OUC has been named “Most Trusted Brand” among U.S. energy providers for the sixth consecutive year, according to a national customer survey conducted by the data analytics and advisory firm Escalent. With a score of 747, OUC placed first in the nation among electric utilities included in the 2023 Cogent Syndicated Utility Trusted Brand & Customer Engagement™ Residential study.
OUC debuted on the “Most Trusted Brand” index in 2018, and claimed the top score among U.S. electric utilities in the 2020, 2022 and 2023 surveys. The latest survey polled 72,581 customers of 141 electric, gas and combination utilities across the country.
According to Escalent, “Brand Trust among utilities that have continued to highlight savings opportunities, environmental programs, and community support efforts across a variety of channels is 5% higher than the industry average.”
OUC has a long history of providing assistance options for customers and recently proposed a second fuel pass-through rate decrease for customers.
“We know times are tough for many, and our customers are feeling the strain, which is why we continue to provide and promote important assistance and energy savings programs,” said Linda Ferrone, OUC Chief Customer and Marketing Officer. “At OUC, our customers have trusted us for 100 years to provide them with exceptional value and reliable service, which is why we proposed a second rate decrease in just four months.”
The price decrease will take effect October 1, 2023, pending OUC Board approval in August and review by the Florida Public Service Commission. Combined, the two fuel rates decreases would total a net average savings of $15 per month for residential customers using 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity.
Earlier this year, OUC was recognized as an Environmental Champion in Escalent’s Cogent Syndicated 2023 Utility Trusted Brand and Customer Engagement: Residential study. This marks the sixth consecutive year OUC has been named an Environmental Champion. Only 30 utilities nationwide were recognized in the 2023 study for exceptional dedication to environmental stewardship.
