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.”
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.
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 rivia Contest submissions and one from those that 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.
