FAQ

They city would fund a project like this the same way Duke Energy does now, by issuing bonds and then using our utility payments to pay off the bonds. This essentially, would not need to change.

There are a lot of ways for the city to raise funds that don’t include raising taxes. Even if taxes are raised in the short term, these raises will be outpaced by the savings you’ll see on your electric bill. Additionally, municipal electric utilities often contribute to the city’s general revenues as a payment in lieu of taxes. This contribution actually will help to offset property taxes.

Investor-owned utilities (IOUs) often resist municipalization (switching to public ownership) due to the potential loss of profits. IOUs exercise their monopoly power in a vicious circle of maximizing profits at the expense of their customers, using that money to gain political power, and then using that power to defend their monopoly and make even more money. 

Duke Energy is showing their intent by saying they will drag this process out in the courts instead of respecting the will of the community. We cannot continue to line the pockets of outside Wall Street investors just because Duke says they won’t make it easy to leave. 

The major difference is that, with a municipal utility, you can go and complain to the people who make the decisions. Residents cannot schedule meetings with Duke Energy’s CEO to criticize bad decisions or offer alternate visions for the future. But voicing concerns at municipal utility board meetings is a protected first amendment right.

That’s more than a symbolic difference. Public access to the utility’s decisionmakers means they are vulnerable to public pressure. That pressure can be used to make the utility function in the best interest of the community.

First, the city is currently in the process of transitioning their antiquated utility billing system, NaviLine, to a more efficient system that will be completed this year. Additionally because of public pressure, the city pledged to not shut off water or issue late fees and vowed to get to the bottom of the issue, something that likely would not have been possible under investor ownership.

When local causes receive funding, it originates from us. We are the ones paying for these initiatives, and there’s no reason why we can’t continue doing so while simultaneously saving money by eliminating the middleman.

Duke Energy participates in these charitable efforts for their public image, to maintain political influence, and to deflect criticism so they can maximize profits. We do not need Duke Energy to decide which projects from our community are worthy. 

Duke Energy wouldn't be the first investor-owned utility company trying to strong-arm their way into an unfair franchisee deal, and they won't be the last. In the case of Duke continuing to refuse to sell, the city would exercise its eminent domain rights to force a buy-out of the power facilities at a fair price according to the independently conducted valuations.

With phone calls, emails, petitions, canvassing to stir local conversation about Dump Duke, and convince supporters to attend city council meetings to speak their minds about Duke Energy. We want to make it clear to them that the public has an interest in a feasibility study to establish municipal power.

Regardless of if we successfully get support for a municipal utility, at the end of the day arguing against Duke will allow us to negotiate a strong contract for our city, instead of letting Duke charge and do whatever they want. Often the investor owned utility is willing to go from a stingy deal to giving concessions after the feasibility study is conducted – Even the threat of public power is enough to get the city a better deal.

Personal interest may play a role in this situation. For example, prior to his election to office in St. Petersburg, mayor Ken Welch was an accountant for Duke Energy (formerly named “Florida Power Corp”) and in 2024 proclaimed July 18th as “Duke Energy Day”.

Supporters should be prepared to be in it for the long-haul. The process from start to finish usually takes a minimum of two years, but could even take upwards of eight or more. We shouldn't forget that this is truly a once in a lifetime chance for change in St. Petersburg that can lead to a difference for generations to come.

Cooperative - A cooperative utility, also known as an electric co-op, is a private, not-for-profit provider of power owned by the people it serves. Members have equal decision-making power or can elect a board of directors to represent them.