Energy for us, not for profit
the pathway to public power
our plan to win
There is a state-regulated process to building a public power utility that we have to follow, and it requires buy-in from local government and community members. that's where we come in.
1
build public support
Like any big change, it all starts with building public support. That means talking to your friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers about all your problems with NYSEG and the benefits of public power. The first step to winning is to organize.
2
demand a feasibility study
Tompkins County will need to commission a study to assess the feasibility of a public utility. This includes looking at the technical, social, economic, environmental, and governance aspects of what it means to bring the utility under local control. This study is an important and necessary step, and should be guided by local experts.
3
let the people vote
3A
If the feasibility study is favorable, the County Legislature must pass a law authorizing the creation of a public utility.
3B
This will prompt a mandatory referendum, or public ballot vote, that would ratify the law.
3C
Our job is help the public understand why and how public power benefits our community and is a vast improvement from NYSEG.
4
NYSEG IS REQUIRED TO SELL
A successful vote requires NYSEG to sell its infrastructure to the new community, allowing us to set up a utility that reflects our needs and values. A price is set by a judge in a court process.