Print | Share | Cart

Utility Governance

Public power utilities are governed by their consumer-owners through locally elected or appointed officials. In a few states, public power systems are regulated by state utility commissions. Some public power communities vest authority in their local city governing body – such as a city council – to guide the utility. Others have independent elected or appointed utility boards. In any case, they are accountable to the citizens they serve.

Power Surge - A Conduit for Enlightened Leadership

This publication, written by organizational development consultant, Margaret Seidler, is a story about the operations of a municipal electric utility six days before a monster hurricane is sceduled to make a direct hit on their town. Power Surge highlights what leaders experience when they are unable to see all points of view and how this limited perspective can adversely impact their employees, their community, and themselves. After presenting the leadership challenge, the author coaches the central characters and develops their skills using Polarity Management methodology - an effective crisis management leadership style. Seidler is highly-regarded in public power circles and has spoken at several of APPA's conferences and seminars. Order this product.

Table Detailing the Authority of State Commissions to Regulate Rates of Public Power Utilities with accompanying statutes prepared by the American Public Power Association, July 2007.

Governance of the Benton PUD Commission," by Jim Sanders presented at the 2007 APPA National Conference

The Board's Role in Customer Service by William Atkinson in the May/June 2007 issue of Public Power.

How Utility Boards Can Communicate Utility Performance to Stakeholders by William Atkinson in the March/April 2007 issue of Public Power.

Know and Trumpet the Value of Your Utility by Ursula Schryver in the January/February 2007 issue of Public Power.

Forging a Living Ethics Policy by William Atkinson in the November/December 2006 issue of Public Power.

Members, read the presentations from the  2006 Community & Economic Development Conference

2010 Governance Survey
In 2010, APPA conducted its eighth Governance Survey to determine the type of control governments exercise over publicly owned electric systems.

Managing Ethical Challenges by William Atkinson from September/October 2006 issue of Public Power.

Emotional Exhaustion: A Price To Pay For Your Civic Duty? by William Atkinson from July/August 2005 issue of Public Power.

Educating New Board Members by William Atkinson from September/October 2004 issue of Public Power.

Speaking for the Utility by William Atkinson from July/August 2004 issue of Public Power.

How SMUD Got Serious About Governance by Eric Douglas from  May/June 2004 issue of Public Power.