For the 10th consecutive year, OUC—The Reliable One has been recognized for its unwavering commitment to community service, earning the “Building Strong Communities” award from the Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA). This milestone achievement highlights a decade of excellence in public utility leadership, community engagement, and innovative programs that uplift and empower Central Florida residents.
FMEA recognizes public power utilities for leading community-focused programs that go beyond efficient delivery of affordable, reliable and clean energy. OUC was honored for its robust community engagement efforts. Some examples include:
- Since inception, more than 40,000 Central Florida students participated in OUC’s Water Color and Watts Savings Projects. The programs are aimed to educate students about environmental stewardship through art. The Water Color Project engages 4th–12th graders in water conservation-themed artwork, while the Watts Savings Project teaches 4th and 5th graders about sustainable energy use. In 2025, both initiatives recognized student contributions with public calendars, and rain barrels featuring their designs.
- In July 2025, OUC hosted the 14th annual Youth Energy Academy (YEA), which brought 60 middle and high school students to the utility’s Gardenia Innovation and Operations Center. Sponsored by the Florida Chapter of the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE), YEA provides students from across Central Florida the opportunity to learn about varying careers in the utility industry. Since its inception, approximately 840 students have participated in YEA.
- In June 2025, OUC, in partnership with Lift Orlando, unveiled a new Little Free Library at the Heart of West Lakes Wellness Center. Readers can either take a book or leave one for a neighbor to enjoy. OUC donated books to fill the library’s shelves. Since 2021, OUC has opened 11 Little Free Libraries and provided 4,000 books.
The award was announced on October 28 at FMEA’s Energy Connections Conference and Trade Show in Jacksonville, FL. OUC joins 19 other community-owned Florida public power communities in receiving this award.
OUC has received the “Building Strong Communities” award every year since its inception in 2015.
Florida’s 33 public power utilities, combined, are the third largest electric provider in the state, serving 14% of Florida’s customers. Florida’s public power utilities serve more than 3 million Floridians and are a statewide employment leader with more than 5,700 employees.