Electrical Power Municipal and Public Utilities Key Terms

Get to know the terminology of electrical power municipal and public utilities

A public utility is owned and operated by non-profit governmental units, such as a municipality, cooperative or power marketing authority. Municipal utilities are run by local municipalities or counties. Cooperatives exist primarily in rural areas, where energy is purchased or generated and shared among members. Power marketing authorities buy and sell electricity to other entities. Get to know some of the key terms used in the industry when you need to deal with, or assist in the management of, municipal or public utilities.

 

Public Utility Commission

A Public Utility Commission (PUC) is a state agency that regulates utilities. It exercises control pricing, deals with service and price-related issues and responds to consumer complaints.
Try: See Construction WebLinks from Howrey for a list of Public Utility Commissions.

American Public Power Association

The American Public Power Association (APPA) serves community and municipal electric utilities in the United States. It's a non-profit organization that provides services and advocacy to its members, including news, information, training and events.
Try: See the American Public Power Association for more information about membership, services and news.

Municipalization

Municipalization occurs when a municipality or county takes ownership of an electric utility and becomes responsible for its operation.
Try: View more information about municipalization at the Alliant Energy website.

Electric utility power plant

An electric utility power plant is where electric energy is generated. It contains generators, movers and other equipment to turn chemical, nuclear or mechanical energy into electric power.
Try: Find more information about electric utility power plants on the United States Department of Energy website.

Wind power

Wind power is the process of turning wind energy into electrical energy. Wind turbines are housed at power plants throughout the nation.
Try: Visit The Department of Energy for more information about the science of wind power.

Green power

Green power marketing provides choices for consumers to purchase power from renewable energy sources like solar, hydropower, wind and others. Green power is sold to retail and wholesale customers in several states. Another service that encourages green power is green pricing. Customers who participate in green pricing pay additional charges as part of their electric bill to invest in renewable energy sources.
Try: Find more information on green power and green power marketing from the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

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