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Starkville Utilities Powers Ahead with FutureNOW

Strategy positions Starkville for transformative growth

Serving a dynamic city recently hailed as “the best small town in the South” means always being prepared to meet the utility needs of a growing and thriving service area. That’s the momentum fueling FutureNOW—a new initiative reinforcing Starkville Utilities’ commitment to excellence, innovation and ongoing, customer-driven service improvements.

“We have the unique privilege of serving one of Mississippi’s most exciting and inviting growth centers, and Starkville Utilities has played a supporting role in its transformation,” said Edward Kemp, Starkville Utilities’ general manager. “With FutureNOW, we’re staying ahead of the curve by investing strategically in our people, plans and processes and continuously upgrading and modernizing Starkville’s utility systems to better serve customers.”

FutureNOW addresses five key areas:

• Infrastructure Improvements: Starkville Utilities will ensure a safe, reliable and modern utility infrastructure by prioritizing water, sewer and electrical system upgrades to support the city’s continued growth. Residents can expect fewer electrical outages, a safe and dependable water supply and the ability to connect to the latest technologies.
• Technology Investments: Well-planned investments in technology will pay for themselves over time by improving efficiency, reliability, accessibility, responsiveness and convenience for customers.
• Financial Accountability: As a municipally owned and operated service provider, Starkville Utilities will continue its commitment to fiscal responsibility via transparent budgeting and cost-conscious approach that ensure customers receive the best value for their utility dollar.
• Enhanced Customer Experience: Customers will have access to a wider range of account management options and programs with more flexibility and control to help them improve efficiency and save money.
• Community Investment: As a strong community partner, Starkville Utilities will continue its investments in workforce development, STEM education, environmental sustainability and other areas that contribute to Starkville’s quality of life.

In recent years, Starkville Utilities has made gains in several areas to improve performance and customer satisfaction, earning statewide recognition from the Mississippi Municipal League for its comprehensive plan to modernize utility services while moving capital projects forward.

Recent projects have included water and sewer system upgrades in Green Oaks and Rolling Hills and downtown Starkville as well as electrical system improvements, all of which have increased reliability and capacity to accommodate growth.

Starkville Utilities also commissioned comprehensive evaluations of the city’s water and wastewater systems that will guide capital investments over the next 20 years, with a focus on providing safe, reliable, affordable utility services.

To advance performance in those areas, the utility implemented a comprehensive communication program to keep customers better informed about their utility services using e-newsletters, bill inserts, social media messaging and other channels.

Starkville Utilities also launched an upgraded phone system, website and mobile app that have enhanced accessibility for customers by offering a variety of secure, convenient tools to manage their accounts, receive assistance and provide feedback about their services.

“We want to contribute to Starkville’s success story by being the best utility provider possible and taking the right steps today to prepare for the future,” Kemp said. “That means listening to customers and taking a critical look at our operations and systems, with a goal to continuously improve. FutureNOW provides the direction required to keep Starkville on track for greater things to come.”

Starkville Utilities is a public utility serving 14,000 residences, businesses and industries in Starkville, Mississippi as well as Mississippi State University. Its mission is to supply safe, reliable, and cost-effective electric and water service of superior quality and value that improves the lives of its customers.