_____________________________________________________________________________________________ Lakeland
Electric
We prioritize affordable rates , dependable service , and sustainability , from both an environmental and business standpoint
The business began in 1889 , but it wasn ’ t until 1904 that it was purchased by the City of Lakeland , becoming one of the first publicly owned electric companies in Florida . Today , it remains the state ’ s thirdlargest public utility and is part of the Florida Municipal Power Pool . It operates as part of the state ’ s larger grid , interconnected with other utilities to ensure voltage quality , and maintain power flow in Lakeland and the surrounding areas .
Michael ( Mike ) Beckham , General Manager at Lakeland , joins us alongside the company ’ s Utilities Marketing Manager , Cathryn Lacy , to discuss the history of the business , its latest developments , and the ongoing global transition to renewable energy . Lakeland is vertically integrated , undertaking its own generation , distribution , and transmission , as well as reading and billing for its customers . “ We don ’ t have any external shareholders , so our true focus is always on our customers here in the Lakeland area ,” Cathryn begins . “ We prioritize affordable rates , dependable service , and sustainability , from both an environmental and business standpoint .”
Mike agrees : “ It ’ s a constant balancing act between affordability and reliability . We aim to be in the lowest quartile of utility companies in the state in terms of price , while being in the highest quartile for reliability .” Aside from maintaining both reliability and affordability , one of the biggest challenges Lakeland must
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