How could any of us get through a single day without the constant use of electricity? It keeps us safe, healthy, and comfortable. It powers our homes and businesses, and connects us to our friends and family, and the world at large.

Electricity is ever-present in this country, and its supply is so reliable that we take it for granted. But it is so essential to our daily lives that it is important to understand some electricity basics in relation to our community.

Today, I want to tell you about Garland Power & Light (GP&L) and the reliable electricity that powers our community.

First of all, GP&L is what is called a "public power" electric utility. That means that our city operates the utility as a community enterprise. It was created in 1923 to provide very special advantages to Garland.

One of the biggest advantages is not-for-profit electric rates that hold down household and business costs.

Another advantage is local, hometown service. Our mission is to be of service, and when you call us, you are dealing with your friends and neighbors, and we respond right away.

GP&L is also committed to the community. In the last year, we sponsored events like the Garland Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament, the My Little Sweetheart’s Dance, and the Neighborhood Leadership Conference. GP&L also sponsors the GISD Teacher of the Month.

Here are some basic facts about GP&L:

• We have nearly 68,000 customers.
• Although GP&L is not deregulated, we have the lowest prices compared to competitive retail offers in the TXU Electric Delivery Service area.
• As you know, fuel costs have increased, but we are doing everything we can do hold the cost for GP&L. In fact, we’ve reduced the fuel cost factor component of our rates twice this year.
• Our power is generated by the GP&L-owned Olinger, Spencer and Newman Power Plants and the TMPA Gibbons Creek Power Plant. The primary sources of power are natural gas and coal. GP&L also owns the Lewisville Hydroelectric Plant which generates renewable electricity.
• For the convenience of our customers, we have several billing and payment options. Customers can opt for budget billing to smooth out the peaks and valleys of their utility bills and pay online or over the phone with a credit or debit card. Customers also have the ability to pay in person, either at local payment locations or at the Customer Service Payment Center at 800 Main Street. GP&L is one of the few utilities where you can still come into the office and talk with customer service representatives face-to-face!
• GP&L also provides free, in-person energy audits to identify energy and cost-saving measures for home and business owners.
• The flow of power into your homes and businesses is very reliable. GP&L’s System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI) is nearly half the national average, and our System Average Interruption Frequency Index (SAIFI) is over three times less than the national average.
• To ensure continued reliability, GP&L has built two new substations and upgraded another in the past year. Upgrades to another substation will be completed this Fall. New feeder lines will deliver this power to nearby homes and businesses. Additionally, GP&L’s ongoing maintenance program ensures the continued reliability of the existing electric system.
• We were awarded a First Place Safety Award for safe operating practices from the American Public Power Association (APPA).
• Along with 2,000 other public power systems in the United States, we work through the APPA on national policies that will help to hold down prices, increase energy independence and security, protect the environment, and find long-term solutions to make energy more efficient.

Every year, the APPA sponsors a special week-long celebration called Public Power Week, to honor community ownership of electric utilities. The Garland City Council is proud to proclaim October 1-7 as Public Power Week in recognition of GP&L’s many contributions to the City of Garland.

Jeff Janke is Assistant Director of Administration at Garland Power & Light.