Cheryl Anderson Florida Municipal Electric Association Deputy Executive Director canderson@publicpower.com
Supports and promotes Florida's public power communities through information, advocacy and service for the 2.8 million businesses and residential consumers they serve.
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34 municipal electric utilities 1.3 million customer meters 14% of Florida s population Large Utilities JEA (Jacksonville): 404,000 customers OUC (Orlando): 190,000 customers Ocala Utility Services 50,000 customers Small Utilities Bushnell: 1,162 customers Chattahoochee: 1,228 customers 4
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Florida Power and Light (FPL) has 4.4 Million Customers in Florida http://www.tcpalm.com/news/
http://www.verobeach32963.com/stories%202012/february%202012/vb32963_ FPL_Vero_Electric_purchase_issue5_020212.html
Public Power Utilities Vision We are a dedicated organizations committed to enhancing the quality of life by providing premium services to everyone who lives, works and visits in our city. 9
Overview Florida Public Power Utilities Types of Electric Utilities Policymakers Process Public Power Advantages Why Customer Service is Important Potential threats to Florida Public Power Utilities Public Power Ambassadors 1 0
Number of Electric Utilities % of Customers Public/Municipal Owned Utilities..2,010 14% Cooperatives..885 12% Investor-Owned..223 70% Federal Power Agencies..9 0% Power Marketers...150 4% Total 3,277
Era s of the Electric Utility 1880s-1930s In 1882, the Pearl Street Electric Generating Station came to life in New York City. It served 59 customers at roughly 24cents/kWh. By the late 1880s, electric demand was so high that nighttime-only lighting was fast transitioning into electric service 24 hours a day. Thomas Edison
Policymakers and the Legislative Process Utility companies like many other industries have to be in compliance and must stay on top of policy changes or proposed changes at the local, state and federal level. Local Elected or appointed officials State State Legislators Public Service Commission Department of Environmental Protection Federal Congress Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
The City of Ocala is governed by the council-manager form of government. Voters elect a five-member city council and a mayor. The mayor serves a two-year term and council members serve four-year terms. Council meetings are on the first and third Tuesdays of every month at 4 p.m.
How Does Electricity Work? Generators: Current, Volts and Amps A generator is a simple device that moves a magnet near a wire to make electrons flow in a single direction. The magnet in a generator can: 1. Push a certain number of electrons along = Current 2. Apply a certain amount of pressure to the electrons = Voltage 3. The measure of flowing electrons = Amps
Relationships with the customers Local control, presence, and participation Low (competitive) prices Non-profit status prevents conflicting demands for Profit $$ vs. customer service Coordination of other city services
Local Control, Customers are the owners Access to decision makers take concerns to decision makers (Mayor, city council) Responsive customer service polices and procedures tailored to local needs Public Power is focused on how we can add to the quality of life for our citizens/cities
Economic Development: Not-for-profit electricity attracts and keeps businesses and jobs in town Employees are part of the community, your electric utility recruit jobs in your town Electric system $$ remain in the local economy Electric system $$ support other city services
Reliable electric system A faster response for outages/storms Crews located in our community Utility workers are your neighbors Not-for-profit status: Cost based rates Rates are set to recoup cost not to profit stockholders
Utility customers are the owners Customers effect regulations Unhappy customers are expensive Providing good service is the right thing
Public Power service area Customers can: Get facts together Talk with utility staff Meet with elected officials Attend council meetings VOTE, VOTE, VOTE
Let s find a solution that works for both of us Seeks mutual benefit Is cooperative, not competitive Listens more Be solution focused rather than problem focused Stays in communication longer Handle with a sense of urgency
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Focus on Customers
Customer Service is everyone s responsibility
You are the Utility Company to the Customer
A person who acts as an authorized representative, messenger, or promoter of a specific activity. Our CSRs are already Ambassadors Face and Ears of the Utility Project a positive or negative Image But this is GOOD NEWS!!!!
Employees: Attend church, sporting events, clubs Use social media Visit schools, doctors, restaurants Probably asked Where do YOU Work? Probably asked About the Utility?
Not just here to fill a position, promote the utility Passionate and understand how to represent the utility Understand how your role impacts the utility s initiatives How your role helps to take the utility to the next level
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Conservation Education / Marketing Community Partnerships / Sponsorships Community Outreach / Events 35 35
Your Hometown Public Power Utility! developing informational materials, participating in community events increased use of social media Higher profile activities radio ads currently running that promote public power wraps on a local transit bus and two electric and hybrid cars
150 Community Events Each Year More than half with a water conservation and sustainability component, including: OUC Orlando Half Marathon Hispanic Expo Earth Day at Lake Eola & OIA Annual Plant & Garden Festival Neighborhood & Community Summit 38
All City Parks USTA Camping World Stadium Orlando City Soccer Stadium 39
Since 2009 Every Fifth Grader in the OUC Service Territory 50,000+ Students Have Participated 2,500+ Electric & Water Labs Conducted *Alternative Water & Energy Supply, Observation, Methods & Education Satisfaction Rating of 4.9 out of 5 40 40