Energizing Local Economies
Energy powers more than homes, it powers opportunity.
Utilities play a central role in economic development, not just by keeping the lights on, but by investing in infrastructure, supporting workforce development, and collaborating with local partners to drive community growth. Reliable, resilient service attracts businesses, supports essential services, and improves quality of life.
From grid modernization to creative partnerships, utilities are uniquely positioned to be engines of prosperity. Their impact stretches beyond service delivery—into economic resilience, job creation, and the overall well-being of the communities they serve.
Do you have a Key Accounts program? If so, how easily can your existing and prospective business customers learn about the programs and services you offer? Whether you’re already working with Powerful or just getting to know us, we invite you to reach out for CKAE-certified support. We specialize in helping electric utilities create stronger connections with their most important accounts through smart strategy, streamlined communication, and tools built to serve. (Take a look at Clark REMC’s Key Accounts page that just went live!)
Leveling Up
Taking it to the next level, utilities can drive economic prosperity by partnering with local chambers of commerce to both retain existing businesses and attract new ones. Beyond traditional business partnerships, there are examples of creative collaboration. For example, I remember an electric co-op in Washington telling me how they provided in-kind support to its local chamber by allowing them to co-locate in an unused office space adjacent to the co-op. Oglethorpe Power, in Georgia, worked with their local chamber and the governor’s office to bring a Little League baseball stadium to the community, generating additional revenue from recurring visitors. Many utilities partner with state and local colleges to offer training programs for utility trades, ensuring a steady pipeline of talent for the local job market.
In recent years, many large corporations have prioritized the use of clean energy and reducing their carbon footprint. Utilities that help these companies achieve their goals have been successful in attracting and retaining new businesses. With the focus on broadband, AI, and data centers, utilities that provide reliable power and sustainable energy will meet the increasing demand in an economy that is ever more reliant on energy and electricity. Recognizing the importance of grid resiliency and modernization, electric co-ops have often served as force multipliers for their regions by accessing federal funds for grid resilience and modernization, as well as green energy programs. These projects bring economic benefits and an enhanced quality of life.
Creative Efforts
Utilities have also impacted economic prosperity and quality of life in creative and indirect ways. Electric co-ops, in particular, have served as conveners for good in their communities. For example, Flint Energies in Warner Robbins, Ga., created a “Rural Murals” program that funded grants for a public art program spanning nearly all of their service territory. These murals, featuring local history and culture, have enhanced the surrounding areas and improved the quality of life. Some electric cooperatives have repurposed unused property next to their facilities into public play spaces and walking trails with pollinator-friendly plants.
Whether by providing the basics of reliable service or going the extra mile in recognizing and anticipating the community’s future needs, utilities are the engine of economic prosperity for the communities they serve.
