Public power utilities across the U.S. are planning a wide range of activities for their communities to celebrate Public Power Week, which will take place October 4-10.
The American Public Power Association is joining the festivities and sharing sample resources, templates, and more that member utilities can use to spread the word and help celebrate in your communities.
“With public power, electric utility decisions are made locally, with the community’s input and collective priorities in mind,” noted Paul Hauser, ElectriCities Chief Operating Officer. ElectriCities provides power supply and related critical services to its member communities. “Public power customers can rest assured that their local neighbors are the lineworkers, engineers, customer service representatives, and other specialists keeping their utility running. When neighbors are serving neighbors, there is a genuine commitment to keeping the community safely powered,” Hauser said.
“Public power is a longstanding American tradition built on one simple principle: serving the community. For nearly 150 years, public power utilities have provided electricity to local customers on a not-for-profit basis. The model puts customers first, with affordable rates, reliable service, and a commitment to meeting the needs of the communities they serve,” said Amy Zubaly, FMEA Executive Director.
The following provides highlights on what some public power utilities are planning to celebrate Public Power Week:
Kerrville Public Utility Board
In Texas, public power utility Kerrville Public Utility Board has planned a large number of events for Public Power Week.
“Public Power Week is one of our favorite opportunities to celebrate what makes KPUB special—our connection to the community we serve,” said Allison Bueché, KPUB Director of Customer & Community Relations.
“As we celebrate 39 years of public power and look ahead to our 40th anniversary, it’s exciting to see how far our community-owned utility has come and where we’re headed next. From competitive rates and nationally recognized reliability to owning generation for the first time, we’re continuing to build on the benefits of public power for the customers and community we serve,” she said.
On Wednesday, October 7, KPUB will host Weatherize & Save: A Community Home Energy Event. On October 9, KPUB will host a special Power Hour Lunch & Learn, with Q&A to follow. The presentation will highlight KPUB’s public power story—from its history, competitive rates and award-winning reliability to investments in generation and infrastructure, community impact, and programs that help customers save energy and money.
On October 10, from 10 a.m.–1 p.m., KPUB will host its 6th Annual Bucket Truck Ride Event. The free, family-friendly event will feature bucket truck rides, line worker tool displays, photo opportunities with KPUB line workers, face painting and interactive energy education activities for children. Each child who visits the energy education station will receive a free activity book.
KPUB’s annual coloring contest is open to 1st–5th grade students, with submissions due by Wednesday, September 30. Entries must be submitted to the student’s school or KPUB’s office by 5 p.m.
One winner from each grade will receive a $50 Amazon gift card, Public Power Week T-shirt and KPUB gift basket. Winners will be announced at the Bucket Truck Ride Event on October 10, and top entries will be displayed at the event and featured in KPUB publications.
Throughout Public Power Week, customers can stop by the KPUB lobby Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. to enjoy free cookies, pick up LED light bulbs (limit two per customer) and grab a 2027 KPUB calendar.
Customers can also enter to win a smart Nest thermostat package, including free installation and an HVAC system inspection and tune-up. The winner will be drawn at 1 p.m. during the Bucket Truck Ride Event on October 10, and participants do not need to be present to win.
Brownsville Public Utilities Board
Another Texas public power utility -- Brownsville Public Utilities Board – on Oct. 2 is hosting the Big Public Utilities Bash -- Brownsville’s annual community celebration held each October during Public Power Month.
Families, students, and residents are invited to enjoy a day filled with interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, live demonstrations, and contests, all showcasing how BPUB powers everyday life in Brownsville.
The event will include:
• Touch-a-Truck and live equipment demonstrations
• Conservation and safety learning stations
• Family-friendly contests and games
• Artisan market and local vendors
• Free food, giveaways and prize drawings
GEUS
Another Texas public power utility – GEUS – is celebrating Public Power Week by inviting community members to participate in a free Touch-a-Truck event.
“Join us for a fun-filled afternoon where families can get an up-close look at some of the equipment and vehicles that help power and serve our community every day,” it said in a Facebook post.
Mason PUD 3
In Washington State, Mason PUD 3 notes on its website that each year during Public Power Week, Mason County 4th grade students are invited to the PUD 3 Johns Prairie operations center to learn about the basics of electricity and how the utility plays a part in their lives.
“Come join us for a fun-filled, hands-on, fast-paced event with many interactive displays about the utility and how our homes and businesses use energy. Teachers and homeschool parents can schedule to bring their students for a fun learning experience,” it said.
Here are just a few of the displays and presentations that the PUD will have available:
- Live Wire Demo – An Electrical Safety Presentation that demonstrates live contact with 7200 Volts.
- Touch a Truck – Kids can have the chance to check out a line truck and speak with a lineman about their exciting career.
- Power Pole – See a scaled model of a power pole up close.
- Hydro Wheel – Generate real hydro power with a scaled model of a pelton wheel hydro generator.
- Safety Demo – Shows kids how to be safe around electricity.
- Infrared Station – Learn how the utility uses infrared technology to identify hotspots on the electrical system, preventing damage before it occurs.
- Monster Wattage – What costs more to run: an X-box or a hairdryer? Learn what home appliances use the most energy.
Chelan PUD
Washington State’s Chelan PUD has a series of activities planned for Public Power Week. “Each day throughout the week, we’ll have sweet treats, daily themed activities, giveaways, and a chance to learn more about the people and services behind your local PUD,” it said.
Activities planned for the week are:
- Parks + Fish & Wildlife: “Kick off Public Power Week by exploring how we care for the places, resources, and recreation opportunities that make our community special. Learn how we're working to be good stewards or our community and the natural resources we all enjoy.”
- Power to Save: This event will focus on practical resources and programs designed to help customers save energy, improve home comfort, and manage costs.
- Kids Day & Touch-a-Truck: “Bring the whole family for some educational fun! Wednesday is Kids Day, featuring opportunities to get up close with some of the equipment and people that help keep our community powered and safe.”
- Water & Wastewater: “Safe, reliable water and wastewater services are an essential part of our community — and keeping those systems working takes teamwork. Join us to learn more about the people, programs, and infrastructure working behind the scenes to serve our community every day.”
Public Utility District No. 2 of Pacific County, Washington
Public Utility District No. 2 of Pacific County in Washington State said it is planning the following activities:
Monday, Oct. 5: "Meet your commissioners. All three of your elected commissioners will be in our lobbies, with coffee and pastries from local shops. Ask about rates, projects, your bill, or anything else on your mind."
Monday–Thursday, Oct. 5–8: Warm Heart Donation Wall. Add your heart to the wall at either PUD office.
The Warm Heart fund is paid for entirely by customer donations, not the PUD, and helps income-eligible Pacific County households who are struggling to pay their electric bill. Since 2018, customer gifts have provided more than $245,000 in assistance to over 1,100 local homes.
During Public Power Week, every gift gets a paper heart on the Warm Heart Wall at the office participants choose: red for one-time gifts, gold for monthly gifts. "Your heart can show your full name, first name, family or business name, or simply 'A Neighbor."
Tuesday, Oct. 6: Board of Commissioners meeting in Raymond. Open to everyone.
Friday, Oct. 9: Warm Heart results. "We'll announce the week's total and the winning office here on our Facebook Page!"
All week: Youth coloring and art contests. Entries are due Thursday, Oct. 15. Details and downloads at pacificpud.org/publicpower.
Holland BPW
In Michigan, the Holland Board of Public Works is inviting lower elementary-age students (grades 1-4) are invited to show off their creativity in our Public Power Week coloring contest.
"One winning masterpiece will be chosen after our Halloween Hunt event and receive a $50 gift card and BPW Swag Bag!"
Lansing Board of Water and Light
Another Michigan public power utility -- Lansing Board of Water and Light -- on Oct. 8 will host a story time at a library for a reading of "If I Were a Lineworker."
The utility's mascot Louie the Lightning Bug will also make an appearance.
Owatonna Public Utilities
In Minnesota, Owatonna Public Utilities is holding a kids scavenger hunt.
"For Public Power and Public Natural Gas Week, we are sending you on a scavenger hunt to explore some of the services we provide and some of the things we maintain in Owatonna. Once completed, create a collage with your photos and any fun items you want to include (collages may be made electronically or by hand)." It is also offering a kids coloring contest.
Pasadena Water and Power
California public power utility Pasadena Water and Power has scheduled a Storytime and Touch-a-Truck with a Lineman on Oct. 5, which will include an electric storybook reading from lineman and an opportunity to see a PWP vehicle in-person.
On Oct. 8 at a library the utility has scheduled an event where the community can learn the basic science behind electrical circuits.
Roseville Electric
This year, California's Roseville Electric is celebrating Public Power Week with activities throughout the city of Roseville, Calif.
"Stop by the Utility Exploration Center Tuesday, October 6 through Saturday, October 10 to partake in some fun hands on Public Power Week activities including a scavenger hunt and line truck assembly kit. Plus we'll have some fun giveaways (while supplies last)," it said. "While you're there be sure to stop by the library to check out the electric-themed book display they've set up. They'll also have some fun public power themed hands-on activities and stickers! (while supplies last)."
On October 8 the utility will hold a Public Power Week community celebration. "The event will feature some Roseville Electric big trucks, our Live Wire Safety Tour demonstration, face painting, kids’ activities, food truck sweet treats and more."
Imperial Irrigation District
The Imperial Irrigation District in California is inviting customers to celebrate Public Power Week by visiting an IID Public Programs information table that will be set up at select IID locations.
"Public Power Week is a time to recognize the value of community-owned public power and the customers IID is proud to serve. Throughout the week, customers can stop by to learn more about IID’s energy efficiency programs, pick up helpful information and giveaways, grab a snack and connect with IID staff," it said.
Staff will be available to share information about programs including the All-Weather Energy Savings Program, Energy Rewards Rebate Program and Refrigerator Recycling Program. These programs offer customers opportunities ranging from no-cost home energy improvements and rebates to incentives for recycling eligible refrigerators.
"IID’s celebration aligns with the American Public Power Association’s Public Power Week, an annual national observance held during the first full week of October to help customers better understand the benefits of living in a public power community and engage with their community-owned utility," the utility noted.
“Public Power Week is about celebrating our customers and the communities we serve,” said IID Board Chairwoman Karin Eugenio. “As a community-owned public power utility, IID is here to provide reliable service, helpful programs, and direct support to our customers.”
Marblehead Municipal Light Department
On October 7, Massachusetts public power utility Marblehead Municipal Light Department is hosting an event that will include coffee and donuts, “a little MMLD history, and a behind-the-scenes look at the people and work that keep Marblehead powered every day.”
Tours of the utility’s offices will be available to the community. “Come meet the team, learn how MMLD has served Marblehead for more than 130 years, and hear about what we’re working on for the future.”
Reading Municipal Light Department
Massachusetts public power utility Reading Municipal Light Department is inviting customers to attend an open house on October 8.
“This fun and educational event will feature family-friendly activities including face painting, balloon art, caricaturist, pumpkin decorating, lineworker, metering, and electrical demonstrations, touch-a-truck and more. RMLD staff will be on hand to educate attendees about electricity, electrical safety, energy conservation, and to share information about RMLD programs,” it noted.
“We are thrilled once again to bring our community together this fall to celebrate public power. Our teams can't wait to connect with customers to share information about key RMLD programs, and provide fun, family-friendly entertainment. Events like the annual open house are what makes RMLD a truly special part of the communities we serve,” said RMLD General Manager Jason Small.
Wake Forest, North Carolina
The Town of Wake Forest, N.C., and Wake Forest Power are celebrating Public Power Week and as a part of the festivities, Wake Forest-area seniors are invited to enjoy a special morning of bingo on Oct. 6.
Highlighting a variety of energy-savings ideas, “Savings for Seniors Bingo” will offer participants the chance to have fun and win Public Power merchandise, along with prizes donated by local merchants.
In addition, Wake Forest Power residential customers can enter to win free electricity in October in one of two ways:
1. Participate in the Public Power Week Trivia Contest. All the answers to the trivia questions can be found on the Town of Wake Forest website. Every customer that answers all 10 questions correctly will be entered into a drawing for free electricity.
2. Donate a minimum of three non-perishable items for the Mini Pantry at H.O.P.E. House at the utility’s Customer Service counter.
Three winners (two from trivia contest submissions and one from those who donate non-perishable items) will be announced on the Wake Forest Power Facebook page.
Public Power Week is also Customer Appreciation Week, Wake Forest Power noted. “As our way of saying “thank you” to our valued customers, Town staff will serve popcorn each day in the lobby of Town Hall and give away a variety of Public Power Week promotional items. Staff will also be available to share information and answer questions about WFP’s array of customer programs and services.”
In addition, Wake Forest Power will celebrate Customer Appreciation Day on Thursday, Oct. 8, by giving away free hot dogs.
Riviera Utilities
Alabama public power utility Riviera Utilities is celebrating Public Power & Public Natural Gas Week and 110 years of growing alongside Baldwin County, Alabama,
The week "is all about celebrating our customers and the employees who keep our communities connected every day. As your locally owned, not-for-profit utility, we're proud to provide dependable, affordable services and reinvest right here in the communities we call home."
On Oct. 8, the utility is celebrating with "Coffee with the Crew!"
In social media posts, it said : "Stop by Press & Co. in Olde Towne Daphne, grab a cup on us, and spend the morning with the people behind Riviera. We'll have vintage photos from our archives on display, sharing some of the people, places, and moments that have shaped our 110-year history."
Stillwater Electric Utility (SEU)
Oklahoma's Stillwater Electric Utility is celebrating a milestone year, marking 125 years of providing electricity to the Stillwater community while earning statewide recognition for its commitment to reliability and workplace safety.
As the City celebrates Public Power Week, Oct. 4-10, Stillwater Electric Utility highlighted two awards received from the Municipal Electric Systems of Oklahoma, Inc. (MESO) in its annual Electric Operations and Reliability Competition.
SEU received Outstanding Achievement recognition for reliability and earned first place in the safety category.
“These awards are a reflection of the dedication and professionalism of our entire team,” Electric Utility Director Loren Smith said. “Our employees make safety their No. 1 priority and stand guard 24 hours a day to ensure our customers’ electricity needs are met. We are proud to celebrate 125 years of public power in Stillwater and the people who make that service possible.”
In 2025, SEU achieved an Average System Availability Index of 99.99%, earning Outstanding Achievement recognition in the category for cities with populations greater than 10,000. The utility also earned first place for safety after its 65 employees completed more than 125,000 work hours with no reportable incidents resulting in lost work time.
“Reliability encompasses several aspects, including responding to outages in real time and the continuous maintenance and improvement of our electric system behind the scenes,” Smith said. “We are fortunate to have the support of our Board of Trustees and the City Manager’s Office in all our endeavors. These awards are a win for our entire City team and the community we serve. We are your proud public power provider.”
MESO General Manager Cheryl Adams praised SEU’s accomplishments and its commitment to maintaining high standards in utility operations.
“Stillwater Electric Utility’s outstanding performance in both reliability and safety is a model for excellence in the electric utility sector,” Adams said. “We are honored to recognize SEU for setting a high standard in our industry.”
Adams noted that success in the electric utility industry depends on ongoing preparation, comprehensive training, accurate recordkeeping, emergency planning, and safe workplace practices. She also recognized SEU’s participation in MESO’s on-site safety training program and the dedication of its employees to providing reliable, safe service.
As Stillwater Electric Utility celebrates its 125th anniversary, Public Power Week offers an opportunity to recognize the employees who maintain the system, respond to outages, and provide an essential service to the community. Public power is locally owned and operated, allowing the utility to focus on the needs of the community it serves, SEU noted.
“Reaching 125 years of public power is a remarkable milestone for Stillwater and a testament to the lasting value of investing in our community,” City Manager Brady Moore said. “For generations, our electric utility has helped power Stillwater’s growth and success. As a locally funded utility, we have the opportunity to reinvest in our infrastructure and provide reliable service that supports our residents, businesses, and continued economic development. We’re proud of this legacy and grateful to the employees who keep it going every day.”
