OCALA, Fla. (Nov. 13, 2024) – The Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) recently awarded Ocala Electric Utility (OEU) the prestigious “Building Strong Communities” award in recognition of its outstanding efforts to enrich the quality of life in Ocala. Beyond delivering affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy, OEU has committed to initiatives that benefit the community at large, demonstrating the value of public power.

This award highlights public power utilities that go above and beyond by implementing programs and projects focused on community education, environmental improvement, crime prevention, charitable efforts, and other initiatives that strengthen local communities.

“Florida’s public power utilities not only serve their communities but also foster a strong sense of community connection,” said Amy Zubaly, FMEA Executive Director. “From hosting family movie nights in the park to organizing holiday events and supporting local food drives, utilities like OEU and their dedicated employees are committed to making their communities the best they can be. We are proud to honor OEU for its exemplary contributions.”

The announcement was made on Nov. 12 at the FMEA Energy Connections Conference & Trade Show in Daytona Beach, where OEU joined 19 other community-owned utilities in receiving this award.

Ocala Electric Utility serves over 56,000 customers, and has been a community pillar for 126 years, providing affordable, reliable, and environmentally responsible power. With 119 employees, OEU supports a customer base that values local ownership and control over its energy future.

Florida’s 33 public power utilities together make up the third-largest electric provider in the state, supplying energy to over 3 million Floridians and employing more than 5,700 people.

For more information, contact Tammy Warren, OEU’s public relations specialist, at 352-299-5210 or twarren@ocalafl.gov.

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