profit publicly owned electric utilities that are operated by a municipality, county, state or other public body such as a public utility district. Public Power systems are directly accountable to the people they serve. 

Private Power

Private Power sells electricity to make a profit. Profits go to stockholders all over the country. Public power systems are not run to make a profit. All the benefits from public power stay at home in the form of lower rates, improved services, and other community contributions. Public ownership of a utility is like owning your own home. Private ownership is like renting it.                   

Show All Answers

1. What do I do if the power goes out?
2. What is public power?
3. What are the benefits of public power?
4. How do rates compare?
5. Why are public power rates lower?
6. What are the other economic benefits of public power?
7. What are the national economic benefits of public power?
8. How is public power responsive to its consumer-owners?
9. How are public power systems regulated?