Public power is an American tradition of community choice and community control over a vital public service. A municipal utility is a valuable asset to the community, in part because the utility is more than a provider of utility services - it is also an involved citizen. The Laurens CPW and our customers have placed much emphasis on improving the local quality of life through

Public power today is an important, contemporary American institution. From small towns to big cities, wherever public power exists, it is an expression of the American ideal of local people working together to meet local needs. The primary mission of public power utilities is to provide low cost, reliable service; not maximizing profit. In addition to this, public power utilities have many other distinct characteristics that benefit its customers and the community it serves. These benefits include:

 Greater reliability - smaller service territories mean more effective maintenance programs such as tree trimming programs which, in turn means less power outages

 Responsiveness to customer concerns - Every citizen is an owner with input into the decision-making process. Meetings are open to everyone

 Quick response from crews located in the community

 Not-for-profit status - lower costs and no split allegiance between customers and stockholders

 Greater portion of revenues stay in our community

 The CPW purchases from local establishments, including use of local financial institutions

 Economic development - not-for-profit power attracts and keeps businesses