Investor-owned utilities (or private utilities) help maintain the infrastructure for the public sector. Investor owned electrical utilities and investor owned water utilities are found in every state. Many private utilities give to the communities they serve by sponsoring local sports and offering scholarships.
Investor owned utility companies are represented in the energy market through electric, water and gas usage for residential and business customers. The private utilities' websites provide energy rates and consumer information for residential and business use. They list regulatory matters that affect them and include shareholder and investor information.
When investigating private utilities, know that:
1. Investor-owned utilities are vital to the infrastructure of the country.
2. Investor-owned electric utilities, investor owned water utilities and investor owned gas utilities can be bought and sold on the stock exchange.
3. Each utility is regulated by its state's Public Utility Commission. All investor owned energy utilities advise their customers on energy saving and money saving ways to reduce energy.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Take time to know your investor-owned utilities
Everyone is using an investor-owned utility of some kind. Take a look at the utility's website to find information for residential and business consumers, investors and energy-related issues that can affect you.
I recommend: Con Edison's website provides information on how to go green, storm alerts, as well as investor information.
Gulf Power provides energy and money-saving tips for its consumers.
Use the resources of your private utilities
Many shareholder-owned utilities give investment opportunities directly from their websites.
I recommend: A
list of investor owned utilities will help you identify the private utilities that serve your community.
Energy East allows residents of the areas they service to enroll in its Investor Services Plan.
Integrys has an Investor Service Plan that can be opened for as little as $100.
Research the benefits that you may get from your private utility
Privately owned utilities often provide community service programs for the areas in which they provide energy.
I recommend: Pacific Gas and Electric Company provides under-served communities with energy alternatives and its members volunteer in helping to build new homes. It also offers scholarships for college-bound students.
National Grid gives scholarships, educates students and supports local sports.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Use the information from your investor owned utility companies' websites to see if you can save money by following their tips, get rebates when you install energy-efficient products, or apply for a scholarship.
- Pay your bill online and monitor your electric, gas and water usage. If you find your bill running higher and you haven't changed your energy usage, contact the utility to find out if there is an error on its end.
The official source of Investor-Owned Utilities is
the Investor-Owned Utilities page at Business.com
Related Resources from Business.com
Comments
Is any content on this page inappropriate? To let us know, please 
