LAKELAND, Fla. (November 4, 2022) - The Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) recently recognized Lakeland Electric with a “Building Strong Communities” award for making valuable investments that enhance the quality of life in its community, beyond efficient delivery of affordable, dependable and sustainable energy.

FMEA recognized public power utilities for programs and projects that improve the environment, provide community education, collect charitable donations, focus on crime prevention and other special programs, such as lighting ball fields and playgrounds, taking part in community and holiday celebrations, hosting blood drives, recognizing veterans and members of the military, and that strengthen the communities in which they serve.

Lakeland Electric’s Community Giving Grants for local non-profit organizations, customer education programs, annual Arbor Day Foundation free tree giveaways, scholarships for high school seniors and support of community events are a few examples of why the utility was selected for this award.

“The people of public power go all in for their communities and are willing to go the extra mile because they live there, too, and they want their communities to be the best they can be. It is one of the reasons the public power model works so well,” said Amy Zubaly, FMEA Executive Director. “We applaud each of the award recipients, including Lakeland Electric, for all they do to make their communities stronger and the quality of life better for their family, friends and neighbors.” Lakeland Electric was announced as an award recipient on November 2 at the FMEA Energy Connections Conference and Trade Show in Orlando. Lakeland Electric joins 16 other community-owned Florida public power communities in receiving this award.

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 4 million Floridians and are a statewide employment leader with more than 5,700 employees.
Here in Lakeland, Lakeland Electric serves 137,000 customers and employs nearly 400 area residents. For 118 years, Lakeland Electric has made it possible for residents of Lakeland Electric to own and control its energy future while receiving affordable, dependable and sustainable power.