Ann Arbor voters decide on public utility

This November, voters in Ann Arbor, Michigan, will decide whether to start forming a publicly owned electric utility.

Rising electricity costs drive change

The average residential electricity rate hit 18.3 cents per kilowatt-hour in July, up more than 30% over the past decade.

Public utilities save money

EIA data shows public utilities charge 2.5 cents less per kilowatt-hour than investor-owned providers, saving $188 annually.

Ann Arbor's grid reliability concerns

Ann Arbor residents cite frequent power outages lasting more than a week as a key reason for pursuing a municipal alternative.

“We have power outages all the time, sometimes they last more than a week”

DTE Energy's role in Ann Arbor

The poles and wires connecting Ann Arbor to the broader grid are owned by DTE Energy, a Detroit-based private company.

San Francisco's public utility push

San Francisco officials offered PG&E $3.4 billion to buy power lines and substations, but PG&E rejected the offer.

Texas governor's utility plan

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott wants to introduce competition in Austin and San Antonio to lower electricity prices.

Kitsap County's utility vote

Residents of Kitsap County, Washington, will vote on whether to form a publicly owned utility in 2028.

Public Power St. Pete initiative

Public Power St. Pete is gathering signatures for a 2028 ballot measure to establish a city-owned utility.

Public utility benefits

Public utilities operate as nonprofits, charging lower rates while investor-owned utilities return value to shareholders.