When Paul Jakubczak, Utility Director at Coldwater Board of Public Utilities, proposed a study to quantify the value a local utility brings to its community, MMEA Executive Director, Katie Abraham, called our Vice President Dawn Lund to join the project.
Below is a summary of how this groundbreaking community value analysis came together and the measurable benefits public power drives across Michigan.
Abstract
The MMEA’s May 2025 Currents article spotlights the tangible value that public power brings to Michigan communities. If reliability is on one side of the public power coin, lower rates is on the other. Michigan has 40 public power utilities spanning across the state, providing measurable service in key areas such as affordability, reliability, and local economic impact.
Based on findings from the study, the Interruption Cost Estimate (ICE) Calculator is a tool that quantifies the economic impact of power outages. By using this calculator, MMEA found that public power customers experience fewer and shorter outages, translating into cost savings for businesses and residents alike. The findings reinforce the importance of maintaining and supporting municipally owned utilities throughout the state.
“We have always known Public Power has an incredible story to tell, but now we have the necessary tools to track reliability, rates, and more. When you put all these pieces together, the value of public power far exceeds any other utility model in the country. Now we need to work together and shout it from the rooftops.” – Dawn Lund, UFS Vice President
