The public power business model is based on the tenets of local decision-making, not-for-profit operations, low-cost delivery of service, and an ultimate focus on the needs of customers. This model has long been successful. However, at times, communities may debate whether the community should continue to own and operate its utility. The American Public Power Association has resources to assist in understanding the benefits of public power and the impacts of a potential sale.
Featured Resource
The Future of Your Utility: Positioning Your Community to Succeed in a Sellout Evaluation
This guidebook will help you better understand the value of your community-owned utility and the importance of running your utility effectively. It will also help you identify warning signs that your utility may become a target of a sellout attempt and provide you with tools to make an informed evaluation on the retention or sale of your utility. Steps covered include how to prepare for a sellout evaluation, respond to a threat, and communicate with stakeholders during a sellout evaluation.
Download the complete guide* (PDF) or click the excerpts below.
What is Public Power?
What is Public Power?
Explains the public power business model, how public power differs from investor-owned or cooperative utilities and other basics. Read the chapter (PDF).
Benefits of Public Power
Benefits of Public Power
Explores the many benefits public power utilities may offer, in 4 broad categories: local choice, reliable customer service, affordable prices, and local economic development. Read the chapter (PDF).
Preventing a Sellout Attempt from Emerging
Preventing a Sellout Attempt from Emerging
The best defense against a sellout attempt is a well-run utility and customer-owners who understand the value of public power ownership. Read the chapter (PDF).
Communicating the Value of Public Power
Communicating the Value of Public Power
Good communication and public relations are vital long before a sellout attempt ever emerges. Learn how to lay the groundwork for customer loyalty long before the privatization attempt. Read the chapter (PDF).
Additional Resources
Additional Resources
- Valuation Techniques*
- Legal Issues in a Takeover of a Municipal Electric Utility*
- Consultants for Evaluation of Public Power Utility for Retention or Sale
- Understanding Payments and Contributions to State and Local Governments
- Public Power Pays Back
- Making Rate and Cost Comparisons
- Model City Charter Provisions for a Public Utilities Authority*
- Issue Brief on Private Investment in Public Power*
- Protecting Public Power from Private Equity Takeovers: An APPA Member Toolkit*
- Understanding and Evaluating Privatization in the Power Sector*
Resources marked with an asterisk (*) are available to members only. Request any of these resources, plus more, from our team at EducationInfo@PublicPower.org.
Municipalization Resources
Learn more about establishing a publicly owned electric utility. Public power utilities bring many benefits to their communities. At times, communities served by other types of utilities may explore what it would take to form a new public power utility – a process referred to as “municipalization.” APPA has resources that may help you evaluate whether forming a new community-owned electric utility is right for you.
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