Consumer-Owned Utilities

Consumer-owned utilities are local utilities owned and operated by the people they serve, rather than outside corporations. They typically include municipal (city-owned) utilities, cooperative (member-owned) utilities, or other community-based organizations. These utilities prioritize affordable rates, reliable service, and community benefits because their stakeholders are also their customers. Unlike investor-owned utilities driven by maximizing profits, consumer-owned utilities focus on serving the community’s needs, often reinvesting profits into infrastructure or services. This structure promotes local control, transparency, and accountability, emphasizing service quality over shareholder profits.