Efforts in energy conservation, neighborhood revitalization and  small business assistance cited in the award

ORLANDO, Fla. – OUC—The Reliable One has been recognized by the Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) with a “Building Strong Communities” award for investing in projects and programs that enhance the quality of life in the community, beyond the efficient delivery of affordable and reliable energy.

OUC earned the accolade for its extensive community involvement, in everything from energy and water conservation to neighborhood revitalization and small business assistance, among other community outreach and engagement initiatives. 

“For the people who work for Florida’s public power utilities, it is more than just a job. It is a way for them to give back to their communities and an opportunity to strengthen the communities that they also live in,” said Amy Zubaly, FMEA Executive Director. “Congratulations to each of the utilities honored today, including OUC, and many thanks to the employees who have made this recognition possible.”

The award was announced on November 7 at FMEA’s Energy Connections Conference and Trade Show in Orlando. OUC joins 19 other community-owned Florida public power communities in receiving this award.

“OUC has provided reliable water and electric service in Orlando for 100 years. Supporting and giving back to the community where we live and serve is an integral part of who we are and what we do,” said Linda Ferrone, OUC’s Chief Customer & Marketing Officer.

OUC has received the “Building Strong Communities” award every year since its inception in 2015.

Florida’s 33 public power utilities, combined, are the third largest electric provider in the state, serving 14 percent of Florida’s customers. Florida’s public power utilities serve more than 3 million Floridians and are a statewide employment leader with more than 5,700 employees.

About OUC—The Reliable One

In June 2023, OUC—The Reliable One celebrated 100 years of providing exceptional value to its customers and community through the delivery of sustainable and reliable services and solutions. The utility provides electric, water, chilled water, lighting and solar services to more than 400,000 accounts in Orlando, St. Cloud and parts of unincorporated Orange and Osceola counties. As OUC prepares for the next century, it remains committed to its goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 while supporting its community with conservation, sustainability and energy efficiency resources. Visit www.ouc.com to learn more.