Public Power Week

During the first week of October, employees at Fort Pierce Utilities (FPUA) gear up for Public Power Week.  “We all take for granted the availability of electricity,” FPUA Utilities Director, Bill Thiess, said.  “It’s an absolute necessity day in and day out.  Having a community-owned electric system providing our power allows us to make decisions locally on how we want to use our resources for the betterment of the community.”

In recognition of the importance of electric power in our community, FPUA typically plans several activities for Public Power Week.In recognition of the importance of electric power in our community, FPUA typically plans several activities for Public Power Week.  During the week, members of the community may enjoy juice, cookies and free gifts in FPUA’s Customer Service Lobby. 

FPUA has held art contests at local schools with utility themes and much of the children’s artwork is displayed in the lobby all week.  FPUA has also provided Energy Conservation Bookmarks to all Fort Pierce libraries. 

Also, political and governmental leaders and FPUA’s key accountholders are invited to a continental breakfast to learn more about the FPUA In 2006, the breakfast topic was the new Treasure Coast Energy Center and the decommissioning of the H. D. King Power Plant. 

We have also participated in a monthly street festival called Friday Fest where we give utility demonstrations such as bucket truck rides and show people drain cameras.

Public Power Week is a national annual event sponsored in conjunction with the American Public Power Association (APPA) in Washington, D.C.  APPA is the service organization for community- and state-owned electric utilities. Over 2,000 publicly-owned utility companies in the United States provide power on a not-for-profit basis to 43 million Americans.  FPUA has been operating as a community-owned utility serving Fort Pierce and the surrounding community since 1972.