October 4, 2024
When people are invested in their community, they’re also committed to its future. That’s the momentum behind Starkville Utilities’ upcoming observance of Public Power Week.
Slated for October 6-12, the national observance celebrates roughly 2,000 not-for-profit electric utilities that provide power and other essential services for customers throughout the U.S. The theme, “Building a Brighter Future,” reflects Starkville Utilities’ ongoing dedication to providing reliable, affordable power while investing in infrastructure that will fuel Starkville's growth for years to come.
“Public Power Week is a time to recognize the unique benefits that locally owned utilities bring to our communities,” said Edward Kemp, general manager of Starkville Utilities. “We take pride in serving our customers with reliable electricity and water at competitive rates. But just as importantly, we are committed to investing in the future of Starkville.”
In July, Starkville Utilities launched the FutureNOW strategy to identify priorities for the next five years, including infrastructure improvements, technology investments, financial accountability, customer service enhancements and community engagement.
Since that time, the utility has rolled out the SmartHub customer account system; installed a new electric vehicle fast-charging station in downtown Starkville; accepted bids on an $8.9 wastewater treatment plant upgrade project; and broken ground on the Highway 182 Revitalization project, which involves extensive electrical, water and sewer system upgrades.
“These projects represent many years of planning and were largely designed by local residents to benefit local residents,” Kemp said. “Community engagement has always been an important part of our process and plays a vital role in creating successful outcomes for our customers.”
Electrical grid improvements are happening at a time when power usage in the U.S. is expected to reach record highs through 2025, driven in part by the surge of electric vehicles, data centers and artificial intelligence.
Along with taking steps to modernize Starkville’s electrical infrastructure, Starkville Utilities helps customers control utility costs by improving the energy efficiency of their homes and businesses.
Through its EnergyRight partnership with Tennessee Valley Authority, Starkville Utilities offers several energy-saving incentives and solutions for residential customers, including free home energy audits.
In November, Starkville Utilities will host free EnergyRight workshops for residential customers. Dates and locations will be announced soon on Starkville Utilities’ website and social media channels.
“Being publicly owned means we serve the community’s interest,” Kemp said. “We create local jobs and invest revenues back into our utility systems so they’ll be prepared to serve future generations of Starkville residents. Our impacts go far beyond providing utilities, and we take pride in being an integral part of our community.”
Starkville Utilities is a municipally owned and operated electric and water utility, serving more than 14,000 residences, businesses and industries in Starkville as well as the state’s largest institution of higher learning, Mississippi State University.
Public Power Week is an annual national observance coordinated by the American Public Power Association. The American Public Power Association is the voice of not-for-profit, community-owned utilities that power approximately 2,000 towns and cities nationwide. APPA represents public power before the federal government to protect the interests of the more than 54 million people that public power utilities serve, and the 93,000 people they employ. It advocates and advises on electricity policy, technology, trends, training, and operations. Its members strengthen their communities by providing superior service, engaging citizens, and instilling pride in community-owned power. More at www.PublicPower.org.