Straight Answers to False Charges

Straight Answers to False Charges Against Public Power In the last few years many Americans have become interested in establishing new publicly owned electric utilities in their communities. At the same time, citizens served by existing public power utilities have a renewed appreciation of the benefits of owning and operating their own electric utilities. Investor-owned utilities generally oppose the formation of new publicly owned electric systems and their most common tactic is to try to discredit public power's record. But when you take an objective look at the facts, their charges don't hold up. Straight Answers is designed to respond to many of the common charges leveled against public power and to help separate fact from fiction.

Download PDF Version [1MB] (Revised 2004)

Summary

10 Common False Charges

1.  The Benefits of Public Power

   A. Local Control Over Utility Policies

   B. Reliable Power

   C. Responsive Customer Service

   D. Lower Rates

   E. Efficient Local Operations

   F. Local Economic Development

2.  Forming a Public Power Utility

            A. The Right Time for Public Power

            B. Studying the Feasibility

            C. Weighing the Risks, Costs, and Benefits

            D. Legal and Public Relations Challenges

3. More Electric Systems Turn Public Than Private