Advantages of Local Utility Ownership

Columbia Power and Water Systems is a public utility – owned by you, the citizens of Columbia and Maury County. We are proud to have served you for over 65 years and look forward to serving you many more. In addition to providing you with electricity and water services, we would like you to know what else you have gotten for your ownership investment. Compare these items with where your other utility dollars go and the return on investment when you pay your bill.

Local Accountability

CPWS board meetings are advertised in advance and open to the public. Board members are appointed by City Council and have term limits in order to give citizens a true input in their company.

CPWS’ electrical policies and rate structure is regulated by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).

CPWS’ water rates are approved by the Columbia City Council with opportunities for public comment.

Local ownership means local accountability, unlike giant private utilities. CPWS answers to this community, not rich owners/stockholders across the country.

Investing In Our Community

Did you know that CPWS pays over $1 million annually in-lieu-of-taxes to local governments that are reinvested in the community?

Through TVA’s Growth Credit Program, CPWS was able to pass thousands of dollars a month in savings to our county school system and local manufacturers.

Low Cost Services

TVA, our electric supplier, is one of the lowest cost providers of electricity in the country. CPWS furnishes electricity to its customers at a gross margin of approximately 15-17% above its cost. This margin pays all operating expenses and investments. CPWS’ water rates are also among the lowest in Tennessee.

Employment

CPWS, in cooperative efforts with TVA, invests over $29,000 annually in the Middle TN Industrial Development Association’s industrial development efforts.

CPWS actively supports local Maury Alliance efforts to promote industry growth.

CPWS makes significant infrastructure investment is area industrial parks to serve customer needs.

Community Involvement

CPWS is a Partner in Education with Highland Park Elementary School, supporting school attendance and academic excellence.

CPWS provides electrical safety demonstrations to all Maury County public & private schools to educate 3rd grade students on the basics of electrical safety and provides water related educational materials to all community schools.

CPWS sponsors the Roundup Program for schools as well. CPWS customers can round their power bills up to the next dollar and that money will be used for technology in the school of their choice. Participating schools include all Maury County public schools, as well as Columbia Academy and Zion Christian Academy. Funds are administered by the Maury Alliance.

Many CPWS employees and retirees are active in the community in area civic groups, charitable organizations, and other activities such as volunteering their time to coach children’s sports teams and serving as volunteers.

Building Equity

All the plant, equipment and retained earnings are truly owned by the customers/citizens. It is like home ownership vs. renting.

CPWS’ electrical system, valued at $31 Million, and water system, valued at $37 Million, are owned by its customers and the community. CPWS is a non-profit and local owned utility; thereby, it is truly owned by the citizens in this community.

Preserving the Environment

CPWS is working with TVA and the State of Tennessee to preserve lands along the Duck River to protect river quality. CPWS acts responsibly as a leader in environmental protection in the community. Our Replace a Tree Program replaces older hazardous trees with appropriate low growth trees. When available, CPWS and TVA will offer Green Power to customers.

Promoting Energy Efficiency

For a number of years, CPWS has offered a loan program to help families install energy-efficient central heating and air conditioning systems. Cash rebates are available to customers building new homes or replacing older heating and cooling systems if energy-efficient electric heat pumps are installed. Cash rebates are also available for electric water heater installations.

Assistance

CPWS participates in the Plus One Program that allows customers to add a dollar (or more) to their monthly electric bills, which is presented to Good Samaritans for distribution toward needy applicants’ utility bills. Last year, approximately $10,000 was given by electric customers to Good Samaritans for assistance to low income families to pay energy bills.

CPWS also works with Columbia Cares and other church-sponsored assistance programs and South Central Human Resources to provide assistance to needy customers who need help paying their utility bills.

Special Services

CPWS, with TVA, provides no-cost energy consultant services to local residential, commercial, and industrial customers.

Energy audits, infrared analysis, lighting analysis, and design reviews are some examples of the free advisory services we offer the community.

Hopefully, after reading the above list you will agree that CPWS does much more than just keep the lights on and the water flowing. Also, the many years of public ownership have benefited the Columbia and Maury County community.

We believe local ownership investment is good for any utility and community, and we believe local direction and controls puts this community’s interests first above all else.

Jim Clark, General Manager
Columbia Power & Water Systems