PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • September 25, 2023
There are not a lot of similarities between Maine and the city of Winter Park, Florida. However, the pros and cons of community-owned power are likely the same. During a voter referendum in Winter Park the investor-owned utility spent $523,750 on a campaign against the purchase filled with strong predictions of failure and potential bankruptcy, but 69% voted in favor of the purchase. Since the purchase, our rates have consistently been lower. We have run over 70% of the system underground and expect to be 100% by 2030. Our reliability numbers are 75% better than when we took over, and the need for drastic tree trimming has been eliminated. Our hurricane response has been some of the best in the region. We recently received an upgrade to AA- from Fitch Ratings. Overall, a huge success. More recently, we have begun investing in renewable energy. Winter Park’s success does not guarantee it is right for Maine but don’t let the investor-owned utility scare tactics be a deciding factor. ~ Randy Knight, city manager, Winter Park, Florida