Tallahassee’s publicly owned electric utility is one of the city’s most valuable long-term assets and protecting it should remain a priority. Across Florida, communities served by privately owned utilities like Florida Power & Light and Duke Energy have faced repeated rate increases and limited accountability, with decisions often driven by shareholder returns rather than community needs. Because Tallahassee owns our utility, residents have something those communities do not: direct local control. Our electric system ultimately answers to the people who live here, not distant corporate boards.

Maintaining public ownership helps protect taxpayers and ratepayers from the pressures that often drive up costs under private utilities. Investor-owned utilities must generate profits for shareholders on top of covering operating costs and infrastructure investments, which can lead to higher rates over time. A municipal utility operates differently—revenue can be reinvested directly into maintaining infrastructure, improving reliability, and stabilizing costs for residents and businesses. Local ownership allows Tallahassee to prioritize affordability, transparency, and long-term planning that reflects the interests of our community.

Public power also gives Tallahassee the flexibility to pursue responsible energy and climate strategies that benefit both residents and the environment. By maintaining control of our utility, the city can invest in modernizing the electric grid, expanding with the addition of cost-effective renewable energy sources, and improving energy efficiency programs that lower household utility bills. These steps help reduce emissions, strengthen resilience against extreme weather, and position Tallahassee as a leader in sustainable energy policy. Protecting our municipal utility ensures we can pursue climate-conscious solutions while keeping energy decisions accountable to the people who live here.