The Board of Directors of Hometown Connections, Inc. (HCI), which includes representatives from its five joint action agency owners and the American Public Power Association (APPA), has voted to cease regular operations effective October 1, 2026.
HCI’s five joint action agency owners are:
• American Municipal Power, Inc. (AMP)
• Alabama Municipal Electric Authority (AMEA), doing business as Energy Southeast
• Missouri Public Utility Alliance (MPUA)
• Northern California Power Agency (NCPA)
• Vermont Public Power Supply Authority (VPPSA)
For nearly 30 years, Hometown Connections has helped community-owned utilities access innovative solutions, trusted partners, and strategic expertise, an HCI news release noted.
During that time, HCI has served more than 900 community-owned utility systems and organizations nationwide, helping them strengthen operations, improve customer service, deploy advanced technologies, enhance cybersecurity, and develop long-term strategic plans.
The Board’s decision followed a careful evaluation of changing market dynamics and declining engagement in recent years.
Although the need for utility support services remains important, the Board determined that HCI’s current business model is no longer sustainable in the evolving market.
“This was a difficult but necessary decision, and one the Board did not take lightly,” said Branndon Kelley, Chair of the Hometown Connections Board of Directors and Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer of American Municipal Power, Inc. “For nearly 30 years, Hometown Connections has helped community-owned utilities access high-quality services, trusted expertise, and innovative solutions. The Board is proud of HCI’s impact across the public power sector and grateful to the partners, affiliates, utility leaders, and employees who made that work possible. Although this chapter is closing, HCI’s legacy will continue through the stronger utilities and communities it helped serve.”
The Board extended its sincere appreciation to HCI’s partners and affiliates for their collaboration, trust, and support.
Their commitment to public power and community-owned utilities expanded HCI’s impact and helped bring valuable services and solutions to more than 900 community-owned utility systems and organizations across the United States.
Regular operations will cease effective October 1, 2026. A limited administrative wind-down and transition support period is expected to continue for several months.
HCI expects to remain available through October to assist existing partners and affiliates with transition-related matters.
Partners and affiliates seeking assistance during this period should contact Marc Gerken, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hometown Connections, who will coordinate transition-related support on behalf of the organization.
